Beautiful underwater photos with models can be made both in the pool and in open water. Each environment has its advantages and disadvantages.
SHOOTING IN THE POOL
Any pool can be turned into an underwater photo studio. It is important to consider a few points:
- the water must be warm so that the model can pose comfortably from one to several hours;
- the water must be clean, so the filtration and cleaning system must be at a good level (it is advisable to check personally);
- all pools must perform chemical water samples, and if some of the indicators (color, turbidity, content of various forms of chlorine, pH, etc.) do not meet the standards, they should be promptly adjusted. Learning about it will not be superfluous;
- the level of chlorine should be minimal so that the models can comfortably open their eyes, therefore, it is better to check first on yourself personally;
- the pool is more controllable environment, there is an opportunity to build light schemes ourselves, to change the background with the help of fabrics etc.;
- for the pool the easiest breath scheme is to take a breath hold and it is easier to communicate;
- as the pool is more controlled environment, so a clear planning of the shooting (concept, light schemes, visage, hair, suit / dress) gives many advantages.
SHOOTING IN OPEN WATER
- background in open water can be more beautiful and natural, but shooting is much more difficult and more dangerous for both the model and the photographer;
- control over the light is limited, because we do not control the sun and cannot install enough light above the water surface, but we can get out of the situation through a well-designed light scheme - the correct location of the flashes on the arms, the use of backlight (need additional flash with light + synchronization) ;
- you can't stand it without assistants - at least you need a professional lifeguard who will instruct the participants, a photographer’s assistant, to adjust the composition, the light schemes and the backstage;
- requires a more detailed briefing and discussion of the underwater language for communication;
- if you are not “Bruce Almighty”, it is advisable to check the weather forecast, since wind, rain, cloudiness, etc. can break your plans and the whole creative concept.