FAQ
Everything you need to know about underwater photo shoots
Thinking about an underwater photo shoot and have a few questions? Here are answers to the most common ones. If yours isn’t here, send me a message.
The location
Where do sessions take place?
From June 15 to September 15, sessions take place at my home, 30 rue du Général Gouraud in Pessac, just outside Bordeaux. You can park right in front of the house, and the Saige tram stop (line B) is only 50 yards away, so it’s very easy to get to.
Outside that window, I use private indoor pools. Renting the pool time raises the price, and I’ll share the details for each venue with you before the session.
What’s the pool like?
It’s an outdoor pool heated to 85°F (29.5°C), between 3’9″ and 5’5″ (1.15–1.65 m) deep. The water is treated with UV and a little bromine, with no chlorine or salt. It’s so gentle that our cat and plenty of birds come to drink from it. That means your clothes, lingerie and accessories won’t get damaged or faded. In ten years, not a single fashion designer who has lent us pieces has reported a problem. If we use a different pool, I’ll give you its details when you book.
What if the weather is bad?
Since the pool is outdoors, the weather needs to be really nice. Storms, rain, wind or an outside temperature below 70°F (21°C) mean we reschedule, and that has happened a few times. Indoor pool sessions aren’t affected.
Where can I change?
When the session takes place at my home, you’ll have a bedroom with a private bathroom to change in, then shower and warm up afterward. If we use another pool, I’ll walk you through how it works when you book.
The session
How does a session work?
We meet an hour before getting in the water to go over outfits and poses, safety rules in and around the pool, breathing, and how to position yourself underwater.
How long does it last?
Time in the water usually runs from 45 minutes to an hour and a half, depending on how well you handle the cold. Even in 85°F water, you always end up getting chilly: you don’t move much, and water draws a lot of heat from your body.
What time of day?
Daytime sessions start at 2 pm and wrap up by 8 pm at the latest. As the sun moves, the light changes: I shoot from 2 to 4:30 pm, then from 6:30 to 8 pm. Night sessions start 30 minutes after sunset, around 10:30 pm in late June and around 9 pm in September. We’ll pick the best time together based on the images you have in mind.
What should I wear?
Usually your own outfits: they should fit well and you should feel comfortable in them. Sometimes a designer lends us clothes to add variety, and I also keep a collection of gowns, bodysuits, draped fabrics and lingerie.
Do I need to know how to freedive?
No. You don’t need any diving or freediving experience: all you need is to be able to swim and be comfortable putting your head underwater. Holding your breath for 10 seconds is enough to make beautiful images. The most important thing is to be relaxed. Unless stated otherwise, every project is beginner-friendly.
Can I bring someone with me?
Yes, you’re welcome to bring anyone you like.
Special conditions
Maternity sessions
These take place between the 6th and 8th month of pregnancy, with a doctor’s note confirming there’s no medical reason not to.
Children
Children are welcome at any age. To be photographed on their own in the water, they need to be able to swim.
Boudoir and fine art nude
These sessions are for adults only (18+). You’re welcome to bring someone you trust, and no image is ever shared without your written consent.
The gear
The underwater studio
It usually covers about 320 square feet (30 m²), with a black or white backdrop. The 730 W topside lighting sits above the water and is protected by its own dedicated 30 mA ground-fault breaker. Underwater, I use two 15,000-lumen lights on stands and two 150 Ws underwater strobes. For sets: walls of bubbles in different sizes, artificial plants and plenty of other props.
Camera gear
I shoot with a Nikon D850 (46 megapixels) in a Seacam housing. Underwater, I only use two Nikonos RS lenses designed exclusively for diving: a 13mm fisheye and a 20-35mm zoom. For split shots, half above and half below the surface, I use a 14-24mm.
Ready to dive in? Take a look at my services or get in touch.