TOP TIPS / photos in the pool

1 Outdoor pools

An outdoor pool is the ideal place to get started. On a sunny day the light bounces around the walls and floor for portrait lighting. It helps if the pool isn’t too deep, as this allows light to bounce off the floor and means we don’t have to tread water while shooting.

3 Test the water

It’s a good idea to check the housing is sound every time you use it. Before putting the camera in, try a little tissue paper, then seal up and submerge the bag. Give it a squeeze under the water and check for bubbles. If the tissue comes out dry we’re good to go.

5 Start shooting

When you’re ready to dunk the camera, give yourself and your subject a 3-2-1 countdown, take a dip and start shooting. Due to the magnifying effect of the water, you might need to move slightly further away from your subject than you think.

2 Underwater DSLR bag

We used an Ewa-marine soft waterproof DSLR bag

– the lens sits in a cylindrical section at the front and buttons and dials can be used through the material of the bag, although it can be clumsy. So it’s really best to get settings sorted before sealing in the camera.

4 Use a silica gel

Underwater casings can fog up, so try dropping in a silica gel pouch. This’ll hopefully suck up the moisture in the air and help prevent the lens front element from misting up while the bag is in the water. A foggy front element will ruin the fine detail in your shots.

6 Watch for expressions

Closed eyes and uncomfortable expressions can ruin any portrait. So, ask the subject to try and look happy or pull a funny face under the water. A few simple items like sunglasses or hats can add character to the portrait, as well as a splash of colour.