Waterbabies: Taking Photos of Your Baby Underwater
A form of photography that is becoming quite popular since more and more baby swimming classes are available, underwater shots of your baby could be just what your photo album needs. It’s something quite unique and, if your little one loves water, it could be a fun way to showcase his or her enjoyment.
There are basically two ways to go with underwater photography of your baby, pro or DIY. We’ll look at both in this article.
Taking Your Own Underwater Baby Photos
By doing these shoots yourself, you’ll save quite a bit of money, though you do need a camera that can either be submerged as is, or that can fit into a waterproof camera box that allows you to take it underwater.
You will also need to have another person who can make sure your baby is safe. And, of course, water is a must . . . pools work best because they have clearer water and more reflective surfaces than a lake or river.
Now, it’s best to do photos with a baby who has already had some experience in the water or you’ll end up with a very frightened child. Small infants automatically hold their breath underwater, so you can gently swoop them under the surface and they will stop breathing and (usually) look around, making for the best photos. Older babies who have had lessons will be used to holding their breath, however, so you don’t have to rule out underwater photos just because you have an older baby.
Photo by lownote.
Stick to sunny days when your little one is happy and well rested. The sessions should be fairly short, since underwater photography can be exhausting, both for baby and photographer.
The best way to go is to use a snorkel so you can stay underwater while your partner swoops the little one underwater and toward the camera. This lets you snap at just the right moment, though I would recommend taking multiple shots since air bubbles and closed eyes can ruin a shot and you will have a limited amount.
Getting a Pro to Shoot Underwater Photos
Most classes that teach infants will also offer underwater photos at the end of the classes, but even if you don’t have this option, you can find professional underwater photography studios that will be able to take some quality shots of your little one. They almost always require a familiarity with water.
A professional shoot will usually last 15-30 minutes and the baby will be submerged anywhere from 4-8 times during the session. Often parents can be in on the shoot, as shown by these sweet underwater family portraits.
Professionals will tend to get better results simply because they have more experience and the right set for it. They can be costly, however, because special equipment is needed and this is certainly more work than your average baby photo shoot!
Whether you decide to take your own underwater baby photos or take your little one to a professional studio, the photos produced will be some of the most memorable in your photo album.













March 2nd, 2009 at 8:51 pm
Oh my goodness! This are awesome photos. What a unique way of photographing your children. My son just got an underwater case. I will definitely have him take pictures of my younger girls. Thanks for sharing. They are amazing.
March 3rd, 2009 at 7:04 am
These are really cool shots, the only time I’ve ever really seen shots like this is on the cover of that Nirvana album!
March 3rd, 2009 at 8:31 am
Thanks for stopping by, ladies. This is really starting to become a popular method of photography for babies. I love the unique look of it, but my kids hate water, so we won`t be getting any underwater shots of them anytime soon. :(
March 10th, 2009 at 1:21 pm
Oh wow, how cool to see one of my photos being used in such a great article!!
March 31st, 2009 at 7:16 pm
Anybody afraid that these babies will drown………?
June 12th, 2009 at 10:38 am
These pictures are great! But I agree with Jon, I’m afraid babies might drown or run out of breath.
June 16th, 2009 at 11:40 pm
The babies won’t drown as they are superised at all times! And certainly in the case of mine she had 1yr of swimming lessons most of which were aimed at safety in the water! So no need to worry :)
September 26th, 2010 at 5:29 pm
Jon..
People like you make me cringe with stupid comments like that! Babies are in liquid for 10 months in their mother’s wombs! It is a natural instinct to hold your breath when submerged underwater, even more so for babies that aren’t scared to death by the water from their parents
October 5th, 2010 at 1:00 pm
I always loved this Idea from having fun with the Kids in/under the Water. Yes, it is Beautiful and a Very Natural Way the only Person which might be scared is the Mom, but no worries Mom’s the Baby is used to be in Liquid many Month.
I like all the Photos, well done!
March 7th, 2011 at 8:04 pm
the photos are the work of Urchin Rock
July 16th, 2011 at 1:29 pm
We are going to do this! We have a 1 month old that we want to do this in our pool to get some great pictures. We also heard that if you blow in their face before you dunk them it makes them take a gasp of air.