Angelina Pilarinos underwater selfie with a Maori wrasse
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WHO IS YOUR UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHER?

Angelina is an award-winning underwater photographer working and living in Cairns, QLD Australia.

Hey there!

I’m Angelina. Here’s my story.

Years ago, I wasn’t an underwater portrait photographer.

I was just a girl from New York who fell in love with the ocean after moving to Australia. Every spare moment I had was spent scuba diving, exploring the reef, and taking photos of the world beneath the surface. Being underwater made me feel free, weightless, calm, and completely alive.

At the time, I thought I was drawn to the coral, the fish, and the colors of the sea. But after years of photographing people underwater, I realized it wasn’t just the ocean I was in love with. It was what happens to people when they’re in it.

Angelina Pilarinos Photography

I started to notice the shift. The moment someone forgets the camera and simply floats. When they open their eyes, the light hits just right, and they see themselves as something more — graceful, powerful, beautiful. That transformation is why I do what I do.

And I get it, most people don’t feel like that naturally in front of a camera, especially underwater. I don’t either. I know what it’s like to feel awkward, unsure, and a little out of your depth. I’ve had water up my nose, struggled to open my eyes, and felt that same vulnerability you might be feeling now.

That’s exactly why I can guide you through it.

Every session is a collaboration, built on trust and patience. I’ll walk you through everything, from breathing and movement to posing and expression, so that by the time you see your images, you’re not just looking at a photograph, you’re seeing yourself in a new way.

I’ve been an underwater photographer for seven years and have been running my portrait business for three. My work has been featured in magazines like BLUR and Artells, and I’ve received awards for my underwater wildlife photography.

underwater portrait of a woman wearing a flying dress

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Contact Angelina

I’m so excited to hear from you! I want every photoshoot I do to feel relaxed, fun, and unforgettable, and that starts with getting to know you!

I love hearing about my clients and their stories. Fill out the form and tell me about your ideas, your inspiration, or what excites you most about your shoot. I’ll respond as soon as I can so we can start planning an experience you’ll never forget.

Sunny Cairns is my home now. I’m recently engaged to my fiancé Tony, who also happens to be my favorite test model. He keeps me laughing, grounded, and is always up for a swim. I’m a pink gin girl, he’s a Jack Daniel’s guy, and together we make a great team.

When I’m not photographing clients or testing new creative ideas, you’ll probably find me in the pool, exploring the reef, or planning my next adventure!

Want to learn more about me? Check out this blog post!

From New York To The Great Barrier Reef, Hi My Name Is Angelina

I’m sure you’ve heard the story before, a foreigner comes to Australia for a year looking for a change, ends up loving it, and 4 years later is trying to become a resident. Welcome to my life! My story starts in Westchester, NY, a county in the Hudson Valley just...

Be Bold. Be Beautiful. Be Underwater.

There’s nothing ordinary about you—your photos shouldn’t be either!

From My Blog