Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know.
If your question is not here, send me a message. I am always happy to talk through any concerns before you book.
What are your pices?
Every underwater portrait session has a $300 session fee, which secures your date, covers planning, and includes my time photographing you. Your session fee will also include 1 digital image. After your shoot, we’ll meet for a relaxed reveal session where you can choose your favorite images and select prints or digital collections that feel right for you. You only buy what you love. Every piece is professionally edited, high-quality, and designed to be treasured for years to come.
* Please note: Images will only be released once full payment has been received.
Where are you located?
I am based in Cairns, Queensland, and my underwater sessions are held at Herb’s Training & Swim School in Parramatta Park. This private pool has both shallow and deep ends, plus access to showers and toilets.
I work with clients from Cairns, Port Douglas, and Townsville, as well as visitors traveling to Far North Queensland.
How long are the photoshoots?
Your underwater photoshoot will be fun and relaxed. Depending on which experience you choose, most underwater portrait photoshoots will be 2 to 3 hours long. We’ll take as much time as you need for posing tips, breathing techniques, and capturing beautiful photos at your own pace.
For maternity sessions, 2.5 hours is usually the perfect amount of time to ensure you feel comfortable without getting too tired.
Which days are underwater shoots available?
Currently, I offer sessions on Fridays and Saturday mornings in Cairns. We start the shoot at 7 am for the best natural light.
Do I need to be a strong swimmer?
Not at all. Many of my clients are not experienced swimmers. The pool has a 1.3m shallow end and a 3.5m dive pit, so we can work at a depth you feel safe in. I’ll guide you through breathing techniques and gentle underwater movement to ensure you feel comfortable.
How long do I need to hold my breath?
As long as you can. Only a few seconds at a time are needed to create stunning underwater portraits.
Together, we will practice breathing techniques at a pace that suits you. The aim is to make you feel calm and at ease. This will help produce natural-looking and effortless portraits.
What should I wear?
Bright colors and flowy fabrics look amazing underwater! For pregnancy shoots any outfit that highlights your baby bump will work. I have a selection of dresses, skirts, and fabrics available for you to wear, but you’re also welcome to bring your own outfits if you prefer.
I am partnered with Mama Rentals and can offer you a 10% discount for all women’s gown hire. View their collection of gowns here!
Once you have booked your shoot, I will send you your unique code to receive 10% off your gown from Mama Rentals.
I also shoot nudes, implied nudes, and boudoirs if that is what you desire.
Can I wear makeup?
Yes. Many clients choose waterproof makeup for their session. Natural, soft looks tend to photograph beautifully underwater. You may also upgrade to have a professional and trusted makeup artist create a water-friendly look for you. Check out my blog on makeup here.
Can my partner or children join my photoshoot?
Absolutely! Many clients include their partners or children in their underwater family portraits. Children must be comfortable in the water and supervised by a parent at all times.
Is the pool heated?
Yes the pool is heated!
How do I book?
Send me an email and I will set up a time for us to chat over the phone. This gives us a chance to get to know each other and for me to talk you through the process. If you are happy with everything, then we will choose a date and start planning your underwater photoshoot!
When and how do I pay for my photoshoot?
To book your session, a $300 session fee secures your date.
After your reveal session, you pay only for the images or artwork you choose. Payment can be made by card, cash, or bank transfer, and your products are delivered once payment is complete.
How do you keep underwater photoshoots safe?
Your safety is my highest priority. All underwater photoshoots are conducted in a private, heated pool unless otherwise arranged. I always have a trained safety swimmer in the water with us and oxygen on site, though we have never needed to use it. I work at your pace, with plenty of breaks, so you can feel completely comfortable and confident throughout your session.
Can you do underwater maternity photoshoots in the ocean?
Due to safety and seasonal conditions in Far North Queensland, I only offer ocean maternity shoots during winter (June to October). From November to May, we are in stinger season, and certain jellyfish species can be dangerous for pregnant women.
Even in winter, ocean sessions are limited — the water can be cold, and it’s a 45 minute - 1.5 hour trip to the reef. We cannot shoot from the beach because crocodiles inhabit FNQ waters.
For these reasons, I highly recommend underwater maternity photoshoots in pools. If you’d like a natural setting, we can explore the option of a freshwater creek shoot, though the water will be cooler.
Do I need to be a certified scuba diver?
No you do not. All my underwater sessions in Cairns are done on breath-hold. I’ll guide you through breathing techniques so you feel comfortable and safe, even if you’ve never been underwater before.
Are you insured?
Absolutely! I am fully insured for public liability and equipment insurance.
Do you edit the images?
Yes, as a professional photographer most of my work is in front of a computer. I edit every single image for basic brightening, color and minor tweaks before your reveal and ordering session. Once you select your artwork images, I further edit the selected images to prepare them for you. I spend hours transforming your images into works of art.
What products do you offer?
I love wall art and offer museum-grade canvas, metal, and acrylic prints. You also have a choice of an album, a folio box, and matted and framed prints. I offer a wide range of product sizes to suit every need. I can also custom order additional sizes and products at your request.
Visit my Investment Page to explore pricing and options.
How soon will I receive my underwater photos?
Your reveal session is usually scheduled just a few days after your shoot. At this appointment, you’ll view a gallery of lightly edited images and choose your favorites for digital delivery or printed artwork.
Digital images are typically delivered within 2–3 weeks of your reveal session. Printed artwork is ready within 4–6 weeks, depending on your order.
How long will my private gallery be online?
Your gallery will remain online for 12 months, giving you time to order additional images. After that, files are removed to make room for future sessions.