A Swimwear Photoshoot Like No Other

When Plunge Waterwear approached me about photographing their swimwear line, I knew we had to take it beyond the usual poolside or studio shoot. Their brand is all about functionality, style, and confidence in the water—so what better way to showcase that than with an underwater photoshoot on the Great Barrier Reef?

Each dive suit design is inspired by the ocean, made for comfort and style both in and out of the water. Shooting fashion underwater is a unique challenge, blending elements of portrait photography, product photography, and the unpredictability of the ocean. From selecting the perfect reef location to working with models in an ever-moving environment, every detail had to come together to create dynamic, authentic images that truly embodied the brand.

In this blog, I’m taking you behind the scenes of this incredible shoot—how we planned it, the challenges we faced, and why underwater commercial photography is a game-changer for brands in the water industry.

Planning the Shoot

Lisa, the founder of Plunge Waterwear, had a clear vision: a mix of scuba diving, freediving, and lifestyle shots showcasing the dive suits in action. She wanted images that felt natural, joyful, and effortless—like “Girls’ day at the beach!”

And I have to say, these dive suits are incredibly comfortable. I’m not just saying that because I was hired to photograph them; I genuinely loved how they felt in the water. Designed by a woman, for women, they offer both protection and beauty, allowing you to move freely while feeling amazing.

Choosing the Right Models

Finding the right models wasn’t too difficult. I work with a lot of marine biologists, freedivers, and scuba divers. My main priority was to find women who were comfortable in the ocean, had a great smile, and looked good in a mask. Brittany and Natalie are both certified and experienced scuba divers with excellent trim. Their deep connection to the ocean and effortless ease underwater made them ideal models for the Plunge Waterwear shoot.

Selecting the Location

We chose Moore Reef, just off Cairns, for its stunning underwater landscapes. The lagoon area is great for freediving photos near the coral, and it’s home to a resident Maori wrasse who loves posing for pictures! The reef also features a beautiful coral wall teeming with fish, allowing us to capture images of the models swimming through schools of fish, as well as minimalist blue-water shots where the focus was entirely on the dive suits.

Camera Gear

• Underwater setup: Nikon Z8 with a 24-50mm lens in a Nauticam housing with a Wide Angle Conversion Port (WACP-C) + 2 Ikelite DS-160 strobes.
• Beach setup: Nikon Z8 with a 24-70mm lens and a polarizing filter.

Shoot Day: On the Great Barrier Reef

Choosing the right day for an underwater shoot is always a gamble—the weather doesn’t care about your plans! I had to check the tides, wind, and forecast to find the best conditions.

We needed:
✅ Minimal tidal movement to avoid strong currents.
✅ An outgoing tide to access one of our key locations.
✅ Wind speeds below 20 knots for smooth conditions.
✅ Sunshine for optimal natural lighting.

March in Cairns is unpredictable. It is still the rainy season, and summer 2024 brought severe flooding and a cyclone in December, affecting water clarity. The reef was still recovering, but by carefully selecting the best possible day, we managed to capture stunning images that truly reflected the Plunge Waterwear brand.

Brittany and Natalie are both certified divers, so we incorporated one scuba dive into our shoot. Before getting in the water, I went over hand signals with them to ensure smooth communication. I’d gesture to direct them where to go and what to do during the dive. We also had a dive instructor with us for safety.

We started the dive over a coral bommie, where the shallows provided perfect lighting and were teeming with marine life—ideal for capturing vibrant, dynamic shots. As we continued along the coral wall, we posed with clownfish and swam through natural coral swim-throughs, creating striking, immersive imagery.

Later, we transitioned to freediving photography in the lagoon. We shot midday, which comes with challenges—the sun is at its strongest, which can cause harsh lighting. That’s why I used two strobes to balance the exposure while also taking advantage of the stunning light beams streaming through the water for a magical effect.

One of the highlights of the day? Wally, the resident Maori wrasse, was in a playful mood! He doesn’t always cooperate, but that day, he was the perfect model, allowing us to get some fantastic shots of Brittany and Natalie interacting with him.

Day Two: Beach Photos at Palm Cove

For the second part of the shoot, we wanted beachside lifestyle images that felt relaxed and natural—friends hanging out at the beach, feeling confident and carefree in their dive suits.

Palm Cove was the perfect setting. Recently crowned the Best Beach in the World by Condé Nast Traveller in 2024, it’s only a half-hour drive from where I live. However, afternoons at Palm Cove are notoriously windy, so we started early in the morning for the best light and calm conditions.

Rather than rigid posing, I directed Brittany and Natalie in a way that encouraged genuine laughter and movement—walking along the shore, playing in the water, and simply enjoying the moment. The joy in the photos was completely real, and it showed in the final images.

Bringing the Vision to Life

I couldn’t be prouder of our team for the work we created for Plunge Waterwear. This shoot was a true group effort, and I’m grateful to Brittany, Natalie, and, of course, Lisa’s vision.

Her reaction to the final images?

“Would give 10 stars if I could. Angelina’s ability to capture the essence of my swimwear line was truly impressive. We worked together on several shoots, each with a different setting, and the results exceeded my expectations. Her professionalism and easygoing personality made the entire process a breeze. Her work has been instrumental in elevating my brand and attracting new customers. I can’t wait to collaborate again!”

The final images are now featured across Plunge Waterwear’s website, social media, and ad campaigns.

Why Underwater Commercial Photography is a Game-Changer

For brands connected to the ocean, visuals aren’t just important—they’re everything. Underwater photography isn’t just beautiful; it tells a story in a way traditional photography can’t.

1. Authenticity Sells

Customers want to see how a product actually performs in real conditions. That’s why underwater photography is so effective. Whether it’s swimwear, freediving gear, or waterproof accessories, it builds trust and excitement. By authentically showcasing the product in action, it gives customers a true sense of how it works.

2. High-Impact Digital Content

In today’s digital world, brands need content that stops people mid-scroll. Underwater images are inherently captivating, making them perfect for social media, websites, and advertising campaigns.

3. Versatility Across Industries

While swimwear brands benefit from underwater photography, so do resorts, tourism companies, dive gear manufacturers, and eco-conscious brands. The ocean is an unparalleled backdrop that speaks to travel, adventure, and sustainability.

Conclusion: A New Creative Passion

This shoot wasn’t just about capturing stunning images—it pushed me creatively in ways I hadn’t explored before. It was my first commercial shoot, and it sparked a new passion. I loved bringing brands, products, and people to life underwater.

Ready to Take Your Brand Beneath the Surface?

If your business revolves around water—fashion, tourism, adventure—underwater photography can transform how you connect with your audience. My goal is to help brands tell immersive, engaging, and unforgettable stories.

➡ Check out my commercial photography services or get in touch to discuss your vision!