Surrey Underwater Photographer

Creative Underwater Portraits

Hi, I’m Paul! I’ve been an underwater photographer for the last 20 yrs but more recently started to specialise in something very special, Underwater Portraiture. I am one of the very few underwater photographers in the UK that specialise in these special portraits.

These are shot in a swimming pool (not in a tank, like some others) with specialist lighting and equipment to ensure the finest quality and versatility on every photoshoot. I love to see movement in my work and no two shoots are ever the same.

Dive into a Different Kind of Photoshoot

Looking for a photoshoot that’s truly unique? Our underwater portrait photography in Surrey offers a magical blend of elegance, creativity, and weightless beauty. Whether you want to update your modelling portfolio, create eye-catching editorial shots, or simply have a once-in-a-lifetime experience, an underwater shoot delivers results you can’t achieve on land.

Why Choose an Underwater Portrait Shoot?

Ethereal, Dreamlike Images – The water naturally softens light and creates flowing, graceful movement for portraits that feel like fine art.

Weightless Posing – Hair, fabrics, and clothing float effortlessly, adding motion and drama to every frame.

Creative Lighting & Textures – Sunlight or controlled studio lighting shimmers through the water for an otherworldly glow.

Stand Out from the Crowd – Perfect for actors, dancers, models, or anyone who wants bold, distinctive images.

Local Convenience in Surrey – No need to travel far for a high-end underwater experience.

Perfect for :

Actors & Dancers – Bring your craft to life in an artistic setting.

Models – Add striking, unique images to your portfolio.

Brands & Editorials – Capture campaign imagery with a “wow” factor.

Individuals – Celebrate milestones in your life or simply treat yourself to something unforgettable.

Synronised Swimmers – So often images are only seen from above, but Syncro Swimmers have the breatholds of freedivers with the grace of dancers. The perfect combination!

Once in a lifetime experience! Paul has been extremely friendly and professional from A to Z. I was a bit anxious prior the session as I tried to hold my breath in the bath and it didn’t last more than a few seconds. Turns out, that’s all Paul needs! Every time I had a worry, Paul replied to my emails within minutes and reassured me.
When I looked at the packages prices at first it was a “ouch” but I didn’t realise that first of all it’s not just Paul but also a safety driver (Colin) there to help out but also the session is in a private pool with warm water and the quality of the equipment. Let alone the quality of the pictures and edits!
This is my last pregnancy and I regret not having it done for the first one.
I had to travel a bit but it was worth it. Paul is really talented and I’m so glad I chose him for the maternity underwater photoshoot.
Highly recommended 👌🏻

Jess

Your Underwater Portrait Experience in Surrey

We guide you through the whole process — from styling and wardrobe choices to breathing techniques and underwater posing. Sessions are held in a comfortable, temperature-controlled pool in Surrey, ensuring you feel confident and safe throughout.

Our relationship starts long before we get in the water, we will have discussed what you want to achieve from the shoot and the sort of style that you like.

The photoshoot takes place in a private pool in Surrey although if you have your own swimming pool we can discuss having the underwater photoshoot at yours!

On the day before we get in the water we go through some basics of posing and breathing so that you will look nice and relaxed and confident during the session.

I have a growing number of outfits for people to choose from which I call my ‘Dress Up’ box which has some lovely dresses, satin material, plus flower crowns. So plenty of choice! I still encourage clients to bring their own choices too.

The sessions themselves are either 1-1’s or small group sessions. Either way you’ll be given plenty of time to have a breather and change outfits. Normally you are only underwater for about an hour in total, but your whole session will be much longer due to your recovery time between sets.

Each set is around 15 minutes, we talk about the pose that I am looking for (communication underwater is a bit tricky!) and then I submerge. You don’t need to be underwater long 5 – 10 seconds is more than enough.

I will, wherever possible, show you the back of the camera so you can see your progress.

Afterwards you will receive your online gallery to peruse the pictures. This is very much just the starting point towards the finished article!

The edits take around 7 days to complete and we can discuss what options you would like for delivery of your work of art.

Maternity Photography

So this is very different to almost all maternity photographers, what better way to celebrate such a special event in your life than to have a beautiful piece of art adorning your walls of something that you will cherish forever.

*Please note that for safety reasons all Underwater Maternity Photoshoots are conducted on a one to one basis only*

These photoshoots are a much more relaxed pace, so you have time to enjoy the experience and ease yourself in gently. I always recommend that you take time between each set just to chill before coming back in.

Also if your partner wishes to join you for the ultimate maternity couples shoot then I am more than happy for this to happen (but please let me know in advance). If this isnt your first child then maybe you have a water baby in the family already! These arent like the shots you get at many of the babies & mum’s swim lessons, these are something extra special.

Underwater Wedding Photography

Have you just got married or have just got engaged and are looking for something extra special to commemorate this?

I have several wedding dresses that you are welcome to use, YES you dont have to ruin your own dress to achieve these magical shots.

*Please note that for safety reasons all couples photoshoots are conducted on a one to one basis only*

If you would also like some artificial flowers to be made up to enhance the shots further then this can be arranged with an additional charge.

*Swim Schools or Baby/Toddler Swimming Classes*

If you are looking for a photographer to take underwater photos for your swim school or have baby swim classes and want to provide this service for your parents to buy, then please get in contact to discuss what opportunities I can provide for you and your business.

*Syncronised/Artistic Swimming Schools*

If you are looking for a photographer to take underwater photos for your swim school, I recently completed multiple sessions for Rushmoor Artistic Swimming, to capture their young swimmers looking beatufully posed both in their Figure work and also some much more artistic sets.

Get in touch is this is something that you would like for your school too!

Honestly lost for words with how incredible Paul Dale Photography is. Beyond grateful for how patient Paul was with us from beginning til end and made the underwater maternity shoot such a memorable experience. The pictures came out absolutely stunning and we are just beyond happy. Couldn’t have a maternity shoot with my first as it was during lockdown and this beautiful experience totally made up for it.

Everything is very straightforward and Paul is great with directing you as to how you should pose and move around in the water. You’ll have more than plenty of time for your session as it definitely took me a little getting used to it, but nonetheless the pics came out stunning. For those that are a bit worried or anxious trust me you don’t have to be a swimmer as you can stand in the water and there is also an incredible rescue diver always right next to you.

Thank you thank you thank you so so much for this memorable experience Paul. Something we will always remember and cherish as a family.

Afua

More Interested in just being a Mermaid?

I also run sessions where you can get the chance to try your first tail and swim with a former Miss Mermaid UK, as well as get some great shots of you swimming underwater.

Click Here

Made it this far? your next step is really simple, you just need to contact me to arrange a date 🙂

One to One

£695/to include the following

This is a two hour session with just you and I (and my safety diver) in the pool
No limit to the number or timing to the sessions
Online gallery with 1-1 consultation to choose your favourite images
This includes 5 edited images of your choice from an electronic gallery and delivered to you digitally

Extras

Just in case having the images isnt enough!

Additional edited images £45
Prints or framed mounts (please note that these come from professional print labs which arent available to the public)
BTS Video
If you would like to share your shoot with a loved one or friend then this can be arranged

What else do I need to know about an Underwater Photoshoot?

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Q : Do I need to be able to swim?

A: No, although it really helps to be comfortable in the water. I always start off the session in the shallow end which is 4ft deep so you can easily stand up. In fact a lot of my work is done in the shallows or just below the surface.

If I’m satisfied that you are able to shoot in the deep end then we will do so, but for your safety there is a safety diver purely to look after you.

Q : I’ve never done anything like this before, so how do I know I’ll get some decent pictures?

A: Many of my clients are first timers, so I am used to talking you through how to get the best from your underwater photoshoot. We will always make sure you are comfortable throughout, and by the end of the session you’ll be wanting to do another as they really are addictive, it s one of the many reasons I love being an underwater photographer.

Q: Where do you do the underwater photoshoot?

A: I use a private pool in Camberley (Surrey) as a preferred venue, as it well looked and normally around 29 degrees. If you have your own pool then I can bring my equipment to you in the London, Surrey, Berkshire and Hampshire areas.

Q: Do I have to open my eyes underwater?

A: This does help create the illusion although many of my pictures where clients are looking up its difficult to tell.. so I wouldn’t worry!

Q: I don’t have anything to wear?

A: I have a growing wardrobe of dresses (in Maternity sizes too) which are perfect for the flowing look I like to see in my pictures (These also include a couple of wedding dresses). I also have a box full of different coloured fabrics you can use.

If you have something particular that you would like to wear please bring it, but please note that chlorine can ruin clothes so be prepared that it my not be pristine afterwards.

Q: Is it possible to bring my wedding dress?

A: Absolutely! this is my go to genre, it may not be suitable to take to the deep end depending on how long it is and you should also be prepared that the dress may not remain pristine afterwards due to the chemicals in the pool.

Q: What sort of hair and makeup should I do for an underwater photoshoot?

A: This is probably one of the easiest photoshoot you will ever have to prepare for. I actually advise clients not to do anything with their hair and maybe a little makeup around the eyes, thats it. In fact the more product you have on your face/hair the quicker the visibility will deteriorate.

Q: For an Underwater Maternity shoot, how many weeks should I be?

A: The last trimester is the one to aim for, anything over 30 weeks is perfect as your bump is more pronounced. I would encourage you to book your maternity shoot as soon as you can, as I get booked up quickly for these shoots and of course this shoot has a date that it has to be completed by.

Q: Do you shoot groups?

A: Not large groups as this becomes very complex, I find that a maximum of two people in the water at a time is perfect. So you and a spouse, mother & baby etc. I do however love doing couples shoots, so whether this is a special gift for a loved one or your other half wants to join in on their maternity shoot these are all something I can do. However, I have done family groups with a maximum of 4 which I can work around.

Q: How do you communicate if we shoot underwater?

A: Before we sink I will discuss with you what I’m looking for you to do, I will go under first and you come down when you are ready. In the time we are under there is no communication, but don’t worry myself and my safety crew are watching you 🙂

Once we get back to the surface we review what went well and discuss how to change things for the next time we go under.

Do you edit the images?

Absolutely! in order that you receive the best from the shoot I carefully undertake subtle adjustments to produce something wonderful. This involves tidying up the image of any distractions such as eliminating the weights I use on the backdrop and extending the backdrop so the pool isnt visable and then adjusting the colours.

What I wont touch is your face or body, which includes face swaps. Not everything in life is perfect and I want my images to be authentic.

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Have some more questions about an Underwater photoshoot?

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