How to Pose for an Underwater Photoshoot: Tips for Relaxing & Looking Effortless
Posing is the key ingredient of any underwater photoshoot, just as in a regular one. The good news is that water works in your favor, helping you float, move gracefully, and let go of stiffness so your poses look effortless and fluid.
The most important thing is feeling calm and comfortable in the water. You don’t even need to know how to swim to enjoy an underwater photoshoot with me (I wrote a whole blog about that!). All you need is trust, confidence, and an open mind, and these simple tips will guide you through the basics of posing underwater with ease.
Tip #1: Exhale to Sink Gracefully
This may sound counterintuitive, but the easiest way to sink underwater is to exhale before you go down. Think of your lungs like balloons: when they’re full of air, you float but once you let the air out, you naturally sink.
The moment you release your breath, your body will sink with ease. You don’t need to stay under long; even just a few seconds is enough time to capture stunning portraits.
It’s really that simple: exhale, sink, pose. With a little practice, you’ll find your rhythm, and sinking will start to feel natural, calm, and even fun.
Tip #2: Master Your Underwater Poses
One of the biggest secrets to looking amazing underwater is body awareness. The more you know what your arms, legs, and torso are doing, the more natural and graceful your photos will look.
A simple starting point is your feet always point your toes! This small detail instantly makes any pose look longer, more feminine, and more elegant.
One of my favorite go-to poses is what I like to call “The Beyoncé”:
Keep the leg farthest from the camera straight.
Bend the leg that’s closer to the camera and point your toes.
Pop your hip and turn your torso slightly toward the camera.
This pose creates beautiful lines and movement. And here’s a bonus: you can also do a horizontal version of the “Beyoncé” for a more dynamic, floating effect.
Tip #3: Use Your Arms with Grace
One of the main reasons people feel shy in front of the camera is not knowing what to do with their arms. But instead of worrying, think of your arms as part of the creative process.
Here are some tips to make your arms look natural and elegant underwater:
Keep a gentle curve in your elbows and wrists — never stiff or too straight.
Move slowly, as if you’re feeling the water around you.
Flowing, continuous movements look more graceful than fast ones.
Tip #4: Let Fabrics and Dresses Do the Magic
Your outfit is just as important as your pose. Flowing dresses, skirts, and fabrics aren’t just accessories; they become powerful props that transform your photos.
Light, airy fabrics move beautifully underwater and add drama to every pose.
Play with your dress or fabric by moving it slowly and letting it create natural shapes around you.
Think of it as painting with fabric underwater every swirl and wave adds elegance and storytelling to your portraits
Outfits aren’t just decoration they’re a big part of what makes underwater photography so stunning and empowering. And if you don’t have anything to wear, don’t worry! I have a curated collection of outfits you can borrow, as well as my signature flying dresses and mermaid tails that you can rent to elevate your photoshoot.
Tip #5: Let Your Hair Flow
When it comes to underwater photoshoots, hair works best when it’s down. Forget the fancy updos the magic happens when the water plays with your hair, creating natural movement and beautiful shapes.
Of course, hair can sometimes get in the way by covering your face or eyes, but don’t worry there are a few easy tricks to handle it gracefully:
Move it back with one hand: You can do it with gentle movements so you can strike a pose while doing it. This adds elegance and fluidity to the shot.
Two-hand drama: Move your hair away with both hands for a bold, dramatic effect that looks incredible in photos.
Head movement: A simple move of your head back and forth lets your hair float naturally, framing your face without blocking it.
The key is to embrace slow gentle movement and play with it.
Tip #6: Facial Expressions & Eyes 👀
Your face is one of the most powerful elements in your underwater portraits and it’s often the trickiest part. When you’re not used to being underwater, it’s easy to tense up without realizing it, which can lead to funny faces or awkward expressions. The key is awareness: once you notice it, you can simply soften your features for a more natural and graceful look.
A relaxed face instantly creates elegance.
If you feel like smiling, go for it it adds warmth and sparkle to your portraits.
A soft, serene expression works beautifully for a dreamy vibe.
What if I can’t open my eyes underwater?
The great news is that cenote water is crystal clear and gentle, no chlorine, no salt, no sting. Many people find they can comfortably open their eyes during the shoot.
But if it still feels uncomfortable, don’t worry. Keeping your eyes closed is a perfect option and gives your photos a romantic, ethereal quality, like you’re lost in your own underwater dream.
Final Thoughts: Flow, Relax & Enjoy the Experience
I hope these underwater posing tips have given you a clearer idea of what to expect and how to prepare for your photoshoot. But don’t worry you won’t be left on your own. Before we begin, I’ll guide you step by step, give you time to practice, and make sure you feel confident and comfortable in the water and I will be guiding you at all times during your underwater photoshoot.
Here’s a quick recap:
Relax your body — inhale deeply and exhale completely before going down.
Stay aware of your posture — from pointed feet to graceful arms and soft facial expressions.
Move gently and slowly — think of it as floating meditation.
And that’s really the beauty of it; an underwater photoshoot isn’t just about the photos. Surrounded by the crystal-clear cenote waters and the calm of nature, it becomes an experience of mindfulness, empowerment, and pure enjoyment.
Now that you know the secrets of posing underwater, all that’s left is to dive in! Join me for your own underwater photoshoot and let’s turn these tips into stunning, unforgettable portraits.
