We're Not In Kansas Anymore

Behind the Scenes: A Wickedly Stunning Underwater Photoshoot in Roatán

Drawing inspiration from the iconic musical Wicked and its highly anticipated upcoming movie adaptation, we embarked on a creative journey to reimagine the world of Oz beneath the waves. This unique photoshoot featured a gender-bent take on Elphaba, portrayed by the talented Andy Vargas, and a luminous underwater rendition of Glinda, played by Abbey Blake. As co-owner of Submerge and lead photographer, Justin Lutsky had the privilege of capturing this enchanting collaboration.

Reimagining Oz Underwater

Wicked unravels the untold story of the witches of Oz, and we aimed to reimagine this iconic tale in a completely new light—beneath the surface of the sea. Shooting underwater offered a unique opportunity to bring the witches of Wicked to life in an entirely new way, taking full advantage of the weightlessness the underwater environment provides. This setting allowed us to create the illusion of flight, with Elphaba and Glinda appearing to soar effortlessly through their enchanted world. 

Andy Vargas brought a bold and captivating twist to Elphaba, donning vivid green body paint and a flowing black gown that seemed to dance with the underwater currents. By casting a male actor as Elphaba, we wanted to challenge conventions and reshape perspectives—perfectly aligned with the core themes of Wicked.

Meanwhile, Abbey Blake embodied Glinda's radiant charm, wearing a shimmering pink gown adorned with sparkling embellishments. Her graceful underwater movements perfectly captured Glinda's effervescent spirit, as though she were floating on one of her signature bubbles. With her golden locks and bright, infectious smile, Abbey brought light and energy to the scene, beautifully contrasting Elphaba’s moody, mysterious presence.

The Challenges of Underwater Storytelling

Underwater photography presents unique challenges, and this shoot was no exception. Our team had to consider everything from breath-holding techniques to costume buoyancy and makeup durability. Submerge specializes in underwater production, but every project pushes the boundaries of what’s possible. Roatán’s calm, clear waters provided the ideal natural conditions for this shoot. However, the added weight of the costumes and the difficulty of conveying emotion underwater made it a true test of artistry for both Andy and Abbey. They not only had to hold their poses but also communicate their characters’ essence through subtle body language and facial expressions—all while staying submerged.

A critical element of this shoot’s success was the incredible support of our safety dive team at the Turquoise Bay Dive Resort. Over the years, we’ve built a close and personal relationship with their crew, who play an essential role in ensuring both safety and seamless execution during our underwater productions. Their expertise, quick thinking, and ability to anticipate the needs of the team and talent make them invaluable partners. From assisting with props and positioning to monitoring safety in ever-changing underwater conditions, their involvement allows us to focus on creativity, knowing that every precaution is in place. We’re incredibly grateful for their dedication and professionalism, which consistently help turn ambitious concepts into reality.

SCUBA-ASSISTED MODELING

We use a unique process called SCUBA-assisted modeling to ensure both safety and stunning results during our underwater shoots. Models work closely with their dedicated safety diver, who provides air and support throughout the session. Underwater, the models use a mask and regulator to breathe, sharing air with their safety diver until they’re ready to shoot. At the right moment, they remove their mask and regulator, holding their breath as they transition seamlessly into their pose. During this time, the safety diver stays nearby, observing closely but giving the model space to perform. When the model signals that they need air, the safety diver promptly returns to provide their mask and regulator, ensuring the model can breathe and reset for the next shot. This method allows us to capture breathtaking moments of grace and emotion while maintaining a top priority on safety.

DO NOT TRY THIS AT HOME! Everyone involved in our productions have years of experience as divers and training as underwater performers. Creating a photoshoot of this scale and ambition requires a dedicated team working in perfect harmony, both above and below the surface. For this project, safety and efficiency were paramount, and we ensured a one-to-one ratio of safety divers to team members in the water. With Abbey, Andy, and Justin submerged, three highly skilled safety divers from the Turquoise Bay Dive Resort crew were by our side, each tasked with monitoring, assisting, and ensuring the safety of one team member. Their vigilance allowed the talent and photographer to focus entirely on their craft, knowing that a helping hand was always within arm's reach. Meanwhile, the boat captain provided essential support topside, ensuring smooth operations, coordinating communication, and maintaining a safe and stable working platform. This level of teamwork is essential for the success of such a complex production, where every member plays a vital role in turning creative visions into underwater realities.

At Submerge, we are driven by a passion for pushing creative boundaries and finding innovative ways to merge storytelling, artistry, and the unparalleled beauty of the underwater world. Each project we undertake is a new adventure, where traditional narratives are reimagined in a weightless, dreamlike environment that allows for stunning visuals and emotional depth. We’re thrilled to share our latest Wicked-inspired project and hope that these images inspire others to embrace creativity without limits, exploring new ways to express familiar tales or invent entirely new ones.

Stay tuned as Submerge continues to dive headfirst into new and ambitious projects. From behind-the-scenes glimpses to breathtaking final imagery, we’re excited to share our journey as we chart new waters in the world of underwater storytelling. Whether you're a fan of art, storytelling, or the ocean itself, there’s so much more to come!

Credits:

Photographer: Justin Lutsky

Elphaba: Andy Vargas

Glinda: Abbey Blake

For inquiries about underwater photography or production services, visit SubmergeUnderwater.com