It is completely normal to feel a mix of excitement and nerves! Most of our clients are not professional models and have never done anything like this before. We specialize in making the impossible feel accessible. If you are feeling unsure, please reach out to us for a chat. We are happy to walk you through the process step-by-step, discuss your specific concerns, and help you decide if this adventure is right for you—no pressure attached.

Not at all! You do not need to be a professional swimmer or diver to get stunning photos. For our studio sessions, we work in a controlled, heated pool where safety is our top priority. We coach you through specific breath-holding techniques and poses that look effortless but only require you to be underwater for a few seconds at a time. We also have a "float" available at the surface at all times for you to rest.

Not long at all! In the pool, all it takes is a few seconds to get a great shot, so a massive lung capacity is not important. For our ocean shoots, we often conduct SCUBA-assisted photo sessions where safety divers are readily available with air, allowing you to stay submerged comfortably between takes.

Generally, no! In our pool studio, we maintain the water chemistry meticulously to ensure it is gentle on the eyes. In the ocean, saltwater is natural to the eye and typically does not sting like chlorinated water might. We guide you on how to relax your face so you look comfortable and serene.

For pool shoots, absolutely not—no certification is required. However, for most of our international travel workshops, which double as amazing dive trips, you will want to be SCUBA certified to get the full experience. If you aren't certified yet, Justin is a PADI SCUBA instructor and can help you get there!

We shoot all kinds! The underwater environment adds a magical, ethereal twist to many traditional photography genres. We regularly capture Maternity, Boudoir, Glamour, and High Fashion. We also love creative themes like Cosplay, "Trash the Dress," Bridal portraits, and unique Senior photos. If you have a concept that doesn't fit a standard category, we are ready to bring it to life!

Absolutely! It is a cherished Submerge tradition. Justin loves to document the fun and connection we build on set, so be prepared for a quick selfie to commemorate our adventure together! Plus, Justin never resists an opportunity to jump in front of the camera to show off his own underwater modeling skills!

Safety is our absolute top priority. We are not thrill-seekers or risk-takers, and we never push clients beyond their limits. Whether it is a pool shoot or an open water session, we take extensive measures to mitigate risk through detailed planning and preparation. You are always surrounded by a highly experienced and qualified team whose primary job is to keep you safe.

You are in incredibly safe and experienced hands. Justin is a PADI Dive Instructor, Public Safety Diver, and Cave Diver, meaning he is trained to handle the most demanding underwater environments. He is also a PADI Mermaid Instructor. On the artistic side, he is an alumnus of Chapman University, where he studied Film Production, bringing a cinematic eye to every shoot. Abbey is also a certified PADI Mermaid Instructor and experienced underwater performer, ensuring expert guidance on modeling and movement. Together, we combine high-level safety with professional artistic direction.

Absolutely. We take the guesswork and risk out of travel planning. We only work with vetted, licensed, and insured travel partners. Furthermore, we have personally traveled to every destination beforehand to establish quality relationships with resorts, vendors, and dive operators, ensuring a seamless and safe experience for our guests.

Our private underwater studio is located in Fullerton, California. It features a 15 x 30 ft. pool heated to a comfortable 89°F (31°C), ensuring you can relax and focus on posing without getting cold.

Yes! We create all sorts of underwater settings in our pool studio using professional backdrops, props, and even fully constructed 3-dimensional rooms. Whether you have a specific vision or need us to design something from scratch, we can transform the pool into a completely new world.

Yes, we do! Thanks to our professional Oceanears sound system, we can stream music clearly while you are submerged. We love playing your favorite playlists to help you find your rhythm, set the mood, and relax while underwater.

Yes! We have a curated collection of underwater-friendly gowns, fabrics, and realistic mermaid tails available for you to use. Whether you want to look like high-fashion art or a mythical creature, we can help style your look.

Fabric moves differently underwater than it does on land. We recommend flowy fabrics like chiffon, tulle, or organza that drift elegantly in the water. Avoid heavy fabrics that become weighed down when wet. If you aren't using our wardrobe, we can guide you on where to source the best outfits during your consultation.

Waterproof makeup is a must! We highly recommend setting your makeup with a high-quality setting spray. For hair, loose styles often look best as they flow with the water. We can recommend professional HMUA (Hair & Makeup Artists) who specialize in waterproof styling if you’d like the full VIP treatment.

Yes! Our pool studio is equipped with an underwater live feed that streams directly to a big-screen TV in the adjacent living room. It’s a comfortable, dry spot for your friends or family to watch the magic happen in real-time.

Our studio is based in Fullerton (Orange County), centrally located to serve clients locally from Los Angeles, Laguna Beach, Catalina, San Diego, Riverside, and Santa Barbara. While we love our local clients, we are also available for projects globally!

Yes. We believe every image is a piece of art. All delivered images go through a professional editing process which includes color grading, backscatter removal (cleaning up floating particles in the water), and skin retouching. We ensure you look your absolute best while maintaining a natural, authentic look.

We know you are excited to see your photos! Typically, you will receive your proofing gallery within 1 week of the shoot. Once you make your final selections, the finished, high-end retouched images are usually delivered within 2–3 weeks.

No, we do not. A RAW file is like a digital negative—it is an unfinished product. Especially in underwater photography, color correction and grading are vital parts of the artistic process to bring back the vibrant colors lost to the water. We deliver high-resolution, fully polished images that represent the final, beautiful vision of your session.

We understand that life happens. We require a deposit to hold your date. If you need to reschedule, please let us know at least 48 hours in advance, and we can transfer your deposit to a new date. This allows us to offer the spot to other clients.

Waterproof makeup is a must! We highly recommend setting your makeup with a high-quality setting spray. For hair, loose styles often look best as they flow with the water. We can recommend professional HMUA (Hair & Makeup Artists) who specialize in waterproof styling if you’d like the full VIP treatment.

Yes! Our pool studio is equipped with an underwater live feed that streams directly to a big-screen TV in the adjacent living room. It’s a comfortable, dry spot for your friends or family to watch the magic happen in real-time.

Yes! We don’t just capture still images. Justin’s background in Film Production at Chapman University gives him a unique cinematic perspective. We offer full-service underwater cinematography and video production for music videos, commercials, TV, and film using cinema-grade cameras and lighting.

Yes! We specialize in creating high-impact underwater imagery for brands, advertising campaigns, and product launches. Whether you need a unique look for a fashion line, waterproof tech, or lifestyle branding, we handle the creative direction, casting, and technical execution to deliver commercial-grade results.

Yes! Our private, heated underwater studio is available for rental to outside photographers, film productions, and creative projects. The 15 x 30 ft. pool is kept at a comfortable 89°F and features an 8.5ft depth, underwater audio, and live-feed monitoring. We also offer equipment rentals (including housings and lighting) and can provide safety divers, underwater talent, and model support to ensure your production runs smoothly.

Yes! We have extensive experience leading dive travel adventure workshops across the globe. We have taken groups to breathtaking locations like Roatan, the Maldives, and Bali. These workshops are perfect for photographers and models looking to build their portfolios in some of the world's most beautiful underwater environments.

Yes, frequently! We travel to conventions and trade shows to speak, run educational workshops, and host exclusive photo sessions. Keep an eye on our events calendar to see where we will be appearing next.

Yes! Justin offers a comprehensive "Underwater Photographer Crash Course" for photographers looking to learn the ropes of underwater lighting, housing safety, and model direction. Beyond the crash course, he also offers private one-on-one mentoring and leads international travel workshops for photographers who want to build their portfolios in exotic destinations.

Yes! Beyond underwater modeling and photography training, we also offer official PADI SCUBA and PADI Mermaid certifications. Whether you want to learn to dive for the first time or perfect your mermaid movement, we can certify you right here in our studio.

Yes! We travel worldwide for commercial projects, private commissions, and our signature workshops. Whether you want to shoot in a cenote in Mexico, a shipwreck in the Caribbean, or a luxury pool in Dubai, we can make it happen.

Yes! We love sharing our passion for the underwater world, photography, and film production. We regularly speak at camera clubs, schools, dive organizations, and community groups. Whether you want a technical talk on lighting or an inspiring presentation on underwater art, we’d love to visit your group.