Underwater Modeling Workshop - Maldives

APril 18 - April 25, 2026

Welcome to the Ultimate Underwater Modeling Workshop in the Maldives!

Join us for an unforgettable week in the stunning Maldives, where crystal-clear waters and vibrant marine life provide the perfect backdrop for creating breathtaking ocean-inspired art. From April 18 to April 25, 2026, immerse yourself in an unparalleled underwater modeling workshop on the luxurious Blue Force One. This exclusive workshop offers a unique blend of professional instruction, hands-on practice, and breathtaking scenery, making it the perfect setting to enhance your underwater modeling skills. This week promises not only to elevate your artistry but also to create lasting memories in one of the most beautiful destinations in the world. Participants will learn underwater modeling tips, tricks, and techniques, plus have the opportunity to shoot in new aquatic environments with the support of the Submerge team. Want a private island to use as a backdrop or place to chill? Deal. Want all meals included too? Done. How about mantas by day, mantas by night, sharks, more sharks, a couple more sharks, rays, eels, turtles and large schools of fish are all (almost) guaranteed. And while most tourists take home t-shirts and cheap airport jewelry as souvenirs, models enrolled in this workshop will leave with gorgeous photo and video content unlike any other.

workshop highlights

• All-Inclusive Luxury: Enjoy the exclusive use of Blue Force One, an all-inclusive luxury live aboard where you can model, dive, or simply unwind. 3 meals a day plus snacks are all included.
• Comprehensive Training: Participate in detailed workshops covering all aspects of underwater modeling, from breath control and posing techniques to working with underwater props and costumes.
• Expert Guidance: Learn from the experienced Submerge team, who will share their tips, tricks, and techniques for underwater modeling.
• Personalized Coaching: Receive one-on-one coaching and feedback throughout the week to enhance your skills and confidence.
• Unique Shooting Environments: Explore a variety of aquatic settings, including vibrant coral reefs, shipwrecks, mantas and nurse sharks, to capture breathtaking photo and video content.
• Stunning Portraits: Transform yourself into an aquatic work of art and participate in several exclusive SCUBA-assisted photo sessions with renowned underwater photographer Justin Lutsky. Leave with professional-quality images and videos that set you apart from everyone else.
• Networking Opportunities: Connect with like-minded individuals and professionals in the underwater modeling and photography community, fostering valuable relationships and collaborations.
• Diving Adventures: Take advantage of numerous diving excursions all week long to explore the rich marine life and stunning underwater landscapes of the Maldives, guided by experienced dive guides.
• Unparalleled Safety: Your safety is our top priority. Our workshops are conducted with stringent safety protocols and supervised by certified dive professionals. We ensure that all participants are equipped with the necessary knowledge and gear, providing a safe environment for underwater modeling. Whether you're an experienced diver or a newcomer to the underwater world, our team will guide you through each step with meticulous care, allowing you to focus on creating stunning art with complete peace of mind.

*Dive sites visited are subject to weather conditions and local seasonal knowledge. Final route taken is at the absolute discretion of the captain and cruise director. All dives are conducted from a boat. Shore diving is not offered from the Blue Force One. Diving and modeling is only available for certified divers.

WHAT'S INCLUDED

• Pre-Trip Consultation: Work with the Submerge team on wardrobe, hair, and makeup for underwater modeling. Know what to bring and how to prepare.
• Underwater Modeling Presentation: An overview of the unique skills and techniques required for successful underwater photo shoots. We cover key aspects such as breath-hold training, buoyancy control, and movement techniques to achieve fluid and graceful poses. The presentation also emphasizes the importance of safety protocols and effective communication with the photography team. You'll gain insights into the challenges and artistic possibilities of underwater modeling, preparing for both the creative and technical aspects of this specialized field.
• Breath Hold Coaching Session: Learn the skills and techniques needed to hold your breath safely and effectively while posing underwater. We'll cover essential areas such as proper breathing techniques to maximize lung capacity, relaxation methods to conserve oxygen, and both static and dynamic apnea practices to build confidence and endurance.
• Model Coaching Session: Learn the fundamentals of posing underwater and mastering buoyancy control from the safety of the resort pool. Learn to control your body positioning, manage props or costumes, and maintain relaxed, photogenic expressions. Then spend time learning specific techniques for modeling in open water environments. Throughout the trip models will get hours of quality breath hold and pose coaching in various settings.
• 3 SCUBA-Assisted Open Water Portrait Sessions: Taking underwater modeling to the next level! Venture out into the ocean on private dive boats to explore the shallow reefs that surround Roatan. Here, several one-of-a-kind photoshoots will be staged at various open water locations with the full support of an experienced safety dive team. With the expertise and guidance of a dedicated safety diver, you'll confidently explore the art of underwater modeling using compressed air. This innovative technique allows you to maintain buoyancy effortlessly, giving you the freedom to strike dynamic and graceful poses amidst the mesmerizing underwater landscape.
• Deep Dive Debriefs: A valuable opportunity to convene each evening and review the day's underwater images. During these sessions, models can provide and receive constructive feedback, discuss techniques, and share insights on what worked well and what could be improved. This collaborative environment fosters learning and growth, ensuring everyone gains a deeper understanding of underwater modeling and photography.
• Online Image Gallery: Get access to a preview gallery of all images from the trip. Favorites can be selected for retouching.
• 8 Professionally Retouched Digital Images: High quality and professionally edited masterpieces of each model’s favorite shots.
• Boat Dives: 3 dives daily + 1 night dive are available.
• Surprise Land Tours: Uninhabited island and sandbar visits. No hotels. No restaurants. No random people. Just pure paradise.

Optional Extras

• Exclusive Mertailor Experience Package: Ever wanted to be a real life mermaid? Mertailor and Submerge created an exclusive tail design only available to workshop participants. Own your very own custom monofin and tail! Package includes: 1 Mertailor Fantasea Fin Three Monofin, 1 Exclusive Submerge Whimsy Fantasea Skin, and 2 additional retouched images.
• Beach Portrait Session: Dry off and clean up for an epic photoshoot on an uninhabited island. The perfect combo: Indian Ocean, white sand beach, a gorgeous model, and the Submerge team. Includes 2 Professionally Retouched Digital Images.
• Manta Night Portrait Session: Hold on tight, this is gonna be amazing! Includes 2 Professionally Retouched Digital Images.
• Nurse Shark Portrait Session: Don’t worry, they don’t (normally) bite. Includes 2 Professionally Retouched Digital Images.
• Extra Open Water Portrait Session: A special opportunity for those wanting to dive deeper into underwater modeling. Book an additional SCUBA-assisted, open portrait session beyond what's already included. 3 additional retouched images from this session are included.
• Fine Art Prints: Want something tangible, something to proudly display? Then a physical print is the solution. All photos will be captured in incredible detail making large format printing at any size and on any material possible. Price varies per size and medium.
• Additional Retouched Images: All models will receive 8 professionally retouched digital images as part of the package, but if 8 doesn’t suffice more images are available.
• Behind the Scenes Content: We'll capture BTS content of all your amazing underwater moments, perfect for social media reels and more!
• Personal Highlight Video: A custom edited highlight video (up to 2-minutes) of each model’s personal photo session experience.

the Hosts

meet the submerge team

Maldives

The Maldives is located at the equator in the Indian Ocean, approximately 300 miles southwest of India. The Maldives is comprised of more than 99% sea and less than 1% of land (crazy) and is made up of 26 natural ring-like atolls. Each atoll literally spans miles across with a coral reef encircling a lagoon and deep channels dividing the reef ring. As if that wasn’t cool enough, there could be 10, 20 or even 50 islands within each atoll (pictured below). Confused? The photo illustrates islands within the atoll, not the atoll itself.

Continent: Asia (South Asia) • Capital Island: Malé • Total Islands: 1,192 • Inhabited Islands: 290 • Resort islands: 90 • Atolls: 26 • Highest Elevation: 7'10" • Average Elevation: 4'11" • Population: 560,000 • Time: UTC+5 • Industries: Tourism and Fishing • Electricity: 240V • Currency: Rufiyaa (USD 1 = MRF 15.44) • Official Language: Dhivehi • Religion: Sunni Islam • Working Hours: 8:00am-3:00pm, Sun-Thu

weather and climate

Because the country straddles the equator, the Maldives is obviously tropical, with temperatures around 75-91°F year-round. Maldives has two distinct seasons: dry season (northeast monsoon) and wet season (southwest monsoon). The dry season extends from December to April. The wet season is from May to November. January, February, March, and April are the driest months in the Maldives and are often considered the best 100+ diving days of the year.

April Averages - High Temp: 90°F • Low Temp: 81°F • Sea Water Temp: 85°F • Daylight Hours: 12.25 • Sunshine Hours: 11 • Rainy Days: 9 • Monthly Precipitation: 3.7 in

Blue Force One

Your Home Away from Home

The Blue Force One was awarded the Best Built Liveaboard in 2014 by the Liveaboard Association of Maldives. It then received the honor of Best Liveaboard Yacht in 2018 by the Maldives Boating Awards. This stunning luxury cruiser is in a class of its own. Its beautiful design and special attention to detail ensures quality and luxurious comfort for all guests. The Blue Force One is designed to meet and exceed the high expectations of even the most experienced traveler or anyone visiting the Maldives looking for a journey of a lifetime on an exclusive ship.

This unique 138' long wooden vessel boasts twelve cabins and can accommodate up to 24 guests. With sleeping accommodations on three different decks, the ship is incredibly spacious. Choose from a Master Suite, Junior Suite, Master Cabin or a Deluxe Cabin. Each suite and cabin have individually controlled air conditioning and en-suite bathrooms. There is no shortage of relaxation space aboard the Blue Force One. Guests can chill in or around the Jacuzzi, three sun decks, upper deck bar, or living room. Guests are also welcome to take out stand-up paddle boards and kayaks in their free time.

As if the 138' mothership wasn't enough, the Blue Force One has a separate 75' diving Dhoni (a multi-purpose motorboat). All diving is conducted aboard the Dhoni which houses the compressors and dive gear. That means much more space aboard the Blue Force One because the back deck isn’t dedicated to dive stations and dive equipment. It also means less noise as tanks are being filled on a completely different boat. Diving at its finest.

Blue Force One - Type: Motor Yacht (M/Y) • Year Built: 2013 • Length: 138' (42m) • Beam: 36' (11m) • Cruising speed: 9 knots • Number of passengers: 24 • Water Desalination Plants: 2 • Generators: 2

Dhoni - Year Built: 2020 • Length: 75' (23m) • Beam: 23' (7m) • Cruising speed: fast enough • Number of passengers: 24 • Compressors: 3 • Membrane Nitrox System: 2 • Head: Yes • Shower: Yes

ACCOMMODATIONS: Total 12 suites/cabins. 2 Master Suites, 2 Junior Suites, 1 Master Cabin, 7 Deluxe Cabins. Double and/or Twin beds. All suites/cabins have individually controlled air-conditioning with gorgeous interiors and trendy fittings, en-suite bathrooms with fresh hot and cold water, hair dryer, remote control for lights, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

FACILITIES: Sundeck Jacuzzi. 3 solariums with sunbeds and mattresses (located on the bow, stern and the sundeck). Bar on the upper deck. Living room with sofas and a 65" TV with in-house channels, satellite navigation and film system. Daily housekeeping. Onboard stand-up paddle boards and kayaks. Audio & video entertainment. Outdoor Dining. Rinse facilities for underwater cameras.

DELUXE CABIN (7 Available: 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 111)

Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

MASTER CABIN (1 Available: 101)

Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

JUNIOR SUITE (2 Available: 110, 112)

Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

MASTER SUITE (2 Available: 108, 109)

Full bathroom, hair dryer, remote control for lights and air-conditioning, 32" TV with in-house movies, satellite, WiFi, and safe.

LOWER DECK

• 1 Master Cabin with double bed, bathroom and shower (Cabin 101)

• 6 Deluxe Cabins with double bed and single bed, bathroom and shower (Cabins 102 - 107)

MAIN DECK

• 2 Master Suites with double bed, bathroom, shower, and jacuzzi for two people (Cabins 108 and 109)

UPPER DECK/BRIDGE

• 2 Junior Suites with double bed and single bed, bathroom and shower (Cabins 110 and 112)

• 1 Deluxe Cabin with 2 single beds, bathroom and shower (Cabin 111)

Diving

The Maldives is one of the world’s richest marine areas. Over a thousand species of fish and other underwater “things” inhabit the Maldivian waters. The monsoon tides of the Indian Ocean create a collection of small marine creatures as well as microscopic plant cells. This in turn creates a hub for all kinds of underwater animals who gather in these waters lured by the abundance of food. What does that mean? Simple. The Maldives is one of the best dive destinations in the world (maybe top three) to have close underwater encounters with large animals. Every day, every dive is all about “the big stuff”.

The ability to see whale sharks, mantas, schooling sharks, dozens of rays, huge schools of fish and many other large subjects is an obvious draw, but the less mentioned night dives also make the Maldives unique. Divers typically associate night dives with small “macro” critters: crabs, shrimps and other tiny animals that tend to prosper in the dark. The Maldives is different. Nights are filled with manta dives, schooling nurse shark dives, and dives where large predators hunt. Guests can expect to conduct four or five bad ass night dives during the charter (and yes “bad ass” was just used).

Most dives in the Maldives take place along a faru (reef), a thila or giri (both describe underwater pinnacles), in a kandu (channel), or on a wreck. Diving is always conducted via a Dhoni that travels alongside the mothership (with the exception of one or two “dips” from the back of the mothership when mantas or nurse sharks make an appearance).

Dive Season: Diving is good all year long, but the southwest monsoon brings some rain between May - October, especially June - August. From December to March the water currents flow through the atolls from east to west, creating fantastic visibility along the eastern atolls and large numbers of mantas in the soupy waters of the western atolls.

Depth: 10'-130'+ (Shallow reefs to deep sea mounts) • Visibility: 60'-100' • Currents: Range from nada to rippin’ (Especially strong in the atoll passes) • Skill Level: Beginner - Advanced • Water Temp: 85°F