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To attend an underwater photo shoot:
Your child/baby needs to be happy with underwater submersions. We expect babies and children to be able to submerge for at least 3 seconds, and perform at least 3 submersions in a 30 minute session.
Please read the information below and our Terms and Conditions before booking.
The booking fee is non-refundable and covers the cost of the underwater photo shoot only. If your child is poorly or self-isolating for the photo shoot, you may be able to transfer to an alternative date. (See T’s & C’s for details)
One week after the photo shoot you will be sent a link to your images. You can then purchase any pictures you like. For Print and digital file prices please visit “Prices“.
The booking fee price is per child. If you are bringing 2 children, please book two places.
“The pictures are fantastic and everyone we have shown them to have been totally amazed at them”
— MICHELLE SMITH AT A PHOTO SHOOT WITH GUST
“Our underwater photos arrived safely this week and I love them, thank you. ”
— LIZ AND SOPHIA AT A PHOTO SHOOT IN CLOPHILL
“I am super happy with our photos from the underwater shoot. This was our second time and it didn’t disappoint!”
— MARIA, LUNA, LUCA AND LITTLE LUIS AT A PHOTO SHOOT AT SWIM FARMS
Babies are born with a “gag reflex” which stops water entering their windpipe when submerged in water. They also possess the “Amphibian” reflex which leads to the widespread belief that babies can swim. It causes the legs and arms and torso of newborns to move in spurts that can propel them through the water, like they are swimming.
Your baby’s swimming lessons will build on these natural reflexes and prepares them for an Underwater Photography session. It is important to take your baby swimming regularly before attending an underwater photo shoot so they are used to submerging, and being in water.
Usually at least one term of baby swimming classes (which include submersions) is required. If you have not attended an organised swimming class but take your baby swimming regularly, and have practiced submersions, you can still attend. Your baby just needs to be happy with submersions and we expect them to be able to do at least three underwater submersions in thirty minutes.
It is important you practice submersions and take your baby swimming regularly in the run up to the photo shoot. Babies should be familiar with water and know a cue for being submerged. Some teacher’s use “Name Ready Swim”, or “One, Two, Three, We’re going under the Sea” or Name, Ready then blow on the babies face. It doesn’t matter which you use, but we expect your baby to have a cue, and you will be asked to say your cue when the swimming teacher submerges your child for their underwater photo.
If you are unsure, please contact us for advice before booking your place.
Please attend the underwater baby photo shoot as you would a swimming lesson. Babies will need to wear a double nappy, a swim nappy and a happy nappy over the top (or similar system).
At least one parent needs to be in the pool with the baby or child, but it may be possible for both parents to be in the water if you wish. If you are bringing siblings, each child needs an adult with them and you need to book a place per child. (Unless attending a private shoot)
You will be in small groups of no more than 4 children, and after a warm up, you will take it in turns to pass your child to the swimming teacher who will submerge your child for you, while their photograph is taken.
We aim for 3 submersions per child, but if your baby is still happy, we can do up to 6. Your photo shoot session lasts 30 minutes. Children who can swim can do as many submersions as they like.
Children can also book onto a photo shoot
Children of any age can attend the photo shoot. They just need to be happy going underwater. Children aged between 18 months and 36 months tend to be more difficult to photograph, but it varies from child to child. If you would like to bring your child to a photo shoot, please look at them underwater next time you are swimming. Do they keep their eyes open? Are they happy to go under? Will they go under more than once? Will they let go of you?
If the answer is no to any of these questions, then it is worth waiting till they are a bit older.
Children can wear goggles for the photo shoot but obviously the goggles will be in the photos. If you would like your child to be photographed without their goggles, please practice in the run up to the photo shoot.
Siblings of babies attending the shoot are welcome too, but must also pay the booking fee, and practice before the photo shoot.
A costume box will be available on poolside should you want a change of outfit.
Mermaid tails, Superman, Christmas hats, and Fairy costumes are included (to name but a few!) in the box and are free to use. We also have fun props that children can swim with like Nemo fish, turtles, frogs, fairy wands and pirate swords. You are welcome to bring your own costumes too as long as they are pool safe.
Viewing Your images
One week after the photo shoot you will be able to view your pictures in a password protected gallery online. You can then decide if you want to buy any. Digital files and prints and photo products are available. By owning the digital file you are free to make as many copies of the photos as you like, at no extra cost. You can even use your pictures online on Facebook etc. We just ask that you credit http://www.starfishunderwaterphotography.com with the image.
See our choice of products, prints and gifts here:
You may also choose to have a picture taken with your baby or child.
If you are going to try this, please practice before the photo shoot. You need to exhale all of your air so you sink, then you need to practice opening your eyes underwater, and smiling!
When you first try this you will probably pull funny faces so its well worth practicing.
We will position you in the best way for the photo but your expression is up to you so please practice before!
A little touch of magic!
Sometimes pictures need a helping hand. When the parent or baby handler are in the shot, they can be edited out of your finished picture in most cases. Removing the swimming teacher and minor photoshop work is included free of charge when you buy your photos.
Please read the Terms and Conditions before booking.
Full Terms and Conditions are available at the link below:Terms & Conditions
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