The Three Pillars of Safety for Underwater Portrait Photography Shoots
If you've ever been in or around the water in your life, you probably have a good understanding of the dangers that lay beneath the surface.
The Underwater Portrait Photography Academy recognizes the inherent dangers and risks with underwater photography. These risks come in numerous forms and can impact photographers, clients, and bystanders, as well as the environment around them. Safety is a crucial part of underwater portrait photography.
Students and members are trained on, and required to adhere to the three pillars of safety for underwater portrait photography shoots. Those pillars are:
- Preparation
- Prevention
- Communication
Pillar 1: Preparation
Preparation is the bedrock upon which all safe underwater activities are built. It's the planning and proactive measures taken before arriving on site, or entering the water to mitigate potential risks. Preparation includes performing Site Assessments/Emergency Action Plans, making sure you have the right safety gear, performing monthly in-service with your team, having thorough discussions with your clients about their skills, desires, and experience with water photography, and so much more.
Preparation starts in the office. It begins with preparing your studio and your team, talking to your clients to identify their wants, and doing site reconnaissance to identify the hazards that may be present. The best way to address an accident is to prevent it from ever happening. You do this by first, being prepared.
Pillar 2: Prevention
Prevention involves implementing your proactive measures to minimize hazards and ensure client safety. It's about maintaining constant vigilance and taking steps to avoid potential problems. Prevention is an extension of preparation in that it's the act of addressing those hazards you noted during a site assessment, doing safety briefings with your team and clients, having a safety swimmer who is experienced and knows their role and authority over safety.
No amount of preparation and prevention can stop every single situation from occurring. What it can do is put you in the best position possible to address those issues and prevent more serious accidents or injuries from occurring.
Pillar 3: Communication
Communication is the vital link that connects all aspects of safety. Clear and concise communication minimizes misunderstandings and ensures everyone is on the same page. From the first moment you speak with your client, long before you ever step foot on-site, communication begins.
The way you communicate about all aspects of the shoot directly impacts the overall experience of safety. From those initial conversations, to safety briefings to in-water coaching, communication flows through every aspect of a photoshoot.
The consistency of applying these pillars are what will set your team up for success. By following these principles, you will be able to plan, prevent, and communicate with respect to safety throughout the entire experience.
Ultimately, it's up to you how you approach safety when it comes to underwater portrait photography shoots. Be a part of a higher standard. Be a part of a professional community. Be as safe as you can be.