For Models
How do I keep my eyes open underwater for photos?
Keeping your eyes open underwater for photography is a skill that can be developed with consistent, gentle practice over time. The best way to build tolerance is to practice in short, manageable sets in a clean, chlorinated or freshwater pool, gradually increasing the duration as your comfort grows. A helpful technique is to blink just before submerging and then open your eyes only for the precise moment when the photographer is actively shooting, closing them again immediately as you surface.
If you wear contact lenses, saltwater can cause significant stinging and irritation, so consider switching to daily disposable lenses that you will not mind losing, or remove them entirely if your vision allows. For many models, the discomfort of open eyes is not worth the trade-off, and we want you to know that soft, closed eyes are equally cinematic and emotionally powerful in underwater portraiture. We never pressure a model to keep their eyes open if it causes genuine discomfort.
Some experienced models use clear silicone swim goggles for practice sessions to learn the visual landmarks of being underwater before transitioning to bare eyes on shoot day. Bring saline solution and pre-moistened eye drops to set to soothe your eyes between dives and reduce cumulative irritation. Chlorine-heavy pools are typically harder on the eyes than fresh spring water or our balanced studio pool, so location can also affect your comfort. Above all, communicate openly with your photographer about how your eyes are feeling, and never push through pain just to deliver a particular look.