For Models
How do I pose underwater?
Underwater posing is essentially the opposite of land posing in several key ways, and understanding these differences is what separates a novice from a confident underwater model. First, you need to push your shoulders down and back while lengthening your neck, because water tends to compress the upper body and make shoulders rise toward the ears. Second, you must point your toes at all times to create long, elegant lines that read beautifully through the water.
Third, exaggerate every shape and expression by roughly 30 percent because water softens everything, from facial expressions to fabric movement, and what looks dramatic to you underwater will often appear subtle in the final image. Hold each pose for at least two beats longer than feels natural, giving the photographer time to capture the precise moment when the fabric and bubbles settle around you in the most flattering way. Practice these principles in a pool before your shoot, and you will see an immediate improvement in your results.
Use your fingertips intentionally, with soft, ballet-like extensions rather than flat or tense hands, because fingers are surprisingly prominent in underwater frames. Negative space matters too: leave room between your arms and torso so light can travel through the gaps and define your silhouette. Working with your photographer to understand the lens angle helps you orient your body toward the camera even when visibility is low. Finally, every great underwater pose ends with intentional eye direction, whether your eyes are open and engaged with the lens or softly closed in a serene, dreamlike expression.