For Clients
How long does an underwater photoshoot take?
Most underwater portrait sessions involve approximately 2 to 4 hours of actual time in the water, but this is always preceded by professional hair and makeup application and a detailed safety briefing, which can add another 1 to 2 hours to the day. For larger productions such as underwater weddings, multi-subject family sessions, or destination elopements, the shoot may extend to a full day or even span multiple days. We intentionally build ample rest time into every session because underwater work is physically more demanding than land photography, and we want you to feel relaxed and energized rather than rushed or exhausted.
Between dives, you will have time to warm up, review images on the back of the camera, and discuss the next set with Kimber. This unhurried pace is one of the reasons our clients consistently say their shoot felt like a luxury experience rather than a tiring appointment. We typically plan for short breath-hold dives of 10 to 20 seconds, followed by recovery time at the surface, which is far more sustainable than trying to push through long underwater intervals.
Light snacks, electrolyte drinks, and warm towels are always available so your energy and body temperature stay stable across the entire session. If you are combining your underwater work with above-water studio portraits, expect to plan for a full half-day or longer on site. We will share a detailed timeline with you in advance so you know exactly what to expect from arrival to wrap.