Underwater Studio Photography Workshop

LONG BEACH, CALIFORNIA

14-16 April 2023 (Sold Out)
15-17 September 2023

FEATURING PROFESSIONAL UNDERWATER MODEL HANNAH MERMAID
ARE YOU AN UNDERWATER PORTRAIT PHOTOGRAPHER LOOKING TO HONE YOUR SKILLS, OR MAYBE A LAND PHOTOGRAPHER LOOKING TO MOVE INTO UNDERWATER?

The Underwater Studio Photography Workshops will help you to learn and up-skill in this amazingly creative niche genre.

What is underwater studio photography?

Underwater studio photography is the process of treating a swimming pool like a photography studio and creating work like you would in a dry studio, but utilising all the amazing traits that water can provide. It’s an approach that creates a mindset which looks at all aspects of the pool as potential backdrops for the photoshoot.

The Schedule

To make the most of your time I’ve broken the workshop down in to 3 Days/Sections: Underwater Photography Techniques, Studio Lighting, and Retouch/Post-production .

You’re welcome to book one or all sections of the workshop, but I would recommend all if you wanted to get the full impact of this course.

All days are 10am – 6pm, with an hour lunch break.

Class numbers are limited to 4 people per day, so that everyone gets a decent amount of attention and time with the models during the workshop.

What to Bring

  • Camera, cards, batteries, and underwater housing with sync port (Optional, as we can provide a shared camera/housing if needed)
  • Swimwear/Towels
  • Mask
  • Weightbelt (Optional)
  • Sunscreen
  • Hat
  • Summer footwear

What's Included

  • Lunch, snacks, and drinks each day
  • Most equipment (see “what to to bring”)
  • 2 models, outfits, makeup (days 1 & 2)

What's Not Included

  • Transportation or airfare
  • Accommodation

The Location

The workshop will be held at my custom build underwater studio, in Long Beach California. The studio is outdoor with loads of space so we will be able to socially distance and plenty of shade to keep out of the sun.

The studio is 20 mins from Long Beach Airport (LGB), 45mins from Los Angeles Airport (LAX), and a variety of accommodation options in the area. It’s also only 20 mins from the Catalina Island Ferry if you wanted to hit the island.

REQuirements

A $400 non-refundable deposit will be required to secure your spot at the workshop.

All attendees must be in good health and able to swim in at least 9ft of water.

All attendees must be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before the workshop, submit a negative covid test within 2 days of the workshop, and we will be following Los Angeles Covid 19 safety guidelines as per the date of the workshops.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the location indoor or outdoor?
The pool is outdoor with plenty of shade, and our classroom will be either indoor or outdoor depending on the workshop day and the weather.
 
Why is the Studio Lighting Day more expensive?
The Lighting day is the most advance, and includes techniques that Brett has developed over many years – we feel it has the most value in terms of taking your images to the next level.
 
Do I need to bring any lighting equipment?
Only if you want to learn using your own equipment. We will be setting up lighting for everyone in the class, but if you have lights on your housing you’d like to use please let us know.
 
Do I need to know how to swim?
Yes! As an underwater photographer you’re the one who needs to guide the subjects, so if you can’t swim it’s very hard to be able to show them what to do. In saying that, if you’d like to join the workshop an stay out of the water you’re more than welcome.
 
Will I own the images taken at the workshop?
Yes, we will have the models sign a release for the images you take at the workshop and you will have the right to use the images for your portfolio and self promotion. No commercial usage is allowed.
 
Can I just book one day?
Absolutely! The course has been designed to cater to different levels of experience, with the first day aimed at beginners, the second for people looking to upskill their lighting, and the final for those just wanting to learn retouching techniques.
What is the closest airport?
Long Beach Airport (LBC) is only 20 mins from the studio and Los Angeles International (LAX) is around 45 mins.
 
Do I need to bring my camera?
If you already have an underwater housing for your camera and you would like to learn using that then please feel free to bring it, otherwise we will have shared cameras that can be used. For the strobe and advanced lighting courses we do require a housing that has an ikelite/nikonos sync port, or an Outex housing with a sync cable.
 
When does the deposit need to be paid?
The deposit needs to be paid as soon as you wish to secure your spot at the workshop – we cannot guarantee your space until it is paid.
 
Can I bring scuba gear?
No, as space is limited at the studio we don’t want to have people with bulky gear. We will be freediving for the workshop, but please bring a weight belt and weights if you need them.
 
Will there be COVID-19 rules?
Yes, we will be following the current guidelines as set out by California at the time of the workshop. This may include social distancing and mask wearing, and we will be requiring all attendees be fully vaccinated at least 2 weeks before the workshop.
 
Can I use the images in my portfolio?
Of course, we hope you will come away with some images you’re proud of, but we would also say that this course is more geared towards teaching you the skills to create your own images – rather than setting up scenes for you to just click a shutter – where’s the fun in that?

Testimonials

Attending this workshop has been on my list of things to do for a while. I was finally able to go and had a great time. Teaching style was great and lots of hands on. If you have a chance to go definitely take it!

Rajiv C

I followed Brett’s advice in every way while in Maui! Thank you, Brett, for sharing all that knowledge! Without it, I wouldn’t have dreamed to attempt doing this on my own.

Breanna C

Brett has a passion for this industry and truly seems to enjoy the teaching aspect just as much as any other part. He presents himself as confident while avoiding coming across as arrogant and is able to communicate concepts to various experience levels. From my experience, one of the most valuable aspects of Brett’s mentoring sessions is that he leaves you with clear, actionable steps to take. 

Andrew S

Taking Brett Stanley’s underwater photography workshop was one of the best decisions I’ve ever made! His knowledge and experience really shows through in his teaching. Not only did I learn all about underwater photography, but I had a blast doing it. Brett you rock and I can’t wait to put all your teaching into action! Thank you, hope to work with you again soon 😊

Kelly F

Talking with Brett is always a wonderful experience! Whether we’re chatting about creative feedback or the business of photography, he always has valuable insight to share along with a warm and welcoming demeanor. It’s a joy to know a fellow artist who values creative collaboration as much as I do!

Justin L

Being a young guppie in the large ocean of needed knowledge to be a good underwater photographer, Brett helped my work go from 0 to 10000 in just one session of learning. My very first paid session was extremely nerve-racking, but Brett prepared me beautifully, and I killed the session using his advice!

Taylor R

About Brett Stanley

Brett Stanley is an internationally recognised, award winning underwater portrait photographer and cinematographer based in Long Beach, California. His unique approach to photographing people underwater over the past 8 years has solidified him as one of the leaders in this niche genre and his image style is instantly recognisable.

After Brett’s Underwater Pole Dance series went viral in 2015 he has been innovating the techniques of underwater portrait photography, and by building underwater sets he’s been pushing what is capable below the surface.

As a teacher, Brett has years of experience and problem solving to share with his students. His obsession with everything underwater drives him to share as much as he can with those he’s mentoring and he loves seeing other’s success in this realm.

Brett is also the host of The Underwater Podcast and editor of Waterproof Magazine.

Investment

Day 1: Underwater Photography Techniques – $989
Day 2: Studio Lighting Techniques – $1499
Day 3: Image Review/Post Production – $599

Full 3 Day Package – $2799

The workshop is split into 3 distinct days, and you’re welcome to book 1 or all 3 but each day is limited to 4 attendees maximum.

How To Book

Please fill out the form with your details, which days you are interested in, and current underwater photography level so we can cater the workshop to your needs.

Copyright Brett Stanley