As someone who primarily shoots nature, marine life, and freedivers underwater, this maternity session was a big first for me. I’m used to capturing subjects I can’t control, animals that don’t take direction, currents that don’t wait. But for the first time, I was photographing a 30-week pregnant client in her home pool, and that switch from documenting to directing opened up a whole new creative challenge.
The biggest difference? Communication. Unlike sea turtles or sharks, I could actually direct this subject guide her on poses, movement, wardrobe. That part was a breath of fresh air. But it also came with responsibility. While I could ask a freediver to repeat a take 10 times, I had to be much more mindful with a pregnant client. Her comfort, safety, and energy levels took priority, so we built in plenty of breaks and kept things easygoing. It wasn’t just about getting great photos it was about creating a safe, empowering, and memorable experience for her.
© Claude Evangelista
At the end of the day, water, light, and the environment are the universal elements in all underwater photography. Whether it’s a manta ray or a mother-to-be, you need to adapt to conditions and let go of what isn’t working.
Building Comfort Below the Surface
Before the shoot, we had a pre-production meeting where I reassured her: we would never force anything. If something didn’t feel right, we’d skip it. I told her the goal wasn’t just beautiful photos it was to have fun, feel safe, and enjoy the moment. I also gave her some pool-day tips to practice in advance: simple breathwork, staying calm underwater, and how to work with her dress and poses to make them look effortless.
When your model feels safe their ease and enjoyment translates in photos. © Claude Evangelista
Planning vs. Reality
We shared mood boards and pegs in a group chat leading up to the shoot. Everyone pitched in with ideas. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about underwater photography, it’s this: no matter how much you plan, you’ll always have to adapt. Wardrobe behaves differently, light moves unpredictably, and your best shots usually come from going with the flow, literally.
The classic baby bump pic, a photo this family will cherish for a lifetime. © Claude Evangelista
Pool vs. Ocean
We shot everything in the comfort of her backyard pool, which made a huge difference. Fewer variables. No current, no saltwater, and no marine life to worry about. Shooting at her home also helped ease any nerves and made communication much smoother. Compared to ocean shoots, it was a much more relaxed day for both of us.
This underwater setting gave me a new way to tell stories, and it unlocked fresh ideas I’d love to explore next time. From lighting to wardrobe to deeper creative themes, there’s a whole new world of possibilities.
Post-Production & Creative Freedom
Editing was pretty similar to how I approach any shoot. I always shoot in RAW, so I have full control over exposure, color, and tones. The only real difference in this shoot was the subject, everything else was about finding the right mood and bringing out her glow.
I usually edit one photo at a time, experimenting with different looks. If I can’t decide on a favorite, I’ll send both versions to the client. © Claude Evangelista
A Surprising New Avenue
Would I do another underwater maternity shoot? Absolutely. I didn’t think maternity shoots were “my thing” until the environment became underwater, then now it’s become my thing. This underwater setting gave me a new way to tell stories, and it unlocked fresh ideas I’d love to explore next time. From lighting to wardrobe to deeper creative themes, there’s a whole new world of possibilities.
Crossover Creativity?
Has this shoot changed how I approach shooting animals or nature underwater? Not really. At the end of the day, water, light, and the environment are the universal elements in all underwater photography. Whether it’s a manta ray or a mother-to-be, you need to adapt to conditions and let go of what isn’t working. That mindset stays the same.
Get a glimpse at more "typical" subjects, like this thresher shark. © Claude Evanglista
The Unexpected Challenges
I’ll admit this shoot was harder than I expected. The biggest challenge was controlling buoyancy. We were either trying to keep the client just below the surface or keep her from floating up. Shooting in burst mode was crucial here. I relied heavily on my DS232 strobes, which could keep up with fast-paced shooting. Without them, I wouldn’t have captured those fleeting, magical in-between moments.
But if there’s one thing I’ve learned... you’ll always have to adapt. Wardrobe behaves differently, light moves unpredictably, and your best shots usually come from going with the flow, literally.
Shallow Depths, Limitless Creativity
We worked in a pool just 4 feet (1.2 meters) deep. It had its pros: easier communication, comfort for the client, and quick surfacing for air. But it also limited the range of poses. A deeper pool would’ve allowed more dynamic movements rising, floating down, dramatic upward gazes.
If I Could Do It Again
Next time, I’d love to shoot in a slightly deeper pool 5 or 6 feet (1.5 - 1.8 meters). I’d also like to try different pool styles, like those minimalist tile-less pools with soft, solid colors that don’t distract from the subject. I’ve got tons of ideas now from wardrobe choices to lighting tweaks all inspired by that one day in a small pool with a brave, glowing mom-to-be.
Gear Breakdown
- Camera: Sony A7S III
- Housing: 200DL Underwater Housing for Sony a7S III Mirrorless Digital Cameras # 71476
- Lighting: Dual DS232 TTL Underwater Strobe with Video Light # 40232US
- Extras: A black fabric backdrop, weighted down in the pool to create contrast and eliminate distractions in the background.
Shooting in burst mode was crucial here. I relied heavily on my DS232 strobes, which could keep up with fast-paced shooting. Without them, I wouldn’t have captured those fleeting, magical in-between moments.
© Claude Evangelista
Additional Viewing
BURST Shooting // Using Drive Mode to Your Advantage Underwater [VIDEO]
What Makes Diving in the Philippines Unique? [VIDEO]
DS232 Strobe + Video Light Hybrid Flash Underwater in the Philippines [VIDEO]
Sony a7S III Underwater Video Sneak Peek [VIDEO]
5 Tips to Improve Your Underwater Portrait Pool Photography
5 Tips for a Successful Freediving Photoshoot
Working With a Freediving Model in Open Water
Ambassador Claude Evangelista's work shows more experience than his years would suggest. Claude hails from the Philippines and is a USPA licensed skydiver, PADI AOW scuba diver, and graduate from the International Academy of Film and Television. His passion for extreme adventures gives him a unique perspective of life on earth from 4,000 meters to the deepest depths, and everything in between. Read more...
