I was born and raised in Milan, Italy and I moved to the USA, in Florida, in
2021, fascinated by the beautiful nature and the sunny days. I have been a circus
instructor for over 12 years and circus arts performers and students inspired me
to learn photography to tell the stories of regular people that can transform into
superheroes.
When I moved to Florida I found myself mesmerized by the beauty of the nature
and I started to do more photoshoots outside the studio. I got my free diving
certification and I started to explore the stunning Florida Springs.
Obviously underwater photography became my new addiction. My underwater world is ethereal, dreamy and feminine.
Iridescent Creature. This is a photo I took in my pool with a black backdrop and natural light only. The beautiful model was wearing this incredible iridescent dress that made her look like a jellyfish. © Anna Aita
The Lily Pad Garden. This photo was taken in a Mexican cenote (sinkhole) full of lily pads. This photo won 2nd Place at the Ocean Art Award 2024 and 3rd place at the World Shootout Awards 2024. © Anna Aita
The Sun and the Moon. This photo was taken in a cenote in Mexico. The 2 models, dancing together underwater, represent the dualism of the personality as the Sun and the Moon. Their reflection on the water surface reminds of the Rorschach test. I used natural light as a main light and underwater lights as a fill light (held by an assistant). © Anna Aita
The Two Worlds. This photo represents the contrast between the extreme sense of peace I experience when I’m underwater and the agitation of the real world. The underwater world is quiet, peaceful and slow. Everything moves lightly; the water surrounds the body like a gentle comforting hug. The surface of the water is like a portal towards the real world that is relentless, tumultuous and chaotic, from whom the subject is trying to escape. © Anna Aita
The Orange Dress. The model posed beautifully with this hoop she decorated with flowers. I like that the reflection shows her serene facial expression providing a sense of peace and tranquillity. © Anna Aita
Let’s Dance! This photo was taken in a white private pool and I used strobes above the water (safely secured) with color gels to create the color effect in the background. © Anna Aita
Fashion Show at the Springs. This photo was taken in one of the wonderful Springs we have in Florida. The water is always chilly (72 °F) but the model posed effortlessly. © Anna Aita
Mermaid Split Shot. Taking a split shot is always challenging for me but using a wide angle lens and a big dome with my Ikelite housing makes it easier. © Anna Aita
Mangroves Tunnel. This photo was taken in a Mexican cenote, the mangroves (tropical trees that grow in coastal wetlands) created this underwater tunnel with their roots, that was the perfect frame for this shot. © Anna Aita
Colorful Underwater Portrait. I used an iridescent tinsel backdrop to match the model’s dress. The most challenging part was to secure the fringes in a way that would’t become a danger for the model. © Anna Aita
Dancing with the Lily Pads. This photo is part of a series I took in a Mexican cenote full of lily pads. I was shooting with natural light only. © Anna Aita
Anna Aita is originally from Milan, Italy and now resides in sunny Florida. Anna has been a circus instructor for over 12 years, and her circus students provided her the inspiration she needed to become an underwater photographer. She has her Freediving certification and shoots primarily model fine art photography in the Florida Springs and underwater in pools. Anna shoots with the Sony a7 IV + Tokina 11-18 f/2.8 lens inside an Ikelite underwater housing. You can see more of her work on her website, www.annaaitaphotography.com and follow her on Instagram @annaaitaphoto.
Additional Viewing
Working With a Freediving Model in Open Water
5 Tips to Improve Your Underwater Portrait Pool Photography
Jenna Martin's TEDx on Becoming an Underwater Portrait Photographer [VIDEO]
I Tried an Underwater Pool Photoshoot for the First Time [VIDEO]
