Most photographers start taking photos to capture fascinating life and beautiful scenes underwater, but with time they learn the value of including people in pictures. Model shots give viewers a that-could-be-me feeling, providing scale to unfamiliar creatures or scenery, and telling stories of underwater adventures. And for the commercially minded, these pictures get published. Pick up any dive magazine and most shots will contain divers.

Get the Details Right

1. Near or Far
Models work best in underwater photos when they are either close to the camera and fully illuminated, or more distant and totally silhouetted (see page 25). When the model is lit, the small details make all the difference. Ideally, dress models in contemporary dive gear, with equipment configured correctly and no gauge or octopus dangling. Totally black dive gear is fashionable, but a bit of color will lift your shots. A rash vest is an easy way to inject some color, but avoid a fluorescent dive skin — those will date your picture to the 1980s!

2. Gear Up
The most flattering mask for a model to wear is a 1960s-style oval mask. However, these look old-fashioned and many publishers will reject your images. Masks with a single window, rather than two separate ones, are best. Choose one with a clear silicone skirt because this lets in the strobe light, making it easier to illuminate the eyes. Fins are another way to inject some color. Long fins elongate the diver, making him or her appear more elegant than if he or she wears short, rigid fins. Finally, have your model hold something, such as a small camera or a torch, which neatens the hands and helps the picture tell a story.

3. Eyes and Hair
Eyes are critical in photos because they are the first place a viewer will look. Ask your model to face toward the camera and look at the main subject of the image. This allows the model’s eyes to be clear in the picture but with a gaze, which reinforces the interest in the main subject. Hair floats underwater, and if a model holds still in one place, his or her hair will slowly rise up to form an unflattering mohawk. Ask the model to swim forward slightly, which flattens it down, before you shoot.

Stunning Silhouettes

Beginner Tip
Model shots require teamwork. Always be grateful to, and patient with, any diver who is willing to give up his or her time underwater for your shots. Work efficiently by getting your composition, lighting and exposure spot-on before calling in your model.

Intermediate Tip
Ask your model to pose at least 8 feet above you so you can frame their silhouette against bright, open water. At this distance, the model will be small enough to fit neatly in the frame and far enough away to avoid being illuminated by your strobe.

Advanced Tip
Modeling is hard, especially if you’re trying to maintain a pose in a current. Most divers swim with bent knees, but, if shot as a silhouette, this pose makes the lower legs and fins disappear. Ask your model to pose with straight knees and to keep his or her legs together. Close-up shots are neater without bubbles, but when shooting from a distance, I like to time my shots to catch a bubble plume.

About the Author
Dr. Alex Mustard is a marine biologist who has been a full-time photographer since 2004. HIs latest book, Underwater Photography Masterclass, is out now. To see more of his work, visit amustard.com.