Exploring the Depths: An Underwater Cave Photography Adventure

A few months ago, our creative team embarked on an exhilarating journey to the Cenotes of Mexico, joining forces with some of our most imaginative collaborators for an underwater photography project. Cenotes are a wonder of nature, formed when limestone on the surface collapses, revealing the pristine groundwater beneath. These unique formations are renowned for their stunning cavernous landscapes and dramatic lighting that seeps through the crevices, creating an ethereal atmosphere perfect for underwater photography.

CRAFTING THE UNDERWATER EXPLORER THEME

Inspired by the cinematic allure of summer blockbusters like “Lara Croft: Tomb Raider” and “Jungle Cruise,” we chose an "Underwater Cave Explorer" theme for our shoot. The goal was to capture the sense of adventure, mystery, and excitement that these movies evoke. We wanted our images to transport viewers into a world of hidden treasures and uncharted territories, where the thrill of exploration is palpable.



With this vision in mind, we meticulously planned every detail of the shoot, from the dramatic lighting to the rugged, adventure-ready props and costume. The cenotes provided the perfect backdrop, with their crystal-clear waters and mesmerizing rock formations. Each shot was crafted to evoke a sense of wonder and excitement, inviting viewers to dive into the mysterious depths and discover the beauty and intrigue hidden beneath the surface.

Meet Our Leading Lady: Felicia Flaherty

The star of our project was none other than Felicia Flaherty, a talented model and freediver from Florida. Felicia’s expertise and willingness to embrace challenging underwater scenarios made her the perfect choice for this ambitious shoot. With years of experience and a natural grace, Felicia possesses a unique ability to move fluidly and expressively underwater. This skill was essential for our vision, as it required both physical endurance and the ability to convey emotion and narrative in a weightless environment. She managed to combine the strength and determination of an adventurer with the elegance and poise of a model, creating a compelling and dynamic presence in every frame.

Assembling the Perfect Gear

For Felicia's wardrobe, we curated an explorer’s outfit to perfectly match the adventurous theme of our shoot. The ensemble included a rugged yet stylish hat that added a touch of authenticity, sturdy hiking boots, a vintage lantern to evoke a sense of timeless adventure, and a length of rope coiled around her shoulder to complete the look.



To enhance the scene’s dramatic effect, we utilized an array of lighting techniques, employing Bigblue dive lights for their reliability and superior illumination. In particular, we strategically placed a powerful backlight behind Felicia to create a striking silhouette and add depth to the composition. Inside the lantern, we placed another light with a colored gel, casting a warm, vintage glow that not only enhanced the authenticity of the explorer theme but also added a nostalgic touch to the overall ambiance. A strobe was also mounted on the Nauticam camera housing to provide sharp, focused light that highlighted the details of her outfit and surroundings.

Ensuring Safety First

Safety is paramount in any underwater shoot, particularly in the intricate environment of cenotes. We took extra precautions to ensure Felicia's safety, mindful of potential hazards like sharp rocks and confined spaces. Despite the relatively shallow depth of our shoot, which was only a few feet underwater, we understood that even minor risks could have significant consequences. To address this, we had a dedicated safety diver assigned to Felicia throughout the entire session. We created a secure and supportive environment that allowed Felicia to focus entirely on her performance. Her ability to concentrate on delivering her best, knowing that her safety was managed, was crucial to the success of the shoot.

Capturing the Magic

The session lasted approximately 45 minutes, during which Felicia and I made multiple descents underwater on breath hold to capture various poses. Abbey Blake played a crucial role, assisting Felicia with each descent and ascent while also managing the props like the hat and lantern. Andy Vargas was also integral to the team, capturing "Behind-the-Scenes" content throughout the shoot and providing additional safety support as needed.

Our teamwork ensured that the entire process ran smoothly, and seeing our creative vision materialize with the help of such a talented group was immensely rewarding. Seeing our creative vision materialize so vividly, thanks to the dedication and talent of our group, was truly gratifying. The resulting images exceeded our expectations, embodying the grandeur and cinematic quality we aimed for. Each photograph captured the dramatic essence of a movie poster, with striking compositions and an evocative sense of adventure and intrigue.