Hi all! 

Wanted to share something I've been working on, below is a couple of images shot at home with an underwater style look. With a little DIY and some lighting, we were able to get some pretty cool results. 

The featured model was Jade Lyon, and the video was filmed by Adam Tyrell.

Let me know what you think! 

For a long time, I have been building sets or props for my images, which in time developed into making and selling furniture as a hobby business. I thought it about the time I made videos detailing the process of those builds and the “high budget” results that can be achieved with little financial outlay and a little DIY.

In this first video, I’ll take you through how to shoot underwater without getting wet! This can all be done in your own home for less than £50, using just a few scraps of wood, some acrylic, and some basic DIY skills!

Here’s how:

What we are trying to make is a shallow pool of water on a clear acrylic sheet, through which we shine the light. This way when you run your hand through the water the light shining through it shows the ripples.

Materials:

  • Clear Acrylic Sheet

  • Wood

  • Woodscrews

  • Duct Tape

  • Multi-Purpose Sealant

  • If you upload it to Instagram using the hashtag #rajk.photo – this way I can see all your amazing creations!

  • You can make this any size, but you need the wood frame to be slightly smaller than your acrylic sheet.

  • Start by cutting your wood down and making a box frame, drilling pilot holes so you don’t split the wood.

  • Attach the acrylic sheet by drilling pilot holes through and using screws to hold it in place, use quite a few as the water will bend the acrylic.

  • Peel the protective layer of film off the acrylic and use all-purpose sealant around the edges (leave to cure for 24 hours).

  • We used duct tape as an extra precaution, mostly as we didn’t wait for the sealant to dry properly!

  • Fill with water, you want about a centimetre deep pool of water.

  • Prop it up using boxes/ stands/ chairs, shine a light through it and run your hand through the water to watch the ripples form!

1) Underwater photography trick.

The Shoot

Position your model below the water and you’ll see the ripples dance around on them. A few things to note:

  • We had a grey tiled floor, that complimented the colours and suited the look, we also had a light blue sheet in case that didn’t work, but you could take this further and add sand.

  • I used a blue gel on one of the flashes to help add the blue tone you expect to see in the water

  • Wet your model's hair, just helps to make it look a little more convincing.

  • Ask your model to lift their body off the floor, to add to the floating effect.

  • Have fun!

2) Underwater photography trick.

 

Social Links

Raj’s Instagram: rajk.photo

Jade’s Instagram: jadelyon

Personal Website: rajk.photo

Wedding Company: rajandjadeweddings.com

 

Filmed & Edited by Adam Tyrrell

Adam’s Instagram: adamtyrrells

Adam’s Website: www.adamtyrrell.co.uk

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