How to Shoot Film Underwater

Summer may be over, but that doesn't mean poolside fun is done. Carl Fehres shares his tips for making magic underwater:⁠

⁠"Samara and I wanted to create something ethereal and organic. I've always wanted to shoot underwater and have been inspired by several other artists. I have a beautiful set of underwater photos of @bird.ee shot by @ryanmuirhead hanging on my wall at home. I purchased a couple Fujifilm underwater disposable cameras and just went for it. Samara is always amazing to work with. She used her dance experience here to create beautiful shapes and emotion.⁠

🌊 Underwater shots require a lot of light. I shot this at midday when the sun was high in the sky. Sunbeams dance through the water this time of day and the results can be magic.⁠

🌊 A disposable camera is really freeing to use as it has literally zero settings—you just point and shoot. ⁠

🌊 Shooting underwater is a pretty different experience. You want to talk to your subject before going under so you are on the same page. ⁠

🌊 I held my breath as long as I could to stay under for 2–3 of Samara's dives and poses. I had a friend hold me down so I was stable.⁠

🌊 Wear goggles. ⁠

🌊 Know your camera well so you can focus on the shot and have fun!⁠

FUJICOLOR QuickSnap Waterproof

"I've since purchased and use a Nikonos V underwater film camera. It's a professional 35mm camera and the results are even sharper and more beautiful.⁠

"However, the disposable camera's results here came out much better than expected and I wouldn't hesitate to use it again. To be honest, I really like the noisy grain I got from the Fujicolor disposable camera." — Carl Fehres ⁠

📷 by Carl Fehres with a Fujicolor QuickSnap Waterproof disposable camera, which comes pre-loaded with Fujicolor Superia X-TRA800. Scanned on the Noritsu S-1800.⁠ With @fujifilm_profilm and @samarazuckerbrod.