Perth Maternity Photography | Underwater Maternity Photos Perth

There is something completely different about photographing pregnancy underwater.

The weightlessness. The movement of fabric around your body. The quiet. The way you can create shapes and images that simply aren’t possible on land.

For me, underwater maternity photography isn’t about creating another set of pregnancy photos where you stand in a field and hold your bump.

It’s about creating art from this incredibly fleeting chapter of your life.

If you’ve been searching for an underwater maternity photographer in Perth and wondering what an underwater maternity photoshoot actually involves, here’s everything you need to know.

When is the best time to have an underwater maternity photoshoot?

Most maternity photography sessions are photographed between approximately 30 and 35 weeks of pregnancy, when your bump is beautifully rounded but you’re generally still comfortable enough to move around.

That said, there isn’t one magical week that works for every woman.

Some mums have a beautiful bump earlier. Others carry smaller and feel fantastic later in pregnancy. Your comfort, pregnancy and individual circumstances are more important than hitting a particular number on the calendar.

Because underwater photography requires some movement, floating and getting in and out of the pool, I recommend getting in touch early so we can plan your session around your pregnancy.

Do I need to know how to swim?

Well yes- BUT you absolutely do not need to be an experienced swimmer to have an underwater maternity photoshoot.

In fact, many of my clients arrive feeling nervous about the idea of going underwater.

That’s completely normal.

I guide you through the process gradually, starting with simple movements and breathing before we begin creating the more elaborate images.

You’re never expected to simply jump into the water and magically know what to do.

My job is to direct you.

Your job is simply to trust the process.

What happens during an underwater maternity photography session?

Your session begins before you even get into the water.

We talk about the images you love, the feeling you want your photographs to have and how you want to be seen.

Then we start slowly in the water.

I’ll guide your movements, your hands, your positioning and your expressions. We work together to create the shapes and movement that make underwater photography so distinctive.

And no, you don’t need to be naturally graceful underwater.

Some of the most beautiful images happen when we take something completely unexpected and turn it into art.

There is usually a lot of laughing involved too.

Then suddenly we create the image.

The one where everything comes together.

The fabric. The movement. Your body. The light. The random fish swimming past (or dolphin if we are lucky enough!).

And you see yourself on the back of the camera and realise just how extraordinary this moment actually is.

What should I wear for an underwater maternity photoshoot?

Flowing fabrics are one of my favourite ways to create movement underwater.

They allow us to create dramatic shapes around your body and can transform a simple portrait into something that feels almost painterly. You can wear very little and we can add this element (or other props like flowers or leaves to create variety).

You don’t need to bring a suitcase full of outfits. I’ll help you choose what will work best for the style of images you want to create. It can be as simple as plain underwear or swimmers, or as elaborate as a dress, skirt, kimono, or sexy lingerie set that makes you feel amazing. You can also if feeling brave wear nothing but yourself- there is never any pressure from me though.

We can create something soft, light and ethereal, dramatic and sculptural, elegant and minimal, or completely fine-art.

Your maternity photographs should feel like you, rather than a template that every other expecting mum has done.

Is underwater maternity photography safe?

Safety always comes first.

Before we begin, I explain exactly how the underwater process works and we work within your comfort level (particularly with location choice).

Freediving is completely safe whilst pregnant however- you are never actually required to hold your breath for longer than you are comfortable with, and you can come back to the surface and have as many breaks as you need. It is generally as long as a normal breath in most instances.

If you’re pregnant, your health and your individual circumstances also matter. I recommend discussing underwater photography with your maternity care provider if you have any pregnancy complications or concerns.

Why choose underwater maternity photography in Perth?

Perth has plenty of beautiful locations for traditional maternity photography (and I still do these shoots if underwater isn’t for you!).

But underwater photography gives us an entirely different creative arena to play in.

There’s no worrying about being in front of the camera (trust me you will be thinking about other things!).

No awkward posing.

Instead, we use movement, light, fabric and the incredible weightlessness of the water to create something that feels almost otherworldly.

And that’s why I love photographing pregnancy underwater.

Because pregnancy changes your body in ways that can sometimes make women feel disconnected from it.

I want to create photographs that help you see it differently.

Not something you need to hide. Something worth celebrating.

Your pregnancy is temporary. Your artwork doesn’t have to be.

Your baby will grow.

Your bump will disappear.

You’ll eventually forget exactly what those final weeks felt like.

But you can create something tangible from this chapter.

Something you can walk past every day and remember:

This was me.

I created this.

I was here.

If you’re looking for an underwater maternity photographer in Perth and want something more artistic than traditional pregnancy photography, I’d love to create something extraordinary with you.

Your pregnancy deserves to be remembered as art.