A Photographer + Dive Pro’s Guide to Looking and Feeling Amazing in the Water

Eloping in Glacier National Park? Learn what to wear for your GNP Wedding day.

Underwater elopement photos are unlike anything else—dreamy, weightless, and full of wild beauty. But what you wear can shape everything from your comfort and safety to how those images look and feel.

As a scuba instructor and elopement photographer, I’ve helped couples create underwater portraits in cenotes, alpine lakes, tropical reefs, and cold mountain rivers. Whether you’re snorkeling, scuba diving, or just taking the plunge for a post-ceremony adventure session, here’s how to choose the right outfit and prep for success.

Best Fabrics and Outfits for Underwater Photography

Water magnifies movement and weight—so something that floats beautifully on land might feel heavy and restrictive when submerged. Being restricted is the opposite of our goal and can often add unnecessary stress to the session.

I recommend dresses with minimal lace or beading, that use fabrics that move best underwater, including chiffon, mesh or tulle, and gauzy silks or rayon blends.

Avoid heavy lace, structured bodices, corsets, or anything with built-in crinoline or stiff underlayers. Fitted silhouettes like trumpet or mermaid dresses can also restrict motion and don’t usually photograph well underwater.

If it’s hard to walk in, it’s even harder to swim in.

If your dream wedding dress doesn’t meet these parameters, it’s completely ok to have an encore outfit. Bridal separates (like a high-waisted skirt and a fitted swim top or bodysuit) give you freedom to move while still feeling elegant. You can also find simple, flowy bridal wear second-hand so you don’t break the bank. When in doubt, ask me!

What Colors Look Best Underwater

Colors behave differently beneath the surface. Red is the first color to disappear as you descend—followed by orange, yellow, and eventually green. Blue and teal linger longest, which means a bright aqua dress can visually melt into the water around you. But since we’ll be working very close to the surface, only a few feet down at most, this actually works in our favor!

To stand out and create visual contrast, choose:

• White or ivory for that timeless ethereal glow
• Black for bold, defined shapes and moody drama
• Warm tones like rust, blush, gold, terracotta, or even coral

Aqua and emerald will blend into a blue background like the ocean or glacial lakes. Neons and patterns tend to distort or look busy, especially when water movement is involved. Solid, rich tones tend to photograph best and hold their presence in the frame.

Staying Safe & Comfortable in the Water

Underwater sessions are slow, intentional, and carefully prepped. Before we begin, we’ll go over everything with a safety brief—how to breathe, move, pose, and stay safe. We’ll also meet the team!

Every underwater session includes a dedicated safety swimmer who remains within arm’s reach the entire time. Don’t worry about having company in your photos, they’re easy to edit out and your safety comes first. Voluminous skirts or long fabric can shift quickly and unpredictably. Having a second set of hands in the water is essential for preventing panic and supporting your comfort.

Depending on the environment, we may also use a weight belt to help with buoyancy control—your ability to stay neutrally suspended or gently sink beneath the surface without fighting to stay down. It’s discreetly placed beneath your outfit so it doesn’t show in photos, but is still accessible to you and your safety swimmer.

Swim Shoes, Accessories, and What Not to Wear

Going barefoot can be fine for sandy beaches or swimming pools—but in rocky alpine lakes, natural springs, or slippery rivers, it’s best to wear swim shoes (especially at the start). Sharp rocks, slippery algae, or sudden drop-offs can all be dangerous if you’re barefoot.

Other helpful accessorizing tips:

• Stick to stud earrings only—dangly jewelry can snag in fabrics or hair, or float away from your body
• Keep other accessories minimal
• If you’re scuba diving, gear becomes part of the look—think white fins and clean setups that won’t overwhelm the frame

Your body is doing a lot. Don’t add more complexity than you need.

Waterproof Makeup and Hair Tips for Underwater Portraits

Some couples wear a little waterproof makeup—others go fully natural. Both are beautiful.

If you do wear makeup:

• Choose fully waterproof mascara and a cream blush or cheek tint
• Skip lip gloss (it never behaves in water) and go with a bold lip.
• Avoid powder—it tends to cake or vanish

Hair-wise, loose and flowing looks gorgeous underwater. So do braids, half-up twists, or a messy bun. You don’t need to fight it. The motion is the beauty.

Guidelines for Scuba Elopement Photography

If you’re certified and confident in the water, yes—we can absolutely do portraits while scuba diving. We’ll stay within recreational dive limits for basic open water diving (under 60 ft), and I’ll work with you to plan photos around your safety stops and air supply.

Please note that scuba sessions are only offered to experienced, certified divers. And we do not mix snorkelers and divers in the same session to eliminate unnecessary risk.

Scuba portraits are slow, serene, and powerful—but safety always comes first. We’ll plan everything carefully, and my team will make sure you feel supported both above and below the surface.

Not Eloping? You Can Still Book an Underwater Portrait Session

You don’t need to be getting married to create something beautiful underwater! These sessions are also a perfect fit for:

• Honeymoons
• Anniversaries
• Engagements
• Vacations
• Just because you want to feel like a sea goddess

They can be quiet, romantic, empowering, playful, or just something new to experience together.

Headed to Glacier National Park?

Add a two-hour adventure session to your trip—starting with sunset photos on Going-to-the-Sun Road and ending with a cold water plunge at St. Mary Falls. We’ll follow it up with underwater portraits in one of the park’s clearest mountain pools.

→ You can also check out this full breakdown of how underwater elopement photos work in Glacier National Park.

→ And stay tuned for my upcoming [Waterfall Guide to Glacier National Park] for cold plunge and portrait location inspiration.

→ Check out my Ultimate Guide to Visiting Glacier National Park for other helpful tips to make the most out of your trip to GNP!

Dreaming of Something Tropical?

If you’re headed somewhere warm and want to create high-end, editorial-style portraits in the ocean, I offer destination underwater sessions too. We’ll work together to style a session that feels luxurious, intentional, and totally unique.

→ Want inspiration? Explore my guide to Eloping in the Galápagos for destination inspiration!

Let’s Make Something Beautiful Together

Underwater portraits are part art, part trust, and part play. Whether you’re eloping, honeymooning, or just want something a little wild and magical, I’ll guide you every step of the way. From outfit planning to safety prep to post-session coziness—I’ve got you.

🩵 Want to book your underwater session? Let’s chat!

I’m also an alum of Kimber Greenwood’s Underwater Creatives Academy, where I trained in underwater portrait techniques, lighting, and safety protocols. That experience, combined with my background as a scuba instructor, allows me to create sessions that are both beautiful and grounded in real-world safety.

Some underwater visuals are used with permission from Pexels for illustrative purposes. All other images are my own.