19th Nov 2007
underwater flash flavor magic
I have been following the work from a Louisiana photographer who seems to be breaking all the rules and taking the “brides in the water” craze to an entirely different level. I’ve shot a few of these underwater sessions but nothing like this. What I love about Kevin’s work is the passion he puts into the job to get it done and get it done RIGHT!
Kevin Beasley writes:
The idea for shooting under came to me after some serious soul searching for a new(er) idea. The first underwater photo I had ever seen was from Larry Peters, (a senior portrait photographer in Ohio). Not only is shooting in UW time consuming and challenging, it is also very expensive! I had a very sizable initial investment to purchase an UW housing for my 5d, UW flash, UW port, Accessories and DRESSES. I never intended shooting UW to be a Trash the dress so I actually purchased 3 wedding dresses from 3 different type of materials to learn how each would respond to the treatment.
My clients have really risen to the challenge of shooting these images. Most of my brides actually practice in preparation for their shoots. They practice breathing, body movement and posture in their free time. When I got started with this, I was amazed by all the work involved in making these sessions successful!
These shots take place in an ordinary pool in the middle of the afternoon. The stage for shooting UW is exactly the same as shooting in a normal studio except all the elements (stage, setup, equipment, bride, photographer) are completely UNDER WATER, which makes everything very difficult. Because of the danger of being electrocuted, using anything in the water or anywhere near the water that plugs into an outlet is out of the question!
The lighting power comes from 4AA batteries in an UW flash. The flash output is set to -2 stops underexposed in TTL mode. The flash is off camera left or right, mounted on a special arm that attaches to the housing. Flash position adjusted to subject location. All images shot with a 5d in AV mode with careful care taken to control all available light so that it is soft and has low impact on the subject.
When I first saw Kevin’s stuff on Trash the Dress I was absolutely blown away! I called Kevin and asked him a little bit about this process and he gave me an in depth run down of his process. Kevin prefers to keep some of his techniques and ideas proprietary at this point, which I don’t blame the guy, who else has the “underwater bridal” on their package list? Not many if any other wedding photographers that I know of. I say hats off to Kevin for making a cutting edge product in an extreme environment. I’m very impressed by his setup.. I’ve been drooling over shooting with a complete underwater rig, but I’d have to drop $10,000 USD to even get close to the setup he has! One day Kevin 
I recommend a visit to Kevin’s blog where you can see even more killer imagery…. Like this one:
So be sure to check out Underwater Bridal Photographer, Kevin Beasley
Anybody have any thoughts for Kevin? Comments? I’m keeping my eye on him for sure, great motivation!
Cheers,
Matt
Wow, I’ve finally found something that makes me want to own a pool! I never thought that would occur…these are really amazing, thanks for the write up about Kevin!
These are amazing. What a great idea for something different. Awesome photos!
Kevin, what amazing pictures.
To think what you can do with a disposable camera from Wal-Mart and a snorkle.
Kidding, but your shots boggle the mind.
Too bad the photogs on “The Shot” didn’t see this post in order to get some great ideas. These pictures are gorgeous!
Eric Rudd
Tell me about hot stuff, I enjoy being motivated by images that are completely out of this world, such as these!
great work Kevin,
Matt
AWESOME stuff….your wife must be so proud of you. =)
WOW! Amazing!
I love these images. I would like to know a little about how you worked your lights if you can share?
As one of Kevin’s UW clients, I can personally say that this is an amazing experience. Sometimes I just stare in awe at the results of hours in a pool and a wet dress. The pictures are even more amazing when it’s you in the photo.
Matt: I share the same passion as you-thanks.
Mildred: Can you ask a specific question about the lighting. I tried to explain as best I could about how I shoot it.
BTW: Anna is probably one of the most courageous and driven UW brides I have photographed. Her image is featured last on this post.
Anna was the first to agree to shoot UW (a big deal since nothing like this had never been done before). She braved the harshest conditions and came through with amazing results! She is one of those clients that allows one to move past the norm and into the extraordinary.
Now this is totally taking TTD to another level!
this is art
Kevin is an incredible photographer with so much passion for his work- his patience and creative vision allow for amazing shoots with his brides- GREAT JOB KEVIN!!
superb photos totally original
I used to work for Kevin and actually assisted in some of these shoots. Kevin is truly passionate about what he does, as well being good at it. Anyone these days can pick up or go buy a nice camera, but it takes real skill and knowledge, along with his passion to do what Kevin does.
The decendents of these brides will think that their great-great-grandmothers were nuts. I believe these image say more about the photographer than the brides being portrayed, which is not what this business is all about. Should I pack my bride in a NASA suit and snap her floating around in space? If these are the kinds of remedies Kevin believes makes good photographs, he has definately smoked too much.
Jag, I think you are missing the point and that your are extremely jaded with your opinion, for some reason. If I take what you said literally and looked at my grandmother’s photos underwater in her dress, I would be carrying that cool story around on my hip ready to tell anyone and everyone of the amazing adventures of my grandma! I think its rather exciting!
Nasa suit…hey, that sounds interesting. If you know Kevin at all, I’m sure you would take back in a SECOND that you said he smokes a lot of drugs, which is what your post was insinuating. I’m sure he will find that pretty insulting.
Next time you have something as negative and mean to bring to the table, howsa bout dropping us a link to your magic artwort to show US how its really done!
If you don’t identify yourself with and email or website next time you post a nasty comment, we will delete your comment.
We have a bride that wants to do this. She wants to do it before her wedding though. When you took your brides into the pool did it ruin their dresses? She is really concered about that.
Thanks
Rachel
Rachel:
The shoot will not ruin the dress at all. When your’re finished just wash it out well with water from an ordinary garden hose. Just make sure it does not touch the ground upon exiting the pool, lake, swamp, etc (wink wink).
As for shooting before the wedding . . . I would and do recommend waiting until after. It is more of a what if that could spoil the dress. You know something unforeseen happening.