Business Details
Underwater Portrait Studio in Long Beach, CA
At Brett Stanley Underwater Photographer, we specialize in creating unforgettable underwater portrait experiences that blend artistry and innovation. Founded by award-winning underwater photographer Brett Stanley, our studio in Long Beach, California, offers a unique fusion of technical expertise and creative vision. With over a decade of experience in underwater photography, Brett has pioneered custom equipment and techniques to transform submerged sessions into magical, dreamlike moments. Our team prioritizes client comfort, offering personalized guidance from outfit selection to breath-hold coaching, ensuring even non-swimmers feel at ease.Recognized globally for groundbreaking work like the Underwater Pole Dance series, we combine technical mastery with artistic storytelling to deliver images that transcend conventional photography. From conceptual sets like the Cloud Room to dynamic aerial performances, we craft bespoke experiences that capture the surreal beauty of underwater movement. Our commitment to quality is reflected in published work featured by Cosmopolitan, ABC News, and international photography magazines, while our client-centric approach ensures every session remains an accessible, transformative journey.
Services
Underwater Portraits
Pole Photography
Cloud Room Sessions
Mirror Room Experiences
Group Shoots
Bespoke Set Design
Breath-Hold Coaching
Underwater Makeup
Fine Art Prints
Behind-the-Scenes Video
Highlights and features
- We offer 10+ years of specialized underwater photography expertise
- Our team developed custom waterproof radio trigger housing technology
- Award-winning photographer with global media recognition
- Proven techniques for non-swimmer comfort and safety
- Innovative sets including Cloud Room and Mirror Room environments
What people say
Professional and helpful photographer
Beautiful images
Fantastic experience
Calming nature
Breathtaking photos
Services
Underwater Portraits
Our signature underwater portrait sessions transform the aquatic environment into a living studio. With specialized breath-hold coaching and customized lighting techniques, we create ethereal images that capture movement and emotion. Clients receive personalized theme consultation and professional editing to produce gallery-quality prints that showcase their unique underwater presence.
Pole & Aerials
This dynamic package combines acrobatic performance with underwater artistry. We provide professional apparatuses for pole, trapeze, hoop, or silks performances while capturing dramatic angles in our 9ft deep pool. The session includes specialized lighting and multiple costume changes to highlight aerial movements in a submerged environment.
Cloud Room
Our exclusive Cloud Room transforms underwater space into a surreal atmosphere. Using custom-built floating cloud structures, this package creates dreamlike compositions that defy conventional photography. The session includes full creative direction and post-production editing to enhance the ethereal quality of submerged cloud imagery.
Mirror Room
This innovative package utilizes strategically positioned floating mirrors to create infinite reflections and unique perspectives. The session captures dynamic interactions between light, water, and reflective surfaces, producing visually complex images that emphasize movement and spatial distortion in the underwater environment.
Breath-Hold Coaching
Our specialized coaching prepares clients for underwater sessions regardless of swimming ability. Through guided meditation and breathing exercises, we teach safe breath-hold techniques that enhance comfort and control during submerged photography sessions, ensuring both safety and artistic expression.
People
Brett Stanley
Underwater Photographer
Award-winning underwater photographer with 10+ years of experience creating innovative submerged imagery. Inventor of custom waterproof radio trigger housing technology, featured in international media outlets including Cosmopolitan and ABC News. Specializes in transforming underwater environments into artistic spaces.
Questions
What underwater photography packages do you offer?
We offer seven themed packages including Light & Ethereal, Pole & Aerials, Cloud Room, Dark & Moody, Sunken Garden, Mirror Room, and Deluxe. Each includes professional editing, themed backgrounds, and personalized coaching.
Can non-swimmers participate in underwater sessions?
Yes, our studio pool has a 3ft shallow end and we provide breath-hold coaching. Most clients have no swimming experience, and our photographer's calming approach ensures comfort for all skill levels.
What equipment do you use for underwater photography?
We use professional underwater camera systems and custom-built waterproof radio trigger housing technology. Our equipment supports both still photography and lighting setups for optimal underwater image quality.
How are underwater photos edited?
All packages include professional retouching for print-ready images. We enhance color balance, clarity, and composition while maintaining natural aesthetics. Deluxe package clients receive additional editing options.
Can I bring my own underwater equipment?
Yes, we accommodate personal apparatuses for pole or aerial sessions. Our studio also provides professional-grade equipment including poles, trapezes, hoops, and silks for use during photography sessions.
