Hollywood-Style Underwater Portrait Photography, Based in Chicago.
Transformative fine art photoshoots and expert underwater training, even for non-swimmers.
Why underwater?
Creating an underwater portrait is a freeing experience that lets people break away from traditional limits. The water makes movement smooth, allowing for a graceful and unrestricted expression. This setting promotes openness and honesty, as subjects dive into a stunning world that shows their true beauty. The mix of light, water, and emotions forms an engaging environment for exploring one’s identity and inner strength.
— Anatoliy Pak, underwater photography artist
Conceptual Portraits
Experience a mesmerizing journey of creativity with our luxury underwater portraits, crafted to elegantly reflect your individual narrative. We invite you to collaborate with us in transforming your artistic vision into exquisite underwater imagery that resonates deeply and endures over time. Explore more about this enchanting process and let’s make magic together.
Maternity Portraits
Maternity portraits celebrate life, beauty, and motherhood. Every curve and glow tells a story worth capturing. Our underwater sessions offer a serene backdrop to enhance this transformative time. Let us help you immortalize your experience with stunning visuals that reflect your strength and grace. Discover how we can create unforgettable memories together. Click to learn more!
Mermaid Portraits
Unleash your imagination and step into a world where dreams come alive. Book your Mermaid portrait session today for a visual narrative that captures your essence beneath the waves. Connect with us now to embark on your enchanting journey into underwater artistry. Experience the magic of transformation as you become one with the water, creating a timeless piece of art that celebrates your uniqueness.
Services
Underwater Photoshoot
-
Free Discovery Phone Call – Get to know the process and ask any questions.
Pre-Production Consultation (online video call) – Plan your shoot in detail.
Underwater Breath-Hold & Posing Training – Learn techniques to shine underwater.
Water Safety Assistant – Ensuring a safe and comfortable experience.
2 Hour Underwater Photoshoot.
1-2 Looks/Outfits – Based on your skill level.
Real-Time Preview on a 24” Full-Color Monitor – See your shots as they happen.
Culling and Products ordering session - Review your top images, make final selections, and complete your artwork and product order.
-
Your investment is tailored to your artistic vision.
• Session Fee – $610
• Underwater Modeling Coaching – $250 (recommended for first-time clients)Optional Add-Ons:
• Extra Look/Outfit – $160 per hour
• Extra Safety Assistant – $60 per hour
• Behind-the-Scenes Video Reel (1.5 min) – $250Wall Art & Products:
The price of framed prints, albums, and digital collections depends on size, material, and display style.Typical total investment ranges from $1,500 to $10,000, with most clients choosing a collection that holds the memory of a transformation they’ll never forget.
Underwater Modeling Training
-
Underwater Modeling Coaching is the ideal starting point for underwater imagery. Suitable for all skill levels, this private training builds confidence above and below water. You'll learn water safety, breath control, body movement, posing, and working with light and camera. One-on-one sessions provide focused attention for quick learning, helping you unlock your potential and create stunning underwater visuals.
-
Private underwater modeling training starts at $250 per hour. Each session is tailored to your needs and experience, focusing on safety, breath control, posing, and comfort. Enjoy one-on-one guidance to accelerate your progress for underwater photoshoots. Packages and multi-session rates are available.
PADI Mermaid and Freediving Certification
-
If you dream of moving gracefully through water, PADI certification makes that dream a reality. You'll learn breath-holding, safety, and underwater control, whether exploring coral reefs or embodying a mermaid. This training builds confidence to dive deeper and connect with the water safely. Start your underwater journey on a solid foundation.
-
Both group and private certification classes are available. The price for a group class starts from $250, while private classes begin at $300. Participants can choose the setting that best suits their learning style and preferences.
How it works?
-
Begin your journey toward capturing your most beautiful underwater moments by filling out the contact form. Let us collaborate to create a breathtaking portrait that celebrates your unique beauty and inner power through an exciting cinematic experience with me!
-
In the phone call, I will answer your questions about the luxury underwater portraits, from booking to the final reveal. I’ll explain you the pricing range for various steps of the process to help you establish realistic expectations. I’ll also go over the photoshoot experience to make sure you feel comfortable and excited about working with me.
-
This is the time to meet in person or via live video call where we will delve into your project's artistic concept and explore essential preparation steps. We will discuss final product options, detailed pricing, and all necessary logistics to ensure a seamless experience. This collaborative session is an essential step for bringing your vision to life while addressing any questions you may have.
-
After we discussed the project, you’ll participate in a one-hour underwater breath hold and posing coaching session designed to equip you with essential skills for your upcoming photoshoot. You will learn techniques to stay safe and comfortable while maximizing your stunning presence underwater. Our personalized guidance ensures you feel confident and prepared to shine in your luxury portrait experience.
-
This is a moment of truth where artistry converges beneath the surface, capturing the essence of beauty and strength. As poses intertwine with ethereal costumes, lights dance playfully, revealing the emotional depth and spirit of the subject, while thoughtfully chosen props enhance the narrative. Every element harmonizes to create a breathtaking masterpiece that transcends the ordinary, celebrating your power in a mesmerizing underwater realm.
-
Now let's see and pick the best images that will transform into epic wall arts. We carefully review each photograph, analyzing their composition, lighting, and emotional impact, ensuring that they resonate with the essence of beauty and confidence. Once you've selected the standout images, I refine them further to highlight their unique qualities, readying them for a stunning final presentation.
-
The hardest part of your creative experience is the impatient wait for the final results, where excitement and anticipation intertwine. Each image holds the promise of capturing your unique beauty and confidence, making the wait feel even more thrilling. To complete your life changing experience we offer a professional installation of your masterpiece to make it stunning a display at your space.
-
And this is it - The beginning of a transformative journey, where each day serves you as a reminder of your innate strength, grace, and breathtaking beauty. Embrace the opportunity to celebrate who you are, allowing your confidence to shine brightly. As you delve deeper into this experience, you'll discover new dimensions of yourself that inspire and empower you daily.
About
Anatoliy is an underwater photographer and videographer, PADI Mermaid and Freediving Instructor, and certified Mermaid Instructor Trainer. As the founder and lead instructor of Mermaid Swim Club, he combines his passion for underwater movement with a love for music, theater, dance, and cinema to create empowering, visually striking imagery. His interests in oriental medicine and martial arts bring a deep awareness of breath, body, and energy to both his artistic and instructional work. Anatoliy’s work celebrates beauty, strength, and transformation beneath the surface. Read more…
-
![Underwater mermaid in flowing tail illuminated by dramatic beam of light, evoking fantasy and serenity]()
“I had the absolute pleasure of working with Anatoliy Underwater Arts for my first-ever underwater still photography session”
Shannon Hook
-
![Underwater portrait of young woman in golden dress striking powerful pose toward the surface, symbolizing strength and transformation]()
“The dress color came out exactly how I imagined it!”
Kyyles Rainy
-
![Underwater maternity portrait of young pregnant woman in flowy gown with serene, peaceful expression]()
“I just wanted to capture this special moment in my life—and it turned into something unforgettable…”
Polina Pak
FAQ
-
An underwater photoshoot offers a unique opportunity to capture stunning imagery that emphasizes grace and fluidity, creating a striking contrast with traditional portrait photography. This immersive experience allows individuals to express their beauty and confidence in a captivating environment, showcasing their personality in an artistic manner. Additionally, the ethereal quality of underwater settings adds a dreamlike element, transforming each photograph into a cherished work of art.
-
You don’t need to know how to swim to capture stunning underwater images. Our experienced team specializes in creating a safe and comfortable environment, allowing you to float effortlessly while we focus on bringing out your beauty. With the right guidance, coaching and support, even non-swimmers can enjoy a breathtaking underwater portrait experience.
-
Holding your breath for just 10 to 15 seconds is more than enough to create dynamic underwater images, allowing you to capture stunning poses and expressions. You can stay just under the surface to ensure a relaxed and confident look. Participating in underwater breath hold and posing session beforehand will make your experience smooth and enjoyable.
-
For some, the thought of holding their breath can be uncomfortable, and we completely understand that. With my extensive experience in teaching mermaids and freedivers since 2018, I can assure you that you'll feel safe, comfortable, and confident in the water. Together, we will create stunning poses and movements that celebrate your beauty.
-
Underwater maternity portraits elevate the beauty of pregnancy to an extraordinary level, capturing the ethereal glow of motherhood in a unique aquatic setting. As you glide through the water, the sensation of weightlessness transforms your movements, allowing for stunning poses that may feel unattainable on land. The magic unfolds best between 28 and 38 weeks gestation, showcasing that beautiful, round belly at its most radiant.
-
PADI certification classes offer the most optimal pathway to acquire essential knowledge and skills for safe and enjoyable underwater swimming. Each course is designed to empower you with the confidence needed to explore aquatic environments responsibly. As a certification serves as proof of your qualifications, you'll be recognized as an educated underwater swimmer, ready to embrace new adventures.