Transformational Underwater
Portrait
in Chicago
I don’t capture the moment.
I create one… with
YOUR PASSION
Why underwater?
The weightless world beneath the surface frees you from limits, inviting you to feel radiant, fearless, and fully alive. Each session is more than a photoshoot—it’s a powerful experience that reveals your beauty, strength, and transformation in timeless art you’ll cherish forever.
— 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
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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.
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Your investment is tailored to your artistic vision.
• Session Fee – $610
• Underwater Modeling Coaching – $250 (A must for first-time clients)Add-Ons:
• Extra Look/Outfit – $160 per hour
• Extra Safety Assistant – $60 per hour (Recommended for long train dress photoshoot)
• Mini documentary/Behind-the-Scenes Video Reel: 3 min - $490; 1.5 min – $290.Wall Art & Products:
The price of framed prints, albums, and digital collections depends on size, material, and display style. Starts at $290Most clients invest between $1,500 and $10,000, selecting a collection that celebrates their transformation with breathtaking artwork displayed in multiple formats.
Underwater Modeling Training
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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.
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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
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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.
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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?
Your Transformational Underwater Portrait — Step by Step
1. Design Your Vision
You don’t need a concept. Share a feeling, intention, or goal, and together we’ll design a powerful underwater vision—from colors and wardrobe to movement and poses.
Begin with a conversation.
2. Feel Confident & Prepared
Before the actual photoshoot, you’ll enter the water for gentle, guided breath-hold practice and simple underwater posing. This preparation phase allows you to relax, feel safe, and move confidently once the camera comes out.
Confidence comes first.
3. Create Your Artwork
Enjoy your guided underwater photoshoot, then review and select your favorite images for professional fine-art finishing and production—transforming your experience into artwork you’ll proudly display.
Turn your transformation into art.
FAQ
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
Ready to Step Into Your Transformation?
This is more than a photoshoot—it’s an intentional experience designed to help you feel confident, powerful, and fully yourself. No prior underwater experience is required—only curiosity and a willingness to explore something new.
Book your underwater portrait consultation today and begin your transformation.
Your journey starts with a simple conversation.
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…
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![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
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![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
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![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
