Photos of the Week


Eye-Catching Portraits and Photos of the Week for Jan. 8

January 8, 2024

By Hillary Grigonis

The beach is a popular backdrop for portraits, but photographing people in the water creates a connection between the person and the environment. While getting wet often enhances a photograph, shooting in the water presents a unique set of challenges. Often, working with the water means the photographer has one chance to get the shot before clothes are wet and ruined — not to mention keeping gear dry. This week, we feature five water portraits from Christy Vatter, Erin Maynard, Eleonora Ferolla, Heather K. Purdy, and Kelly Munce.

Christy Vatter, Christy Renee Photography

© Christy Renee Photography

Taking photos beneath the waves adds drama to a portrait — but comes with a long list of challenges. Christy Vatter of Christy Renee Photography captured this shot underwater in the Florida Keys. While she’s long been inspired by the ocean, she only recently started taking her camera underwater, using a Canon R6 and a 15mm lens inside AquaTech housing for water portraits.

“This shoot was a bit challenging as it was only my third time photographing with my underwater housing,” she says. “My struggle is getting the right shot, with the best lighting, and best angle before losing my breath and needing to come up for air. My model also has to come up for air so between the two of us we only have 10 – 20 seconds to get the shot.”

Erin Maynard, Erin Maynard Photography

© Erin Maynard Photography

The crashing waves add drama and motion to this couple’s portrait by Erin Maynard of Erin Maynard Photography. The photographer was inspired by the movement and power of the waves that highlighted the power of the couple’s connection. Interacting with the breathtaking location, she says, creates a more enhanced image. She captured the shot with the Canon R6 and a 35mm lens.

“Taking water portraits can be intimidating when you are carrying around thousands of dollars of equipment,” she says. “As I am shooting, I am staying alert to the tide. I want to keep myself safe as well as my couples. Once I feel comfortable,  I forego keeping warm and dry and get my shot. Usually, my favorite shots are the ones I had to sacrifice a little extra for.”

Eleonora Ferolla, Eleonora Ferolla Photography

© Eleonora Ferolla Photography

Immersing the couple in the water rather than having them just stand near it emphasizes the location in this image by Eleonora Ferolla of Eleonora Ferolla Photography. Shooting at this Fjord required a lot of advanced planning in order to avoid crowds. Shooting in the coolness of October as well as the steep staircase required to get to the fjord added to the challenges. Ferolla captured the shot with the Nikon Z6 II and the Sigma Art 35mm f1.4.

“Capturing portraits in the sea presents its own set of challenges,” she says. “When taking pictures in the water, once the clothes get wet, there’s no turning back. That’s why it’s essential to meticulously plan each photo at every step.”

Heather K. Purdy

© Heather K. Purdy

This photograph by Heather K. Purdy (@heatherkpurdy) was inspired by the couple’s love story. She used the swirling water and the couple’s connection to represent how the rest of the world seems to fade away when they are together. “This is one of the reasons I stress working with couples who really believe in your creative vision,” she says, “as when I told them my idea . . . they didn’t hesitate and just said: We trust you!” Purdy captured the shot with the Nikon Z6 II and Nikkor 28mm f1.4 lens with an adapter.

“This was taken on an elopement in Northern California, so the water was chilly,” Purdy said. “Just like in life, my couple was able to tune out the water by focusing solely on each other. They matched their breathing to have a moment of pure connection. It is also key to have the shot fully actualized in your mind before getting you and your couple in the water! You have one shot, so you had better have a really clear idea of exactly what you are wanting to compose. I made sure I was in the exact spot and position I wanted when the wave came and kept shooting as the wave crested and crashed over them.”

Kelly Munce, Heart Dogs

© Kelly Munce

On this family shoot celebrating the daughter’s first birthday, the family wanted to include their first four-legged baby, Dozer, as well. Kelly Munce of Heart Dogs captured the family interacting at the beach for the occasion with the family’s interaction with both each other and the water creating a memorable image. She captured the shot with the Canon R6 II and a 35mm lens.

“To be honest, this particular session was an absolute breeze,” Munce says. “The only challenge we had was an off-leash dog constantly running over wanting to play with the ball.” 

Dig into our Photo of the Day archives for even more timeless photoseye-catching wedding photos and portraits. Submit your wedding, editorial, documentary and other interesting imagery to: [email protected].

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