How to Become a Scuba Model
Scuba modeling isn't for everyone. But if you're a certified scuba diver or plan to become certified, love being underwater, are physically fit and reasonably attractive, becoming a scuba model can be a fun and rewarding hobby. While underwater photographers often hire scuba models, the demand and compensation typically aren't high enough to make a full-time career out of scuba modeling. However, it's a way to supplement your income doing something you love, and pays off in free underwater time and professional photographs for your photo album or portfolio.
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Things You'll Need
- Scuba-diving certification
- Scuba mask with snorkel
- Scuba fins
- Wet suit
- Weight belt and weights
- Buoyancy control device (BCD) vest with pressure gauge
- Regulator with alternate air source
- Underwater camera
- Underwater modeling portfolio
Instructions
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Instructions
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Get certified. If you don't already have your scuba-diving certification, find an internationally recognized diving agency, such as PADI or NAUI, in your area and sign up for classes. You'll need at least a recreational-diver rating, which is the first scuba certification level.
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After you're certified, spend lots of time in the water in full dive gear, mastering buoyancy control and perfecting your underwater movements. Learn how to position yourself over underwater objects, using only your breathing to hover and move slowly up and down. Glide through the water using only your fins to start and stop quickly but effortlessly. Practice focusing on underwater objects without staring, and get comfortable maintaining a position for several minutes . If you don't have a pool or lake to practice in, make arrangements with a local dive shop for some pool time.
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Log as many dives as you can in as many kinds of conditions as possible---varying water temperatures and depths, with and without currents, in salt water and in fresh. Practice hand signals with your dive buddy so you're prepared to communicate with photographers underwater. Continue to work on buoyancy control and underwater movement techniques on every dive.
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Invest in an underwater camera and take practice shots with a friend or amateur photographer behind the lens. Compare your pictures to professional photographs such as those in the Divers Gallery on Sublimescubaphotography.com, then work on your movements, poses and expressions until they feel natural and it shows on camera.
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Find an underwater photographer and create a professional portfolio. Ask local dive centers, modeling agencies and scuba-diving forums for recommendations. While you're talking to them, inquire about job opportunities and upcoming scuba shoots. Remember to take your portfolio on your next dive vacation in case you find a location shoot in need of a scuba model.
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Tips & Warnings
Buy good-quality, well-fitting dive gear. Even if some photographers provide dive equipment, you'll want your own for pool work and practice dives. You'll also be more comfortable and therefore more relaxed and "camera friendly" in your own gear.
You don't need a dive computer or compass. While these items are recommended for recreational divers, for scuba modeling you can get by without them.
Even with proper training, scuba diving is an adventure sport and carries inherent risks such as injuries from pressure changes and marine life.
Before you give up your day job to become a scuba model, be sure you're cut out for this type of work. You must truly love the water and maintain a positive attitude in less-than-optimal conditions for extended periods of time.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit raywatching image by Christian Schoettler from Fotolia.com
