just returned from san diego late last night and to say it was magical would be an understatement. i photographed a ton and was able to get together with some incredible friends.
i was commissioned by my sweet friend, terrie, to do her maternity and newborn photos (it just so happens that my july trip to san diego works perfectly with her due date). since she’s a friend and a photographer, i knew she would be game for pretty much anything. so i threw the idea of underwater photos at her — and game she was. then i asked my dear friend and partner-in-crime, leah, if she would be interested in shooting too — and game she was. together, leah and i, collaborated and photographed terrie in leah’s pool and later that evening, in the most magical field, in orange.
the following day, i photographed terrie and her family at pacific beach pier, which was so fun but crazy cold — i ended up completely soaked and covered in sand.
shooting underwater…i felt this renewed spirit with my photography. and even with myself. i’m not sure i can fully explain it but my heart is so happy and inspired by the possibility of shooting more underwater photography and offering it to my clients. my dream, wish, hope, desire is to purchase underwater housing shortly after we arrive in tampa and just go for it. shooting underwater is not exactly easy but i love it so…and can’t wait!! what a perfect place to offer underwater photography — the warm and beautiful waters of tampa, florida. woot! woot!
note: terrie and i have a special bond. both our oldest children are deaf with cochlear implants, which is how we originally met (years ago, at an auction to benefit a deaf | hard-of-hearing organization). terrie’s second son is hearing and her baby girl on-the-way is going to be deaf. this is what terrie shared with me after seeing the image below, which left me with a lump in my throat and tears in my eyes. love you terrie — for all your strength, kindness, passion, determination and beauty!! you are one amazing lady!
I look at this and it is such a symbol of strength for me. Knowing what this baby will go through with her hearing loss, knowing how strong she will have to be, how strong I’ll have to be for her and my family, how much she will lean on me as she becomes a woman. love that I’m standing tall and strong and ready to bring my babe into the world and face it together—-oh how i love this photo!!!!
hoping to share more field photos tomorrow. my heart is so happy!
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These are just wonderful, Deb.
These are gorgeous Deb! I love the underwater shots. Did you buy/rent underwater housing? I’m looking into getting something for my son’s swim meets.
breathtaking. simply gorgeous.
deb, have you shot underwater before? wondered what would inspire you to try it now.
How fun! I recently did an underwater maternity session and fell in love with the process. Beautiful work, as usual.
How inspiring! Absolutely stunning. Dont you just love when you get a new fresh idea? The happiness you feel is exhilarating. Congratulations on your new found inspiration!
Wow! Amazing!
BEAUTIFUL SHOTS!!!! Looks like a lot of fun!!!
These are all just beautiful, Deb. What a perfect evolution for your move to Florida! I’m excited for you!
Gorgeous and so powerful. I have loved all your lensbaby work; I can’t wait to see what you do with underwater next!
Oh Deb, these are absolutely stunning… some of your best work yet! Did you rent underwater housing for this shoot?
these are so stunning Deb. You did an amazing job!
Love, Love, LOVE the pool images! Really beautiful!
These are all absolutely stunning!
gorgeous Deb. I love how dreamy and emotive they are.
beautiful! love the underwater shots!
These are gorgeous Deb. You are so so talented. I always feel like I can ‘feel’ your images… which is the best way to experience an image, in my opinion.
My interest in piqued but I understand if you don’t have time to answer. My question is, how do doctors know of deafness before the child is born?
I agree that these images are AMAZING. I’m dying to know what lens and housing you used!
thank you to all for the kind words.
@jamie, her first child is deaf and they discovered that he is deaf because of mutation of the connexin 26 gene. the mom had an amnio and they discovered that the girl has the same connexin 26 mutation.
@ bree, ingrid & holly, yes, everything was rented by my client — 5D, underwater housing and lens. the entire system was like a tank — solid and heavy. it’s the same underwater equipment that national geographic rents | uses.
i love those pictures that are half in the water. they are truly singular.
and that last image, coupled with knowing the struggle that lies ahead, is just incredibly moving.
*sigh.*
I ♥ the shots under the pier! And the words from the mother and the last shot made me quiver.
unbelievable shots and story! being an interpreter for the deaf, I share the same lump in my throat. such a feeling to them all. like all of your stuff!!!! smooch!
They can do some amazing things these days! My sweet 5 year old niece just got her 2nd “magic ear” and it’s amazing how she can talk!!! Her little brother was just born this morning and we are awaiting hearing screening : )
beautiful work! Blessings in your journey!
Lovely! Absolutely gorgeous
I have always wanted to do a similar kind of thing and almost bought underwater housing last year – it just opens up possibilities times a zillion
xox
Just gorgeous!! Are you willing to share where you took the field photos? I have a request for field photos, and I’m searching everywhere for a great spot! melissa @ mtaylorphoto.com Thanks so much!
hi melissa,
i have no clue where the field was. i don’t even know what city i was in. the only thing i know is that we were about an hour from milwaukee. i stayed with a friend, who drove me to the field. and terri was the one that found the field.
Absolutely stunning. I love your work. You are an inspiration.
Deb I truly love tracing back your steps at when your first tried underwater photography xxxx You are an inspriing woman!