IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO BE ADDED TO THE LIST PLS FILL OUT & PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING IN YOUR REPLY:

[url*=your MM URL]your MM name[/*url] ~ your location

~ Whether you are experienced or not in the underwater world, Pls feel free to ask me any questions regarding the subject, this is an open topic for those interested in UW work ~

***************************** LINKED BANNER *****************************

To add the "Underwater Models" linked banner (similar to the one above), cut & paste the code below to your bio section (be sure to remove the (*) from both url & img):

[u*rl=http://www.modelmayhem.com/po.php?thread_id=449215&page=][i*mg]http://i118.photobucket.com/albums/o113/tarachin/Decorated%20images/Underwater-3-1-2-1-1.jpg[/i*mg][/u*rl]

************************* NOTE FOR UW BABIES/MODELS *************************

- (AM NO LONGER ACCEPTING NOVICES) The title "Novice", implies the model has not yet done underwater work but is a natural water baby. *** THOSE WHO ARE CURRENTLY NOVICES, PLS INFORM ME WHEN YOU HAVE WORK UP SO THAT I MAY CHANGE YOUR TITLE***
- The title "Experience", implies the model level is anywhere from beginner up to advanced, it means that the model has done at least ONE underwater shoot.
- The title "Professional", implies the model does UW work as a career/profession and/or on a regular basis. (pls inform me if you do this for a living, Im not psychic...or am I?...muahahah )
- Show us your work so we can see your progress... its fun to see a model grow
- DETAILED UW INFO BELOW LIST

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ POOL RENTALS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

If you have a pool you wish to rent, send me a msg/comment stating:

- The location
- Size
- Shape
- Depth
- Heated
- Pool color
- Whether the pool is salt water, chlorinated or purified
- Seasonal/day availability
- Any additional info

I will then add it here with a link to your profile/website, thank you.[/b]

NOTE: I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR ANY LIABILITY MATTERS, DAMAGES, ACCIDENTS, ETC. THIS SECTION HAS BEEN MADE HELP OTHERS FIND POOLS IN THEIR AREA, IT IS YOUR RESPONSIBILITY AS A POOL OWNER TO HAVE INSURANCE AND/OR HAVE THE NECESSARY LIABILITY/LEGAL DOCUMENTATION BEFORE A SHOOT IS BOOKED. THANK YOU.
________________________________________________________

~ CALIFORNIA ~

- Contact: Fathom Films ([email protected])
- Location: Woodside, Ca. (Between San Francisco and San Jose)
- Size: 18' wide x 38' long - 40,000 gallons
- Shape: Rectangle
- Depth: 12.5 Ft continuous after 4' wide x 4' deep shelf
- Heated: Solar, heat pump and gas kept about 88 degrees in summer
- Pool color: Black
- Water: Ozone with light clorination and dual filter systems
- Availability: All Year
- Additional info: On site scuba compressor and gear, hookah systems,   
  full uw lighting systems available. Must sign liability form before shoot
  and show proof of certification to use scuba. Large parking area
  available behind studio.

- Contact: Tarachin
- Location: Escondido, CA (near San Diego)
- Size: Roughly 18x18 feet wide
- Shape: "L" shape
- Depth: 7 ft (15,000 gallons), 3 ft on the shallow end
- Heated: No
- Pool color: Baby blue, almost white
- Water: chlorinated
- Availability: During the summer
- Additional info: Must sign liability form before shoot

~ FLORIDA ~

- Contact: Blu Angel
- Location: Jacksonville, FL in Neptune Beach
- Size: Spprox 24 x 8 x 8
- Shape: Squirly-looking oval
- Depth: 8'
- Heated: Yes, Solar
- Pool color: blue with hand-painted tile - see my pics
- Water: Slow-release chlorinated
- Availability: Available year-round day or night
- Additional info : it's a beautiful pool; screened in; completely private; steps away from the master bedroom and bathroom; tiled hot tub attached; View pictures in port.

- Contact: Eric J Ducharme
- Location: Florida (Able to travel for additional cost)
- Size: 8'x 4'x 4'
- Shape: Rectangular
- Depth: 4'
- Heated: Yes
- Pool color: Acrylic rectangular aquarium. Viewable all the way around.
- Water: Fresh water and can be purified.
- Availability: Please book us anytime!
- Additional info: Underwater speakers are available for additional cost!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ UW COACHES, TUTORS & MORE ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

(Pls inform me if your an UW tutor or have any other extra UW credentials, I will add you to this section as well)

Cal Mero ~ Melbourne ~ Credentials:
Marine biologist (BSc Hons 1st class)
International award winning underwater photographer
Underwater wildlife & model photography coach (Australia)
PADI Dive master (300+ dives. Experienced coldwater diver)
Senior 1st aid & certified oxygen delivery

CATHAL TWOMEY Fashion T ~ Worldwide ~ Credentials:
Pose Tutor, Coach 3yrs
UW Videographer 3yrs
UW Photographer 3yrs
PADI Open water Scuba Instructor 15yrs
Emergency First Response Instructor 3yrs
CPR/ First Aid- Infant, Child/Adult 3yrs
Details on request
Available to travel
PM for rates

MMP Studios ~ Lakeland, Florida ~ Credentials:
Underwater coach or tutor: Over 200 Models trained to work underwater over the past three years.
Underwater Production Designer: 10 years
Underwater Director: 9 years
Underwater Filmmaker: 10 years
Underwater Producer: 10 years
Underwater Photographer: 12 years
Scuba Instructors on site overseeing any and all open water activities.

Tamee ~ Las Vegas, Nevada ~ Credentials:
Coach, Pose tutor
Scuba Certified Safety Diver
Underwater Performer 2yrs
Competitive Swimmer 14yrs
Olympic Swimmer 2000 Games
Certified First Aid, CPR and O2
Diving breathing techniques
Will travel with expenses covered
PM for rates

Tarachin ~ San Diego, Worldwide ~ Credencials:
Internationally Published model 12yrs
Underwater creative assistant/director 2yrs
Underwater Pose tutor, coach 1yr
Underwater choreographer 14yrs
Will be SCUBA certified in September
Will travel with expenses paid 
PM for rates

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ MERMAID/MERMAN TAILS ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

To purchase tails pls visit:

Fantasea Creatures
The Mertailor

~ Counties/States/Names in alphabetical order ~

~ (*) Worked with ~

____________________________ WORLDWIDE ______________________________

Caperucita Roja ~ Bangor, North Wales/Plymouth, Devon/Madrid, Spain, Gwynedd, Devon, Madrid (Experience)
Eric J Ducharme ~ Tampa, Florida, Worldwide (Professional)
Iryna Storozhuk ~ MIAMI, FLORIDA. Europe, Middle East, USA.  (Experience)
Joicel ~ CAVITE, PHILIPPINES, Cebu, Hong Kong, Singapore, Vietnam (Experience)
Reebound ~ CT, LA, MIA, CHI, New York (Novice)
Sharlene P Jackson ~ DUBAI, UAE, San Francisco, California (Experience)
Tarachin ~ SAN DIEGO BASED, CA, USA. ASIA, International, M'sia, S'pore (Professional)
Tina Macfarlane ~ VIRGINIA BEACH/Richmond/Washington DC, US. Cebu, S'pore, Hong Kong (Professional)

_______________________________ ASIA _________________________________

~ Malaysia ~

Nicky K ~ Kuala Lumpur, Penang, S,pore (Novice)

~ Japan ~

_akko_ ~ Tokyo and Kansai area (Novice)

____________________________ AUSTRALIA _______________________________

Anqi ~ Sydney, New South Wales (Experience)
Countess_Grotesque ~ Melbourne (Novice)
Disassosiation ~ Sunshine Coast & California (Professional)
Esh D ~ Melbourne, Victoria (Experience)
Hanah Fraser ~ New South Wales (Professional)
Kara Murphy~ Central Coast, New South Wales (Experience)
Lauralai de Lune ~ Brisbane, Queensland (Professional)
Lisa c m ~ Newcastle, New South Wales (Experience)
Saffron G ~ Melbourne (Experience)
Tara Burton ~ Brisbane (Experience)

_____________________________ CANADA _________________________________

Amethyst Fallen Angel ~ Montreal, Quebec (Experience)
Billie Prudence ~ Montreal, or everywhere else (Experience)
Christelle ~ Montréal, Québec, US, Quebec (Experience)
Denis C ~ Montreal, Quebec (Experience)
Ella Modella ~ Ottawa, Toronto, Montreal, LA, NY, Ontario  (Experience)
Emerald K ~ Kelowna, British Columbia  (Experience)
Flowerwire ~ Montréal, Quebec (Experience)
General K Mayhem ~ Montreal, Toronto, New York, Windsor, Detroit, Quebec  (Experience)
KatyaK ~ Ottawa, Montreal, Toronto, Quebec (Experience)
Keera Sama ~ Montreal, Quebec (Experience)
Kelleth ~ Toronto, Ontario (Experience)
Kim CrAne ~ Montréal/Toronto/USA, Quebec (Experience)
Mika Emme ~ Ontario (Experience)
Misschanel ~ Toronto (Experience)
PixieMini ~ Montreal, Quebec (Experience)
RobynB ~ Toronto, Ontario (Experience)

_________________________ CENTRAL AMERICA ____________________________

Brandi Mermaid ~ Belize (Experience)

_____________________________ EUROPE _________________________________

~ Germany ~

The Gymnast ~ Sprockhövel (Experience)

~ Greece ~

Kat Love ~ Athens (Experience)

~ Italy ~

Borbala Anna Stuber ~ Lecce (Novice)

~ Netherlands ~

Cheyboo ~ Numansdorp (Experience)
Hennai ~ Amsterdam, Paris, Dusseldorf, Netherlands (Experience)
Tin Tin ~ Arnhem (Experience)

~ Norway ~

Ane Mari ~ Oslo, Drammen (Experience)

~ Poland ~

Patrycja Poplonska ~ Łódź (Experience)

~ United Kingdom ~

Charlotte Janay Godfrey ~ King's Lynn, Norfolk (Experience)
Fifi Russo ~ London & Essex (Experience)
Isabelle Kirk ~ Cambridge (Novice)
Ivory Flame ~ London (Professional)
La Bella Durmiente ~ North Wales (Novice)
Ruby True ~ London, Brighton, Horsham, Sussex  (Experience)
Twisted Mermaid ~ Bristol (Experience)

__________________________ SOUTH AFRICA ______________________________

ClaireTaylor ~ Johannesburg, South Africa (Experience)

__________________________ UNITED STATES ______________________________

~ Alabama ~
~ Alaska ~

~ Arizona ~

Adrian Leigh ~ Phoenix (Experience)
Brandy Hope ~ Glendale (Experience)
Katy T ~ Chandler Blvd (Experience)
Lithuanian import ~ Queen Creek (Experience)
Mikaela Meredith ~ Tempe (Experience)
Mystk ~ Scottsdale (Experience)
Trina T ~ Scottsdale (Novice)

~ Arkansas ~

~ California ~

Alex-Marie ~ San Diego (Experience)
Amanda Redd ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
Ariss ~ Daly City (Experience)
BeautyIsACurse ~ San Jose (Novice)
Benzz ~ East Bay & San Francisco (Experience)
Camilla Maris ~ San Francisco (Novice)
Cassondra S ~ Ventura (Novice)
CatieKerris ~ Santa Barbara (Professional)
CeLLa B ~ Anaheim (Experience)
Chanonrf ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
Chantelle Gascoigne ~ San Diego (Experience)
Christen Jennifer ~ Los Angeles, South Carolina(Experience)
Clara Lala ~ Los Angeles, Riverside, OC, San Siego (Novice)
Clara Senida Leyba ~ Los Angeles & New York (Experience)
Cole Marie ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
Courtenay ~ Sacramento / Redwood City, California (Professional)
Darren Neville Simms ~ Redondo Beach (Experience)
Dollye ~ Los Angeles(Experience)
Drew ~ San Mateo (Experience)
Elley Sumaria ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
E R I N_ ~ San Francisco, Bay Area, Santa Cruz, sometimes L.A., California (Experience)
Esme Sophia ~ Sacramento (Novice)
ErinTheArtist ~ East Bay (Experience)
FemFatal ~ Oakland (Experience)
GoAskAlice ~ San Francisco, San Jose, Santa Cruz, Los Angeles (Experience)
Grace C ~ San Jose, SF Bay Area (Experience)
Hannah Bonno ~ Oceanside (Professional)
Heidi Gaines ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
Hybiscus ~ Los Angeles & San Diego (Professional)
H L Chong ~ Los Angeles & Orange County (Experience)
Jenna Moreci ~ San Francisco, San Mateo, San Carlos, San Jose (Experience)
Jennifer Victoria ~ San Diego (Professional)*
Jezebel72383 ~ Woodland (Professional)
Joanna Marie W ~ Los Angeles, Orange County (Experience)
Jules Hartley ~ Los Angeles (Experience)*
Julia Clare ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
Kai ~ Long Beach (Experience)
Kane Relik ~ Bay Area (Experience)
Katelyn Brown ~ Central Valley, LA & SF (Experience)
Katrina Sherwood ~ Gilroy (Experience)
Kelly Olszewski ~ San Jose (Experience)
Kinchii ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
Kindra Marie ~ San Diego (Experience)
Kira Renee ~ San Diego (Experience)
kristalynn1 ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
Latina Rose ~ San Francisco (Experience)
LindseyJoan ~ Santa Barbara (Professional)
Lory ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
LUKxury ~ Bay Area/UC Davis (Experience)
Lucinda Leigh ~ San Francisco (Novice)
Maenad ~ Santa Cruz (Professional)
Marie Shannon ~ Sacramento, San Fransisco, Santa Barbara, Los Angeles, San Diego (Experience)
Mary Nargis ~ Cupertino (Experience)
MeganElizabeth ~ Los Angeles & NYC (Professional)
MELmoore ~ Fairfield, San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, Oakland, San Jose (Experience)
Mimi Von Terror ~ Millbrae (Experience)
Miss Tarah Lee ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
Natalia Rogue ~ West Hollywood (Professional)
Natalya C ~ Bay Area (Experience)
N R C ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
Pegasusmaiden ~ Tracy, San Francisco, Sacramento, Davis (Professional)
Rayna ~ San Francisco (Experience)
Sahar Khadjenoury ~ Woodland Hills (Experience)
Sarah Z ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
Shannon Smith ~ Los Angeles (Experience)
Shika ~ Fresno (Experience)
Skinny Ashley ~ Santa Barbara, Brooklyn, NY (Experience)
Soma Stardust ~ SF Bay Area (Experience)
Stay C ~ Long Beach (Experience)
Stella Dean ~ Palos Verdes/Los Angeles (Experiance)
Steve Chen ~ Los Angeles (Professional)*
Stina C ~ Sacramento (Professional)
Terrie Hayes ~ Sacramento (Experience)
Venessa Estela ~ LA, NYC, BOSTON (Experience)
Wondr_Ant ~ San Francisco (Experience)

~ Colorado ~

Audren ~ Boulder/ Los Angeles (Experience)
Kylea Killeen ~ Denver (Experience)
MeganJK ~ All over (Experience)

~ Connecticut ~
~ Delaware ~

~ Florida ~

AleXXX Revolution ~ Fort Lauderdale (Experience)
Audrey Rose Lautrec ~ Boca Raton (Experience)
Blu Angel ~Jacksonville also Miami, Atlanta, Orlando (Experience)
BriannaG ~ Orlando (Professional)
Christine Marie ~ Tampa (Experience)
Curvy Krista ~ Boca Raton (Experience)
Cynthia Chebator ~ Florida, New York, California (Experience)
Iryna Storozhuk ~ Miami Beach (Experience)
Jessica Ann Zielske ~ Boca Raton, FL & Bronxville, NY (Experience)
Juliette Marshall ~ Orlando (Experience)
Kristin Happersett ~ Orlando (Experience)
Lady Dragonfly ~ Ft. Lauderdale (Experience)
Lady Miss Lola ~ Fort Lauderdale (Experience)
Lilianne B ~ Orlando (Experience)
Lindsey Buchanan ~ Orlando (Experience)
Nikki Howard ~ Boca Raton (Experience)
Penny London ~ Orlando (Experience)
SheilaMary ~ Orlando (Experience)
Stephy Baby ~ Key West (Experience)
Terpsichores Grace ~ Tampa (Experience)
Wenona ~ Daytona/Orlando (Experience)

~ Georgia ~

Kandiss Lewis ~ Villa Rica (Experience)
Kelly Nunn Martin ~ Atlanta (Experience)
Tanya Weaver ~ Atlanta (Experience)

~ Hawaii ~

Ailsa ~ Honolulu (Experience)
Alice Hiraga ~ Honolulu (Experience)
Alicya F ~ Waikele/North Shore (Experience)
Baby Jill ~ Hawaii based , Sacramento, Bay Area (Experience)
JRMZ ~ Oahu (Experience)
Lyndsay-Q ~ Kahului (Experience)
Manami ~ Honolulu (Experience)
Mariah Serine ~ Hawaii (Experience)
Rye-Lee ~ Honolulu (Experience)
Sarah Inouye ~ Kailua (Experience)

~ Idaho ~

Earthbound Misfit ~ Maridian (Novice)

~ Illinois ~

Brenda Kantha ~ Streamwood (Experience)
Immateria ~ Chicago (Experience)
O P H E L I A ~ Chicago / Washington D.C metro area (Experience)

~ Indiana ~

~ Iowa ~

Kristyn Davis ~ Tripoli (Novice)

~ Kansas ~
~ Kentucky ~

~ Louisiana ~

Missy W ~ New Orleans (Experience)

~ Maine ~

~ Maryland ~

psithurism ~ Towson (Experience)

~ Massachusetts ~

Abby Hawkins ~ Boston (Novice)
Felicia Sun ~ Newton (Novice)
Emily Griffin ~ Boston/Dublin (Experience)
Sasha-D ~ Hudson (Experience)

~ Michigan ~

Reven ~ Lansing (Experience)

~ Minnesota ~

AmySkye ~ Mankato (Novice)
Brooke Lynne ~ Suburbia (Experience) *

~ Mississippi ~

~ Missouri ~

Kammeron ~ Saint Louis (Experience)

~ Montana ~

Jannah C ~ Los Angeles & Missoula (Experience)

~ Nebraska ~

~ Nevada ~

Andrea Hathcock ~ Las Vegas (Experience)
Ania Merced ~ Vegas, Miami, Orlando (Experience)
GrumpyOldMan ~ Las Vegas (Experience)
Jami Lea ~ Las Vegas (Experience)
Maria Malachikhina ~ Las Vegas (Novice)
Marsel ~ Las Vegas (Experience)
Tamee ~ Las Vegas (Professional)
Twiggy Bladez ~ Henderson (Novice)

~ New Hampshire ~

~ New Jersey ~

JaimeLynn ~ Jersey Shore (Experience)
Jessi J ~ NYC, PA (Novice)

~ New Mexico ~

~ New York ~

Adedayo ~ Rochester (Experience)
Art Girl ~ Brooklyn (Novice)
Brigham Clancy ~ New York (Professional)
Cathy Masae ~ New York (Experience)
Cris Ashley ~ Buffalo (Novice)
Danalys Guzman ~ Bronx (Experience)
Dayna S ~ Lockport (Experience)
Janice Marie Foote ~ Staten Island/NYC (Novice)
Melissa Seitz ~ New York (Experience)
Ossuary ~ Saratoga Springs (Novice)
Ray Armstrong ~ NY, LA, ATL, San Francisco (Experience)
Rebecca24 ~ Elmira, NY (Novice)
Ree Ja ~ NY, LA, MIA, CT (Experience)
Roxanne Art ~ New York City (Experience)
Sienna Aldridge ~ New York (Experience)


~ North Carolina ~

Cari Best ~ Fayetteville
Kellivicious ~ Thomasville (Experience)
Lindsay Viveiros ~ Raleigh, Fort Bragg (Experience)
Rainbowfish ~ Chapel Hill (Novice)

~ North Dakota ~

~ Ohio ~

London Andrews ~ Cleveland (soon to be Austin, TX) (Experience)
Mara N ~ Columbus (Experience)
Talljules ~ Columbus (Novice)

~ Oklahoma ~

~ Oregon ~

Fred R ~ Portland (Novice)
Kassi DeLay ~ Eugene (Professional)
Nicki White ~ Lake Oswego (Novice)

~ Pennsylvania ~
~ Rhode Island ~

~ South Carolina ~

CourtneyB ~ Greenville (Experience)

~ South Dakota ~
~ Tennessee ~

~ Texas ~

AdamsImage ~ Dallas (Novice)
Amy Lynn Brown ~ Dallas (Experience)
Angela_Christine ~ Dallas Fort Worth Gainesville, Texas (Experience)
Aria Winter ~ Denton (Experience)
Ashley WW ~ Dallas (Experience)
Belladonna_dea ~ Houston (Experience)
Big A-Larger Than Life ~ Houston, NY, Chicago, South Florida (Experience)
Cat Alexander ~ DFW (Experience)
Cristi Cain ~ Houston (Experience)
Erin Nicole ~ Cleburne (Experience)
ErinXOXO ~ Dallas, Fort Worth (Experience)
Fira Saturn ~ Houston, Texas (Experience)
Haley Marie ~ Houston, Winston-Salem, North Carolina (Experience)
Jessa of Austin ~ Austin (Experience)
LacieMarie222 ~ Houston (Experience)
LaRana ~ Houston (Experience)
Laura Too ~ Forth Worth (Experience)
Lauren T ~ Houston (Experience)
Leahlyn Reed ~ Frisco (Experience)
Loren War ~ Lewisville, Dallas, Southern California (Novice)
Meela ~ Dallas Area, Frisco (Novice)
Melissa Meaow ~ Dallas (Experience)
Nena RZ ~ Houston, Austin, San Antonio (Experience)
Teresa Marez-Tatsch ~ Converse (Experience)
Zoe Daugherty ~ Wichita Falls (Experience)

~ Utah ~
~ Vermont ~

~ Virginia ~

Mermaid Sharkey ~ Portsmouth (Professional)
Tatiana ~ Richmond, DC, MD (Experience)

~ Washington ~

Danielle Clarke ~ Seattle (Experience)
Fedora El Morro ~ Seattle (Experience)
IamMeehshel ~ Gig Harbour (Experience)
Revel ~ Seattle (Experience)
Tristen ~ Seattle (Professional)

~ West Virginia ~

Kristen Wrath ~ Clarksburg (Experience)

~ Wisconsin ~

Mandie ~ Milwaukee (Experience)
Titania ~ Milwaukee (Experience)

~ Wyoming ~

~ Location unknown ~

Ms Selina K ~ The Midwest (Novice)

****************************** UNDERWATER TIPS ******************************

A) Breath holding exercises: This can be done just about anywhere at anytime. Though having good breath holding time helps, it does not make one a good underwater model; many experienced UW models can do more then 10 poses within a 20 second time frame. This does not relate to "Mermaid" models as holding their breath is the first and most important part of their job.

1. Do exercises to increase your lung capacity. While there is no way to increase the size of your lungs, there are many ways to increase the amount of air taken in by your lungs, and the efficiency with which they capture oxygen.

2. Lose weight. Any excess baggage reduces your body's efficiency in using oxygen.

3. Quit smoking. This will considerably increase your lungs' ability to release carbon dioxide and absorb oxygen.

4. Before holding your breath, inhale and exhale slowly from deep within your diaphragm. By doing this, you're ridding your lungs of low-quality air. Spend 5 seconds breathing in and 5 seconds breathing out; do this for two minutes, and be sure that when you exhale, you push out every last "drop" of air.

5. Take a massive gulp of air and hold it. Don't breathe in so much that you're about to pop; fill your lung capacity to 80-85% so that you still have room to relax.

   * Always do this with a partner watching, since you can lose consciousness without warning.
   * Don't hold air in your cheeks. This method is meant for an air reserve, but you have to "let go" of the air in your lungs if you want to use the air in your cheeks, and exhaling air in your lungs usually gets rid of the reserve in your cheeks. In other words, it's not easy to switch out the air in your lungs and the air in your cheeks without letting both escape. But it can be done - see link on "Circular Breathing" below.

6. Splash cold water on your face. It's been observed that putting a person's face in contact with cold water triggers bradycardia, or the slowing of the heart rate, which is the first phase of the mammalian diving reflex. You don't need to actually put your entire head underwater, though. You can splash some cold water on your face right before you hold your breath, or try using a cold, wet washcloth (don't use an ice pack, though; the same study suggests that the shock of something too cold triggers other reflexes). Just make sure it's cold enough (21 °C or 70 °F) and the rest of your body is in a relaxed position.

7. Relax every muscle in your body. Meditate so that you can lower your heart rate. Your body will consume less oxygen that way. By closing your eyes, feeling, and focusing on slowing your heart beat, it is possible to lower your heart rate significantly and increase the time you are able to hold your breath for. Concentrate on something that's relaxing to you. When you can't concentrate anymore, distract yourself by doing something with your hands, like counting to 99 with your fingers.

8. Exhale slowly. When you can't hold your breath anymore, try to avoid exhaling all the air in your lungs in a mad rush. First, exhale about 20% of your air, and then inhale again so that oxygen gets to your most critical areas faster. Then you can exhale and inhale completely.

9. Repeat these steps 3-4 times per session. It is not recommended to do this any more, as it could damage your lungs and body. Try one session in the morning and one session at night if you wish. Keep practicing and before you know it, you will be able to hold your breath for several minutes.

Extra tips:

   * The urge to breathe is caused by a build up of carbon dioxide in your body, not a lack of oxygen.
   * Try not to think about holding your breath. If you think about pleasant things, you're less aware of the breath reflex.
   * Restrain yourself from swallowing when you start feeling fatigued. This will slow the increasing desire to surface.

WARNING:

   * Never hold your breath underwater during ascent if using pressurized air (like a scuba tank). The expansion of the pressurized air during ascent could rupture your lungs.
   * Never hyperventilate! Hyperventilation has many undesirable effects, one of the more dangerous being that it tricks your body into thinking that you have a lot more air than possible, making you pass out without any warning sign. If this happens while submerged and without a buddy, you will most likely die.
   * If you feel pain in your chest, exhale, and breathe normally.
   * Holding your breath underwater for long periods of time can be very dangerous. Never do it without a buddy!

B) Posing: Having no gravity can mean that one can take their poses to a whole new level. There is no "particular" way to pose underwater as we all have our own way of expressing ourselves. Though the following may help those who are new to the underwater world...

1. Having dance/acrobat background does help but it being able to hold a pose and buoyancy can be harder then it seems. The first thing to learn is how to make your self sink. Letting just enough air out of your lungs but being able to keep enough air that you wont be stuck at the bottom of the pool; you can easily injure yourself by knocking your head, elbows, knees and scraping your feet. The trick is to stay in the middle of the pool; this way you will have the space to do flips and turns without the injury.

2. Don’t stress out/panic! If you feel that you cannot hold a pose, take a break, catch some air and try again. Being uncomfortable in the water will easily show on your poses. Your hands would look tense and the muscles in your body (specially your neck) will pop out like a body builder who just pumped weights...

3. Holding a calm expression: This is honestly the hardest part. Thinking of something that makes you feel at ease or calm always helps. If you can open your eyes in water try not to focus so much on seeing clear, we are not made to see in water... lol... You can always pretend you are above water and just holding your breath, which may work too. But most of all, try not to hold air in your cheeks, squint your eyes or tighten/tense your mouth/lips.

4. Try not to splash around and move too fast in the water. It not only creates surface disturbance which can be a pain when doing reflection work (not to mention getting tired out after the first hour), it also causes your skin to get rippled by the force of the water... believe me, its funny to see the result of it but does nothing for your self confidence; you would look like a squashed prune...

5. Posing with others: This is way harder then doing work alone. If you decide to this then make sure you discuss or choreograph before hand so that you wont be accidentally kicking and hitting each other in the water. Finding a good underwater partner is rare but when you do find him/her you will be inseparable as a pair and your work can be more interesting and expressive.

C) Safety and side effects: The following are some of the most common safety issues, side effects, and problems when doing UW work…

1. Regulating ear pressure: From experience, this can be the most problematic if not done at all or not done properly. I have damaged both of my ears and now have problems hearing clearly, the good news is that your eardrums heal so hearing can and should return to near normal, if damaged. Ear aches are a regular side effect and can be excruciating when swimming... the last thing one needs is to get "swimmers ear" which can cause inner ear infections which in turn can make you very ill... be aware of this always. Even though you may not be a diver, it is important to know this as the same is used for underwater modeling as some pools can be more then 10 feet deep. Here are a few tips that divers use to help regulate ear pressure (taken from a dive site):

Ear Clearing Tips:

   * To equalize the pressure in the ear, we pass air through the Eustachian tube into the middle ear. This makes the air pressure in the middle ear the same as the pressure of the water around you. The method used by most divers is the Valsalva maneuver. You can do this by blowing gently against pinched nostrils to equalize ear pressure with that of the water around you. Some divers will equalize by swallowing repeatedly or by moving their jaw side to side. The important thing is to find the method that works for you.

   * Relax: Slow, even breathing patterns will help you relax. This also relaxes the muscles around the Eustachian tube and makes in much easier to clear your ears.

   * Start to Equalize When You Begin Your Descent: As you make a slow, controlled feet first descent, start equalizing as soon as you feel your head go beneath the surface of the water. Then equalize every 3 feet/1 meter or so until you reach the bottom. Don’t wait until your ears start to hurt. Remember, qualize early and often.

   * Ascend If You Can’t Equalize: If you have problems equalizing while you make your descent, ascend a few feet to relieve ear pressure slightly, and then try again. If after a few tries you still cannot get your ears to clear, you should call off the dive to avoid an ear injury.

   * Advice from James Wiseman: "Here's a tip for getting water out of your ears and preventing outer ear infections (believe me, I've dove in some funky water - there is actually a GREAT dive site in the Philippines called "basura!")

After each shoot/dive, make up a mix of alcohol and vinegar and drop it into each ear.  It will mix w/ whatever water is in there and the mix will help it flow out - and if it doesn't flow out, the alcohol will help it evaporate.  The vinegar kills bacteria.

If you DO get an infection, there are Cipro ear drops that are AWESOME.  I had to use it once after diving in Zanzibar..."

WARNING:

   * Do Not Dive With a Sinus Problem or a Cold: Any kind of nasal congestion can cause blockages in your airway. This will prevent you from clearing your ears and sinus. These blockages are caused by sinus problems and colds. If you do attempt to dive with congestion, you can get a nasty reverse squeeze. This happens when the air spaces cannot clear when you ascend. Taking decongestants will not always work at depth and often wear off during the dive. This will also cause a reverse squeeze.

   * Do not use ear plugs as it can cause your eardrums to rupture and may also get stuck in your ears. This is very dangerous and can cause you to go deaf.

   * Do not regulate your ears if you have water in your nose. This too can cause great damage to the eardrum.

2. Your eyes in chlorinated water: This may not seem like much of an issue but it can cause some people to have an allergic reaction as well as those who have sensitive eyes. If swimming for longer then 4 hours in a well chlorinated pool you may find that your eyes are dry, swollen, bloodshot, itchy but most of all you will have blurred vision which I personally dislike (I once had blurred vision for 2 whole days). Simple steps can be taken to prevent this:

    * Make sure the pool owner takes out the chlorine float 3 days before the shoot.
    * Wash your eyes out with purified water for about 10 min if they are very sore.
    * Use eye GEL (it feels wierd but works wonders) every half hour when in the pool to prevent your eyes from drying out. Eye drops are pretty much useless as they will wash away as soon as you put them in.
    * I have heard that fish oil helps prevent the eyes from becoming bloodshot but am not sure if this is yet to be proven and would suggest doing some research before trying it out.

3. Water in your nose: I am sorry to say dearies, there is no way to prevent this from happening and its something we all have to just bare with when underwater. It may be painful but if you can handle it then you are a true sport. Many give up underwater work for this reason alone. You can always try blowing out the air when doing acrobats but that doesn't do much good for the image and the surface of the pool. There are no side effects that I know of from doing my own research but I have read that a very small amount of people may experience headaches (not yet been proven).

4. Dehydration: You may be thinking, "But I am in water the whole time, I don’t need to drink!". You have to always hydrate yourself, even if you think you’re not thirsty. Swimming, especially in the ocean can dehydrate you without your body even knowing it and you can overwork your body so much that you may become ill the next day. I love swimming cause its a full body workout that you don’t feel... so re-hydrate always!

5. Eating and swimming: There are no rules about what you can and cannot eat before a shoot. It really doesn't make much of a difference except having yourself a little more bloated then usual (which shouldn't be a problem since you always look slimmer due to the water pressure squeezing you). I would NEVER recommend swimming on a full stomach. There are two things that could and most probably would happen; 1. You will get major cramps and abdomen stitches and 2. You will sink, as there is hardly any air in your full stomach. Put these both together and that spells "possible casualty". Please, if you wish to eat a heavy meal, do so at least an hour before the underwater shoot. But, at the same time, it is important to keep up your energy level so take some trail bars or something light and have a little snack every hour or so.

I know its a lot to take in, I hope all of you find this section helpful. If you have any questions please don’t hesitate to ask, its always important to know before you get your feet wet

Good luck water babies!

Kindra Marie wrote:
I am a water baby I love doing underwater work your stuff is beautiful you are a true water baby.

Hi Kindra, Thank you and am glad to meet another W.baby, I hope this list will grow to a good size, we need more talented UW models in the world

Will bookmark you

RW Photo Art wrote:
I'm definitely not one, but you might go fishing on my list:

https://www.modelmayhem.com/list.php?list_id=75525

And yes, you are on it!

Lol, thanks dear, I too have a list and I have bookmarked all those water babies, Im trying to find ones who are yet to be discovered, I know they are hiding in here somewhere... :p

BeautyIsACurse wrote:
oh.. I want to do underwater! anybody doing this in NorCal?

You can find most of the UW photographers on my list https://www.modelmayhem.com/list.php?list_id=20740

But sadly I only know one which is in up North, he is on my top 12...

Mel Vega wrote:

Hmmm, no comment dear?

Timothy Nantz wrote:
You might can find a few on my profile!

Thanks dear but I am looking for new Underwater Babies, I have all yours bookmarked too

Thanks again!

Tarachin wrote:

Hmmm, no comment dear?

We keep borrowing each other's computer and messing up while signed in in the other's profile whoops.

Ossuary wrote:
I've been wanting to shoot underwater (as a photographer as well as a model) for longer than I've been shooting or modeling at all. Haven't done it yet though

Are you a water baby? I love your figure, would look great for very classic type work.. thanks for adding yourself to the list

LaRana wrote:

We keep borrowing each other's computer and messing up while signed in in the other's profile whoops.

Perfect height, weight and figure, and my god I love your hair, I would so love to see how you work underwater.. thank you water baby

-Titania- wrote:
I've done a lot of underwater modeling. I don't have any images in my portfolio... I should work on that

You should! I think you have the perfect figure to do UW work, get out the pics, I cant wait to see them!

Tarachin wrote:

Are you a water baby? I love your figure, would look great for very classic type work.. thanks for adding yourself to the list

I adore being in the water. I can't even explain it, but I imagine you know the feeling I'm talking about.

Tarachin wrote:
Thanks dear but I am looking for new Underwater Babies, I have all yours bookmarked too

Thanks again!

You're quite welcomed! I'm bookmarking this thread in hopes you'll help me find some close to home that might want to shoot with me!

I love ALL you water babies! *muah*

BeautyIsACurse wrote:
this is a great thread!

Thanks dear Cant wait to see it grow... thanks for adding yourself to the list

Ossuary wrote:

I adore being in the water. I can't even explain it, but I imagine you know the feeling I'm talking about.

Lol, I sure do, its a very special feeling, I dont know anything that makes me feel the same way...

Nicki White wrote:
I've never done an underwater shoot but have always wanted to. I've grown up dancing and swimming so i think i could do well with it.

Another fantastic figure, I am glad you can dance and swim, Im very sure you would do great with UW work.. thanks for adding yourself to the list

Borbala Anna Stuber wrote:
Hey,

I always bin a swimmer and water babe since I was born...I am a bit taller than you guys but I'd love to do that! Really.

Not a worry, will keep ya on the list. I am sure there are UW photographers who are looking to shoot taller girls... do you do nudes?

Timothy Nantz wrote:

You're quite welcomed! I'm bookmarking this thread in hopes you'll help me find some close to home that might want to shoot with me!

I love ALL you water babies! *muah*

Thats great, I am very sure I will have a good list up on here soon... thanks dear

Tarachin wrote:
You can find most of the UW photographers on my list https://www.modelmayhem.com/list.php?list_id=20740

*cough* Great list, but you missed one...

Anyone in the Houston area who wants to give it a shot, just let me know... the pool is finally warm and I'll be doing some underwater work soon!

Tarachin wrote:
NOTE: ALL WATER BABIES SHOULD BE VERY COMFORTABLE DOING NUDE WORK!

:-)

Cris Ashley wrote:
I have always wanted to do an underwater shoot.

I grew up swimming, competitive diving and dancing.
I can swim 50 yards underwater without breathing....


I want to be a fish.

I would love to see your work but I cant view your port, I did go to your MySpace but I only saw a few images, you have a beautiful face, anywho, Ill add ya to the list as you are obviously talented and even I cant dive YET.. lol.. I bow to you, would love to see you at work underwater....

Rainbowfish wrote:
I want to be a water baby! I'm tiny, more on the curvy side, and love being in the water... my mom's from the Caribbean, so we've spent a LOT of time at the beach and in the water (there's nothing like that crystal blue water!). I haven't gotten to do any underwater photography yet, though, and it's a huge dream of mine.

You should take me under your water wings so I can help create such beautiful art! Teehee.


Edit: Do I get extra points for having "fish" in my name?

Sure thing dear, Ill add you too, petite woman always look very good underwater. I too cant wait to do a shoot in the ocean, maybe someday soon I guess....

I am sure this list will help you get some UW work.. let me know when you have some up

Jami Lea wrote:
Height has nothing to do with how graceful a model looks under water. It has to do with how good of a model she is.

I did under water modeling a lot while I lived in Key West, FL. I can hold my breath for 3 minutes and 54 seconds and I can hold poses as well as expressions.

Isn't it amazing how great the shots come out? It looks as if you are not underwater even though you are. It's a great experience every time.

I would love to see your work, you should post some here on MM

We may have different perceptions when it comes to the height of an underwater model. I am sure there are those who are tall and can move gracefully but they look much better when doing underwater fashion work, not nude art. Having taller models makes the poses look more stiff, but as I said, I am sure there are those few who are good underwater even being tall

Pls post some of your work, I would love to see