13 Underwater Photos You Won't Believe Are Real

With a pool, camera, and some lights, Dana Chapman of Virginia Beach, VA captures images that will make you say "WHOA!"

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Dana became enthralled by underwater photography about 10 years ago when he got certified as a SCUBA diver. Now, with the help of local makeup artists, he creates stunning images with local professional and amateur models, many of which had never modeled in water before.

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He's even had his images featured in Vogue Italia's PhotoVogue website.

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The day starts with the model and the makeup artist and hair stylist, if the model is not doing her own hair and makeup, showing up and deciding which pieces and outfits will work best with the model's complexion and the background.

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Sometimes Dana will have simply the models use pieces of fabric underwater to flow more freely.

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Underwater makeup design and application can be tricky, which is why Dana works with skilled makeup artists in the Hampton Roads area of Virginia, such as Wendy Dunlap and Shay Ryen.

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Once makeup is applied and the outfit decided on, it's time to jump on in to his saltwater pool. Chlorine irritates the eyes and causes them to become an unattractive red he would have to edit out of the image, so he prefers saltwater.

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The fluid movements of hair and clothing create the ethereal feeling for the images, but can pose a challenge for models as they try to pose without their face or body being completely blocked from the camera.

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Though, sometimes a little bit of hair or clothing covering the face can invoke different feelings by the viewer.

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Buoyancy is also a factor models have to keep in mind. While Dana typically uses a weight belt and dive gear to stay underwater, models have only a few seconds between taking a breath at the surface, slowly letting it out to allow them to sink, pose, and then rise back up to the surface before, well, drowning.

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It can take a few moments for the models to become accustomed to the water temperature and the physical demands of posing underwater. But once the model is ready, everything just flows (pun intended).

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With Dana's guidance the models just fall in...

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…let go...

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…and be free!

14. Credit Is Given Always Where It Is Due

https://www.facebook.com/ShayRyen

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