The Riviera Maya, with its stunning cenotes and crystal-clear coastal waters, offers a unique opportunity for couples looking to capture their love in an extraordinary way—through underwater wedding photography. This enchanting experience not only immortalizes your special day but also adds a magical, ethereal quality to your wedding album that few can match.
In this underwater wedding photography guide, I will walk you through everything you need to know to prepare for a ´trash the dress´ photo session, from choosing the right location to styling tips and essential poses. Whether you’re a couple dreaming of a surreal underwater shoot or simply exploring your options, this guide is packed with tips and insights to help you make the most of this unforgettable experience.
Preparing for your underwater wedding photo session
Diving into the world of underwater wedding photography (or a ´´trash the dress´´ photo session) is as thrilling as it is unique. But to make the most of this one-of-a-kind experience, preparation is key. Here’s how you can get ready for your underwater photo session:
- Plan your schedule:
- Best time frame: To capture the best light and avoid high temperatures and humidity, we usually start around 7 to 8 am.
- Travel time: Travel to most cenotes typically takes between 20 to 40 minutes, depending on the location of your resort. Be sure to factor in travel time when planning your day.
- No more commitments for the day: Clear your schedule for the rest of the day, as the heat and the physical activity involved in the photo session, including swimming, can be tiring. Resting afterward will help you fully enjoy the experience and avoid rushing to any other commitments.
- Mental and physical preparation
- Food and snacks: You will need a lot of energy for this session, so a hearty breakfast is super recommended. Also, bring water, fruit, granola bars or your favorite snacks to take during breaks.
- Confidence is key: Approach your underwater session with a positive mindset. Remember, this is an opportunity to capture your love in an ethereal setting.
- Practice makes perfect: Spend some time in the water before the shoot. Whether it’s in your resort pool or the ocean, getting comfortable with floating, holding your breath, and even posing underwater will make a BIG difference.
- Selecting your outfit:
- Light and flowy fabrics: You will be using your wedding gown, of course! But if you decide to bring another outfit, opt for materials that move gracefully underwater, like chiffon or tulle, which will create beautiful, dreamlike effects in the water. Avoid heavy fabrics like satin or silk that can become cumbersome when wet.
- Color matters: Choose outfits that contrast with the cenote and water’s natural blues, greens and browns to ensure you stand out. White is classic, but red, silver, gold, yellow, sequins, and rhinestones can also create stunning visuals.
- Groom´s outfit: Linen and cotton trousers can get a bit see-through in the water so please make sure you are wearing nude or light color underwear. At all costs avoid wearing bright colors or funny stripes/patterns.
- Contact lenses: Contact lenses can get lost when opening the eyes underwater. If you use contact lenses, make sure to store them before getting in the water or take an extra pair with you.
- Breath control and posing practice:
- Relax and breathe: Work on your breath control. Practicing holding your breath while maintaining a calm expression is crucial for beautiful underwater photos.
- Communicate with me: We will discuss poses beforehand and practice them in the water. This will help you feel more at ease during the actual session, ensuring more natural and elegant results. If there is a specific photo you would like to try to recreate, send it to me or bring it with you.
Choosing the perfect location for ´´Trash the Dress´´ photo session
The location of your underwater wedding photo session can make or break the final images. Choosing a spot with the right lighting, visibility, and backdrop is essential. Here are a few tips I can share with you about this:
- Best underwater wedding photography locations in the Riviera Maya:
- Cenotes: These natural freshwater sinkholes are famous for their crystal-clear water and mystical light beams, providing an enchanting backdrop for underwater photos.
- Coastal waters: The Riviera Maya’s coastal areas offer stunning vegetation and marine life that add vibrant colors and textures to your photos.
- Key features to look for in an underwater setting:
- Clear water: Rainy season will remove debris in some open cenotes, affecting the color and transparency of the water. Closed caves are best in these situations, but we can definitely work something out without compromising your vision.
- Natural light: Locations with good natural light create the best underwater images. Flashes and special lights work perfectly, but places where the sunlight filters through the water create beautiful rays of light adding to the ethereal vibe of the image.
- Vibrant life: If you want to incorporate the natural environment, choose a location known for abundant mangroves and lush vegetation. Since you will be in an untouched natural scenery, bring mosquito repellant with you!
- Scouting the location:
- Visit beforehand: It can be difficult to visit the location with your photographer before the shoot to familiarize yourself with the environment, but you can visit my website in the trash the dress section for inspiration. From here, we can select the location that will be best for you according to your needs.
Styling and makeup tips
Creating a stunning look for your underwater photos requires special consideration. From makeup that withstands water to hairstyles that complement the aquatic environment, here’s how to style yourself for success:
- Makeup and hair that last:
- Waterproof everything: Opt for waterproof makeup products that will stay intact underwater. Waterproof mascara, eyeliner, and foundation are must-haves.
- Simple hairstyles: Keep hairstyles simple and secure. Loose, flowing hair can look beautiful underwater, but if you prefer a more polished look, consider a tight bun or braids that won’t unravel. If you are planning for an intricate hairstyle, we will shoot it first during the dry session before getting into the water.
- Groom´s hair: Really short hair stays in place underwater, but medium length hair can look weird. Hair wax will stay in place and not dissolve underwater. Use it to keep everything in place!
- Lipstick and more lipstick: Lips tend to turn blu-ish underwater. Unless you want to copy Rose´s look after the iceberg hit the Titanic, you will need to re-apply lipstick multiple times.
- Accessories that enhance your look:
- Veils and fabrics: Lightweight veils and delicate fabrics add a touch of elegance to your underwater photos. Opt for pieces that will float gracefully.
- Shinny jewelry: Jewelry elevates your photography portfolio. Anything that´s shinny or sparkles is perfect for an underwater photo session. I strongly recommend using custom or faux jewelry to avoid the risk of losing it in the water—consider it a way to keep the cenote spirits from claiming it as their own.
- Avoid heavy accessories: Steer clear of heavy accessories that might weigh you down or look out of place underwater.
- Bring your props: Besides the veil, you can bring anything you want to the shoot! Your flower bouquet, a tiara, high heels… your choice!
- Choosing the right outfit:
- Lightweight and flowing: Stick to fabrics like tulle or chiffon that will create beautiful movements in the water.
- Color contrasts: Consider the color of your outfit carefully. Light colors like white or pastels work well, but bolder colors can also pop against the dark blue-green water.
Essential posing tips for capturing magical underwater wedding photos
Posing underwater is an entirely different experience from posing on land. It requires a unique approach to achieve that perfect shot.
- Elegant and romantic poses:
- Floating and flowing: Embrace the weightlessness of water. Poses where you’re floating or drifting can create a serene and romantic effect.
- Close and connected: Focus on intimate poses where you and your partner are close together. Holding hands, embracing, or even a gentle kiss can create powerful and emotive images.
- Communication with your photographer:
- Pre-session planning: Discuss your vision with me before the session. Share any specific poses or ideas you have in mind so I can guide you during the shoot.
- Hand signals: Since talking underwater is impossible, let’s establish a set of hand signals to communicate effectively.
- Relax and enjoy:
- Stay calm: The more relaxed you are, the better your photos will turn out. Enjoy the moment and let the water’s natural movement guide your poses.
- Natural expressions: Remember to keep your expressions natural and relaxed. Try not to hold your breath with too much tension in your face. It will definitely show in the final shots!
Post-session care: Preserving your underwater wedding memories
After the photo session, it’s important to take steps to preserve both your memories and your attire. Here’s how to ensure your underwater wedding photo experience is beautifully remembered:
- Caring for your attire and accessories:
- Rinse thoroughly: Immediately after the session, rinse your wedding attire and accessories with fresh water to remove salt, algae, or any other residues.
- Drying tips: Once you are back in your hotel, hang your outfit to dry in a shaded area to prevent fading from the sun. Avoid using a dryer, as it can damage delicate fabrics or sequins.
- An extra outfit: After the session you will be soaking wet, so bring a few towels from your resort and a dry outfit to change into. Do not forget plastic bags to transport your wet items!
- Working with an experienced photographer:
- Experience matters: I can confidently say I am one of the most experienced photographers in the area specialized in underwater photography. You can trust me!
- Trust and collaboration: My job is to build a safe and fun space to ensure a smooth session and results that exceed your expectations.
Real trash the dress photography sessions in the Riviera Maya
If you are looking for some inspiration and ideas, here are a few of my underwater photography sessions. Make sure you click on the couple’s image to visit the full gallery!
About this underwater wedding photography guide
An underwater wedding photography session is more than just a photo shoot; it’s a celebration of your love story captured in the most enchanting way possible. By preparing thoughtfully, choosing the perfect location, and working closely with an experienced photographer (like well, me!), you can create timeless memories that reflect the depth of your connection and the beauty of the cenotes and the beaches in the Riviera Maya.
As you plan your destination wedding, consider the magic of underwater photography to add an extra layer of wonder to your special day. The images you capture will not only be a legacy to your love but also a stunning visual reminder of the adventure you embarked on together. Ready to take the plunge? Let’s create something extraordinary beneath the surface.
Explore more wedding photography galleries on my portfolio and if you need some inspiration, go visit my Pinterest profile and find all about wedding trends, tips, ideas, and more! And if you’re looking for expert advice on choosing the perfect photographer, check out my guide on How to Find the Best Wedding Photographer in the Riviera Maya.
Are you ready to capture your perfect moments?
