THE EXTRAORDINARY ART OF UNDERWATER PHOTOGRAPHY: AN INTERVIEW WITH SARA ACOSTA

SARA ACOSTA

1. What was it that made you want to specialize in underwater Photography ?

Since I was a child, my father would take every opportunity to involve me with the sea. I spent a lot of my time on the beach with him. He taught me how to enjoy the sea, even when it was impossible to take a dip. I would find myself alarmingly thinking “Big Waves!!!” whilst I entered the sea alongside him. 

" He would say to me “when the wave comes, dive and touch the sand”. For my own safety, he taught me about the behaviour of the sea, its currents and its wave periods. I have been doing this process up until now, enjoying the beauty of the waves, both outside and underwater. "

Initially I started taking photographs of the waves in the sea, capturing how they were formed. I could spend hours observing what was happening underwater.

This was followed by underwater photography of marine life such as fishes but something even more intriguing caught my attention: the texture of the water, the movement of a piece of clothing or a human form underwater, the light effects that are produced, the game of weightlessness. All of these elements fascinated me and with much reflection, I began to understand the type of photography I saw myself specializing in.

2. What is the most challenging aspect of capturing the perfect image underwater ? 

" There are so many aspects to consider to get that desired shot in an aquatic environment such as weightlessness, the lighting scheme, water clarity, facial expression and the model’s post. "

In short, mastering to control each aspect individually is the most complicated part of the process.

3. Is there usually much post-production work involved after a shoot ?

The mastery of the technique, light control and water clarity is highly important to obtain that high quality base. This way, the post-production work will take less time. However, it also depends on the purpose of the shoot. If the image will be used for advertising, it will always require an increased post-production session time.

4. Do you prefer working in a pool or open water?  Why ?

Working in a pool certainly eases mastering the technical aspects of the shoot. The sharpness is most relevant here and you will find spotlights and flashes dominating the shoot. However,

" the sea provides a very unique condition when I am looking to get the effect of immensity. Plus textures like seaweed, the effects of the sunlight and natural props such as underwater caves give the shoot a whole new dimension. "

5. Is there a big demand for what you do these days? What kind of clients do you usually have ?

Fortunately, due to the shortage of specialists in this kind of photography until now, I have never been short of work opportunities. However, I must admit that at the beginning it was not easy to open a career path in this field. In fact, most of my clients are producers, advertising agencies, advertising brands and big companies in general.

I do also get clients who hire me to carry out private sessions for individualized shots.

Another element of my line on work is based around the sale of Fine Photographic Art Works. I am consider myself a “digigraphic” artist and with that, have my own Epson printing system, giving me the possibility to produce certified and limited edition works.

6. Tell us about your most memorable assignment? Why ?

There is one professional photographic assignment that I will never forget; it was the Special Gran Canaria Moda Calida for the magazine "Con Estilo”.

Seven hour of work, five models, nineteen designers, three wardrobe changes per designer and more than ten professionals. The final result was a special edition ten-page spread showcasing the designs of participating designers for the international swimwear event, Gran Canaria Moda Calida.

7. What would be your dream assignment ?

There is no job that I would consider “my dream assignment”. Each project submitted by my clients that provides me the opportunity to use an innovative approach I consider “my dream assignment”. I treat it like “my dream assignment”. The most important thing is the final result is one that is edgy, daring and bold.

8. Tell us a little about the Creative Community in Spain. 

Spain has an excellent and extensive list of creative professionals. Sadly many of them choose to emigrate to other countries where working conditions, salary and professional respect is reasonable, fair and logical. In my case, I decided to have my professional based in the Canary Islands (Spain) because I consider it a jewel like cedes in which to carry out my job.

" Both by the magnificent weather conditions throughout the year (an average of 26 degrees) and landscape diversity makes the Canary Islands the perfect venue to gestate campaigns but above all, and of great importance to all my customers, is the existence of a unique and special tax system that makes film production companies benefit from a series of tax incentives (is considered the most important in Europe). "

BUT ALWAYS WITH A FOOT IN THE REST OF THE WORLD.