If you want your photo snapped for these splashy portraits, then take a deep breath, smile and submerge.

Former scuba instructor Lisa Graham dove into a new career that specializes in underwater photography for water lovers aged three months to 90 years.

Based out of Comox on Vancouver Island, Graham travels to swimming pools in different communities to offer her aquatic art. As part of the package, she coaches her clients on how to sink without puffing out their cheeks or blowing too many bubbles.

"We just go in chest-deep water, so it's not difficult," said Graham, owner of Seadance Photography. "I work at their pace. If they can only hold their breath for three seconds, then I go down and wait. They swim by and then I click."

Graham's camera, a Nikon D200, is housed in a waterproof Plexiglas box and is rated to 60 metres for diving.

"Kids love to ham it up for the camera. This camera's obviously very big. The dome on the front is eight inches across, so it looks like a one-eyed monster," Graham said. "Then I have two strobes that I bring as well. They're on arms, so they kind of stick out to the side. It's a really funny-looking contraption."

For the shoots, Graham's clients don clothes that range from bathing suits to formal frocks.

"Because it's new, they start brainstorming, like 'I have a wedding dress I want to put in the water. How do you think that will look?' Then we talk about that," Graham said.

"I have a shoot coming up and we're doing a geisha. She said, 'I have this beautiful silk kimono I've always wanted to do something with, so let's try that.'

"I did a family shoot with three kids. The little boy was wearing a tux with a little red bow-tie and his three sisters were wearing dresses. In another shoot, a little girl had on a ladybug costume. It's a mix."

Graham is currently booking appointments at Coquitlam's Chimo Pool from June 10 to 12. One-hour sessions usually cost $250, which includes a DVD with six images. However, discounts may be available based on the number of people who sign up for a session.

For information, visit www.seadance.ca, call 250-941-7774 or e-mail lisa@seadance.ca.

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