Edu Review: The Water Workshop with Kimber Greenwood

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this review. I attended The Water Workshop as a paying participant, and all opinions shared here are entirely my own.

I’ve been intrigued by underwater portraits for a long time, and first began actively pursuing learning more about it way back in 2019 when I bought my first underwater housing, the modular Outex (a great option for beginners or casual underwater shooters!). That year saw me take a very basic underwater class in a murky hotel pool in Canada, voluntell my best friend into her parents’ pool for me in Hilton Head, borrow a friend of a friend’s pool in the DC area (where I lived at the time) for a model call, and, finally, rent a swim lane at my local rec center for my first underwater client, a beautiful mama-to-be.

Because of Covid, my underwater photography journey was put on hold other than casual shooting during the summers and I had absolutely no formal training in that time. I lightly dabbled in it for a couple of years as opportunities presented themselves until we moved from D.C. to northeast Florida, where I suddenly had access to the freshwater springs and my very own pool.

As a “newer” underwater photographer, I’m always looking for ways to push my creative boundaries and expand my technical skills. That first class in Canada only went over the minimum basics of underwater portraits, such as the gear used, lighting cubes, and a little bit about locations. But I knew I was missing essential instruction, like underwater posing and safety. I just didn’t know where to learn that. After all, who even teaches this stuff?! And where do I find them? It’s such a niche specialty and it’s not like it was covered during career day at school! (Or photographing fairies and mermaids, for that matter…)

Then, in late 2023, a friend introduced me to Kimber Greenwood and her underwater portrait community.

The Water Workshop

I had the incredible opportunity to attend The Water Workshop hosted by Kimber in September 2024. This experience not only provided hands-on practice in underwater photography but also reinforced essential knowledge about water safety, technical execution, and pricing for this unique niche. It was an immersive (pun intended) learning experience that left me with stunning portfolio images and a newfound confidence in working with water.

A Deep Dive Into Safety & Best Practices

The biggest takeaway for me was undoubtedly the emphasis on safety. Before we even touched our cameras, Kimber walked us through critical safety practices to ensure both the photographer and model are protected. This included proper safety gear recommendations, emergency protocols, and best practices for directing models in a way that minimizes risk. Working in and around water presents unique challenges, and Kimber made sure we were equipped with the knowledge necessary to prioritize safety in every shoot.

Her insight into using specific gear for water photography was also invaluable. From the importance of having a dive buddy to the safety gear, she covered everything needed to create a safe and successful water session. I left with a much greater appreciation for the preparation required for underwater photography and the confidence to apply these principles in my own work.

Technical Mastery in a Custom-Built Pool

Kimber’s custom-built pool served as our training ground, allowing us to experiment camera settings, model posing, and lighting techniques in a controlled environment. Underwater photography presents unique challenges—understanding how light behaves beneath the surface, managing focus and movement, and directing a model with minimal verbal communication all require a distinct skill set.

Kimber and her husband, Will, were incredibly hands-on, ensuring they rotated students between different models and practice under their guidance. Whether it was adjusting settings for clearer images or experimenting with poses that work best underwater, their expertise and support made a huge difference. It was refreshing to be in an environment where learning felt collaborative and supportive instead of overwhelming or competitive.

The Springs Tour: A Natural Wonderland

On the final day, we embarked on a springs tour, where we met the models at a freshwater spring for an outdoor session. This was the perfect culmination of everything we had learned—taking the skills developed in the controlled pool environment and applying them to a natural setting. The crystal-clear waters and ethereal surroundings made for breathtaking imagery, and I walked away with some of my favorite images to date.

The springs also provided a unique challenge in terms of lighting and posing in an uncontrolled environment, but thanks to Kimber’s thorough instruction, I felt better-prepared to handle it. There’s something truly magical about capturing the fluidity and grace of a subject in natural water, and this experience left me inspired to exploring more on-location water photography.

Final Thoughts: Underwater Portrait Education and A Community Worth Every Penny

Attending The Water Workshop was an eye-opening and invaluable experience. From the deep dive into safety protocols to the hands-on technical training, I gained so much more than just beautiful images—I left with knowledge, confidence, and the ability to approach underwater photography with intention and care.

I also left with a larger sense of community. Like-minded creatives who love the water and relish collaborations. I’ve since gone on to meet many others because of the Water Workshop and make some incredible friends and that part is almost priceless.

For photographers looking to expand their skills in underwater portraiture, I highly recommend this workshop. Kimber’s expertise, combined with the well-structured learning environment and supportive community, makes this an investment worth every penny!

Note: This review is not sponsored. I paid to attend The Water Workshop, and everything shared here reflects my personal experience and honest opinions.