Underwater Photography in Barcelona

Portraits made beneath the surface — maternity, babies' first water, and fine-art. English-speaking on set, Barcelona to the Costa Brava.

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Underwater is a different physics. Fabric that hangs flat on land moves in slow folds; light bends; the frame goes quiet. I've spent seventeen years making that look intentional rather than accidental.

I'm Brad James Elliott. Originally from Cape Town, based in Barcelona for seven years, a photographer for twenty-four — and before the camera, fourteen years as a swimming instructor and ten as a beach lifeguard. Underwater has been my specialty since 2012. I shoot Nikon in an SPL housing, in English on set and Spanish with the venue and crew.

What I shoot underwater

Underwater maternity

Pregnancy portraits, weeks 28–34, single or two-look sessions. See the maternity page →

Babies' first water

A gentle, unforced first-water session for infants — calm, warm-water, safety-led. See the baby first-water page →

Fine-art underwater

Dancers, swimmers, fashion and personal fine-art work — dark tones against pool blue.

Surf & water

Ocean and pool water photography along the Catalan coast.

Combine a maternity session now with your baby's first-water shoot in the first six months and the second session is −15%.

How I shoot, and why the water part isn't a gimmick

I keep my own printed coffee-table sets — Light, Colour and Passion and The Beauty of Spain — for clients who want to see the work off-screen.

Where we shoot around Barcelona

Outdoor pools and sea locations along the Catalan coast are also available May–October. Pool venue is billed separately at cost — no markup.

English-speaking, expat-friendly

The recurring problem expat clients describe isn't finding a photographer — it's finding one who answers in English the same day, sends a clear English contract, and delivers files without a translation step. That's the default here: contracts, invoices and delivery in English; bilingual on set. I work regularly with families across Sitges, Castelldefels, Sant Cugat, Barceloneta and the Gòtic, and I travel for shoots.

What it costs

Sessions start at €600 for a half day and €900 for a full day, with the pool venue billed separately at cost. Exact inclusions vary by service — see the maternity page for detail. Travel outside Catalonia is quoted separately.

Locations

Frequently asked questions

What is underwater portrait photography?

Portraits made below the surface of a pool or the sea. The water changes how fabric, hair and light behave, which is what gives the frames their stillness. A real photographic discipline, not a filter or effect.

Do I need to be a strong swimmer?

No. Most frames are near the surface with short breath-holds and frequent breaks. As a former swimming instructor and lifeguard, I pace the session slowly and calmly.

Where do you shoot in Barcelona?

A Cocopool saltwater partner pool (not heated, ideal May–Oct), your own heated pool (best Nov–Apr), or a hotel/gym pool booked together. Outdoor and sea locations along the Catalan coast are available May–Oct.

Is the pool heated?

Depends on the venue. Cocopool saltwater pools aren't heated (recommended May–Oct); for cooler months a heated venue is used.

Why saltwater?

Less harsh on skin and eyes than heavily chlorinated water, easier to shoot eyes-open in, and clearer on camera.

How much does it cost?

From €600 for a half day and €900 for a full day, pool venue billed separately at cost.

Do you speak English on set?

Yes — English with you, Spanish with the pool and crew. Contracts, invoices and delivery in English.

Do you travel for shoots?

Yes — across Catalonia, the rest of Spain, and internationally. Travel outside Catalonia is quoted separately.

How many images do I get and when?

20–30 edited images for a half day, 40–60 for a full day, in a private gallery within 14 days.

Start with a 30-minute call

Tell me what you have in mind — maternity, your baby's first water, or a fine-art portrait — and I'll send available dates and a quote the same day.

Book a call →

WhatsApp: +34 611 644 302 · Email: bradwave@gmail.com