Cinematic Underwater Photography for Resorts
using freediving to capture the aquatic side of your property, from marine life to unique over-under perspective shots.
A short, peaceful video of a sea turtle gliding through the water. Underwater videography brings a tranquil and mesmerizing quality to any coastal destination's story.
Two sea turtles swimming over the sandy ocean floor in Aruba. This shot, taken with a Sony a1, highlights the clear waters and abundant marine life, a key attraction for tourists.
An over/under split shot of a rocky island, home to sea lions. This technique, using a Leica Q3 in underwater housing, connects the world above and below the water in a single, striking image.
Capturing the environment of a destination includes its wildlife. This shot shows a rugged sea stack populated by birds and sea lions, telling a story of the local ecosystem.
About Below The Surface
most underwater shots look like guest photos because of poor housing. i use a dedicated sub13 housing with my leica to keep absolute optical clarity. it’s the difference between a blurry snorkel pic and a high-end commercial asset.
underwater photography is often an afterthought in hospitality. most resorts settle for generic gopro shots that look like they were taken by a guest. that doesn't sell a luxury experience.
i approach the water differently. because i freedive, i can move quietly and capture marine life without the bubbles and noise of scuba gear. it allows me to get closer to turtles, coral, and the natural rhythm of the ocean.
i use a leica q3 inside sub13 housing. this combination gives me a unique look—sharp, high-contrast, and cinematic, very different from the distorted wide-angle shots you see on travel blogs.
for coastal resorts, the water is your biggest asset. having high-end, editorial-style imagery of your house reef or pool area adds a layer of depth to your portfolio. it tells the guest that your property isn't just a building; it’s an environment.
beyond just the wildlife, i specialize in 'over-under' shots. these split images show the world above and below the surface simultaneously, connecting the architecture of the resort to the natural beauty of the destination. it’s a difficult shot to nail, but it frames the property as part of the environment, not separate from it.
if your property is on the water, you need these shots. they provide a scale and texture that aerials alone cannot reach.
David Courbit
hey, i’m david. when i’m not shooting hotels, i’m usually under the water. freediving lets me get angles a scuba setup can't touch, and the lighting is just better that way.
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