Underwater Freediving Photography
Capturing the silent beauty of the ocean on a single breath. My underwater work focuses on natural light and fluid movement, free from the distraction of scuba bubbles.
A freediver performs a graceful ascent, framed by dramatic light rays in a cenote. This shot is a perfect example of the collaborative and artistic nature of underwater portrait photography.
Exploring a shipwreck in the Caribbean Sea on a single breath. The low visibility and shadowy structure create a haunting, mysterious atmosphere that I love to capture in my freediving photography.
A freediver glides into the deep blue of the Caribbean Sea. The image conveys a sense of freedom and belonging in the vastness of the ocean.
A short, serene clip of a sea turtle swimming just below the surface. The way the light reflects off its shell and the water creates a peaceful, mesmerizing effect.
Two sea turtles in the shallow, sandy bottoms of Aruba. It's a privilege to observe these creatures and document their natural behavior.
A sea turtle rests on the ocean floor among corals in Aruba. Finding these quiet moments is what makes underwater wildlife photography so rewarding.
Swimming alongside a sea turtle in Aruba. These interactions are always on their terms, allowing for natural and respectful underwater encounters.
A playful sea lion glides through the water. I used my Leica Q3 in a Sub13 underwater housing to get this quick, candid shot of marine life in action.
A close-up portrait of a curious sea lion pup at the water's surface. Their inquisitive nature makes them incredible subjects for underwater photography.
A sea lion swims through a rocky underwater channel. The clear water and natural light highlight the animal's sleek form and movement.
About Underwater Worlds
When you step into the water with me, we aren't just taking photos. Because I shoot as a freediver, there are no noisy bubbles and no heavy tanks. This allows for a completely natural, intimate interaction with the environment, whether that is a portrait session in a private pool or documenting marine life in the Caribbean.
My approach to underwater photography is defined by the freediver's eye. By shooting on a single breath, I am able to get closer to subjects, human or animal, without disturbing them. This technique is what gives my images their serene, ethereal quality.
The process starts with clear communication. We handle all wardrobe and concept discussions well before we hit the water. On the day, we incorporate dry-land breath-work coaching to ensure you are comfortable and relaxed. A dedicated safety diver is always part of the production, managing the environment so you can focus entirely on the movement and the light.
I use professional-grade underwater housings, like the Sub13, with my Sony A1 or Leica Q3 to ensure the final output is sharp and print-ready. Post-production involves manual color correction to fix skin tones and remove backscatter, resulting in clean, gallery-quality images.
Whether we are shooting in a private deep pool or an open ocean setting, the goal remains the same: capturing honest, cinematic moments that feel like they belong to another world.
David Courbit
I'm David, also known as Jetlag. I spend my time chasing light across the globe, from the quiet depths of the Caribbean to the busiest corners of NYC. My camera is just a tool to capture the stories I see.
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