Underwater Mermaid Photography Workshop in Los Angeles

Join an underwater photography workshop with a professional mermaid: 3 looks, 5 photographers, and our last workshop of the year in LA. You don’t need to submerge. You shoot through the clear glass of the underwater tank in a professional photo studio featured on the cover of Vogue. Naiia Lajoie, the mermaid from our sold-out July rain workshop, returns with three looks, including a custom mermaid tail. Renowned LA photographer Aaron Ram, who has shot in this underwater studio many times, guides you through the shoot.

Why join

✓ 3 looks with a professional mermaid, including a custom tail that is hard to find on your own
✓ Guidance from Aaron, who knows this studio well
✓ Only 5 photographers, so everyone gets real shooting time
✓ 3 hours in a studio that rents for $125 per hour, with the model and instructor included

A ticket also makes a good Christmas present for a photographer you know.

The studio

You shoot through the glass from outside the pool, so you don’t need to get in the water or use a waterproof case. Two windows (4 ft by 4 ft and 2 ft by 2 ft) give you different angles. The pool is 19 ft long, 7.21 ft wide, and 5.2 to 5.9 ft deep. Studio lighting is provided and set up for the shoot.

What you will shoot & learn

• Look 1, Bodysuit: poses, expression, “hairography”
• Look 2, Flowy Gown: slow movement transitions, how fabric behaves underwater, settling into the pose before the shot
• Look 3, Mermaid: position in the water column (buoyancy), posing with a tail, safety

Aaron also covers color theory, reflections, and photographing a subject that is always moving.

Schedule

• 12:00 to 12:45 PM: Setup, model preparation, and practice poses
• 12:45 to 2:15 PM: Main shoot, creative shots, and outfit changes
• 2:15 to 3:00 PM: Final shots and photo review

Underwater posing is physically demanding, so the schedule gives Naiia short rests between looks. Use that time to review your images and ask Aaron questions.

What to bring

Your camera and a lens you’re comfortable shooting with (24 to 85mm full-frame equivalent recommended), a fully charged battery, a memory card with 32GB free, a microfiber cloth, and comfortable shoes for a wet floor.

Your model: Naiia Lajoie (@naiyathenaiad)

Professional model since 2007. Award-winning actress since 2009. Certified underwater + stunt performer since 2018. Magazine editor/columnist and multi-award-winning red carpet host.

Your instructor: Aaron Ram (@ram_entertainment)

Renowned LA photographer specializing in dramatic lighting and water photography. His previous FD Photo Studio workshops sold out.

Good to know

Attendees are responsible for their own equipment, personal items, and personal safety. Aaron is on-site throughout to help with anything you need. The studio is shared, so please be respectful of other guests so everyone gets shoot time.

By default, attendees may photograph and be photographed. Behind-the-scenes photos and videos may be used by the organizer for promotion. Model releases or commercial agreements are handled directly between participants, and FD does not mediate them.

Location: FD Photo Studio, 3316 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023. Street parking is available.

Disclaimer: The event organizer reserves the right to reschedule the event, cancel the event, or change models if needed. All registered participants will be informed promptly via email.

Aaron directing Naiia during the Rain Photography Workshop

BTS video from the Rain Photography Workshop