Underwater Photography Behind The Scenes with Jessica Kobeissi

February 26, 2026

Underwater photography looks complex — and it is. You’re managing weather, light, breath control, outfit movement, safety, and timing all at once. Most photographers think that it requires open water and a full production crew which can be very overwhelming. In reality, it can be done inside a photo studio built specifically for underwater shoots.

That’s exactly what Detroit-based fashion photographer Jessica Kobeissi did when she collaborated with professional mermaid performer Hannah Fraser at FD Photo Studio’s Underwater Studio in Los Angeles. With controlled lighting, heated water, and a model comfortable underwater, the team was able to focus entirely on creating stunning images.

About Jessica Kobeissi

Jessica Kobeissi is a fashion and portrait photographer from Detroit, Michigan with over 1.6 million YouTube subscribers and more than 450,000 Instagram followers. She started as a graphic designer for 10 years before moving into photography full-time in 2014. Her work focuses on fashion and editorial photography, and she’s known for her warm-toned color correction style.

You can follow her work on Instagram at @jessicakobeissi.

Meet Hannah Fraser: Mermaid Performer

Hannah Fraser, known as Hannah Mermaid, created the job of “freelance mermaid” back in 2003. She’s an underwater performer, model, and ocean conservation activist who can hold her breath for up to four minutes and freedive to depths over 50 feet. Hannah has swum with tiger sharks, great white sharks, whales, and manta rays without cages or scuba gear. Her work helped pass laws to protect manta rays worldwide.

Follow her adventures on Instagram at @hannahmermaid.

Underwater Photo Studio in Los Angeles

Underwater studio for rent in Los Angeles was designed specifically for underwater photo and video shoots. The 800-square-foot space features a 19-foot-long pool with depths ranging from 5.2 to 5.9 feet, giving photographers room to work with movement and framing.

Two clear glass viewing windows — one 2×2 feet and one 4×4 feet — are positioned on opposite sides of the pool for a photographer to get perfect shots. Above the pool, three pre-installed RGB film lights can shift colors instantly. No need to bring your own lighting unless you have something specific in mind. The water is maintained at 86 degrees for model’s comfort.

The studio includes a working shower inside the space, making wardrobe changes and post-shoot cleanup easy for a model. Just like in regular pool – you need to rinse before and after your swim. Don’t forget to grab a few towels with you from home.

In addition to the built-in RGB film lights above the pool, 3 additional strobe lights come with the studio for no extra cost if your concept requires more contrast or sharper freeze-frame moments.

Looking to shoot outside the pool as well? There’s no need to book a second studio. The Underwater Studio includes additional background options such as a jungle wall, an RGB tunnel, and a metal sheet tunnel for a variety of visuals.

There’s also enough open space to set up seamless backdrop paper if you’d like to capture portraits before or after the underwater portion of your shoot. FD Photo Studio offers a wide range of seamless backdrop colors to match your concept. See the full list of available colors.

Models can work on their hair and makeup using the vanity mirror that comes with the studio.

Underwater Studio rates start at $125 per hour, with a two-hour minimum. Underwater photography requires setup time, lighting adjustments, and multiple takes — one hour simply isn’t realistic for such a unique type of photography.

The space includes a heated underwater tank, pre-installed lighting, full filtration systems, and standard FD equipment such as C-stands, sandbags, and light modifiers at no additional cost. It’s a production-ready photo studio for rent for a fraction of the shoot in the open water.

When compared to organizing an open-water shoot — permits, safety teams, unpredictable weather, and equipment transport — a controlled in-studio setup is not only more efficient, but often significantly more cost-effective.

Behind The Scenes: The Mermaid Shoot

Jessica was taking photos from outside the pool while Hannah performed underwater in a variety of outfits including her signature mermaid tail, flowing red and romantic pink dresses. Shooting through the pool’s viewing windows Jessica captured incredible images of Hannah from different angles and perspectives. The camera and photographer did not even had to get underwater to achieve such incredible results!

The success of an underwater shoot depends a lot on how comfortable the model is in the water. Hannah has years of underwater experience. She can hold her breath calmly, keep her eyes open, and move with control. Underwater photography leaves little room for random movement — small adjustments matter. She repositioned the dress, adjusted her hair, and created smooth movements that looked clean and intentional on camera.

Hannah has trained in open waters around the world, including oceans and seas. That experience gives her confidence underwater. But professional open-water training isn’t required to create strong images in an Underwater Studio located near you in Los Angeles.

The studio pool is warm and fully controlled. It helps models relax and take their time. They can surface between takes, reset, and try different poses without pressure. The water is heated and filtered, and there are no waves, wind, or unpredictable conditions — and definitely no sharks. Just a safe, controlled environment focused on getting the shot.

Watch a full behind-the-scenes video on Jessica’s YouTube channel to learn her tips and tricks for underwater photography.

Photographers rent this studio for a wide range of projects — from fashion editorials and personal creative shoots to music videos, commercial campaigns, and fine art concepts. You can shoot products, talent, or fully styled creative ideas here.

Technical Details That Help

Jessica’s camera settings show what goes into an underwater shoot. She raised her ISO to make up for the light lost from using a polarizer. The polarizer helped remove reflections from the viewing window — which makes a big difference — but it does reduce light. Increasing the ISO balanced that out. For this shoot, she preferred taking photos from higher angles to show the shape of the dress and the movement in the water.

The built-in RGB lights make creative changes easy. You can shift the mood in seconds — cooler tones for a deeper ocean feel, contrast colors for something more dramatic.

The pool depth also works in your favor. It’s deep enough for natural floating movement, but shallow enough for models to reset comfortably between takes. Hannah could touch the bottom when she needed stability, then push off again to create smooth, controlled motion.

Equipment And Booking

Underwater Photo Studio Olympic 1 is located at 3316 E Olympic Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90023 in East Los Angeles. You can rent this studio online through FD Photo Studio’s website in just a few clicks.

Standard equipment included with your rental: three strobe lights, a set of trigger and receiver, c-stands, sandbags, and light modifiers. RGB overhead lights.

Ready to rent your studio?

1. Browse Available Studios: Visit our studio rental page to explore all 62+ locations

2. Check Equipment Lists: Review our completed equipment list

3. Rent Your Studio: Use our 24/7 online booking system to secure your preferred date and time

4. Receive Your Check-In Code: Get your self-check-in code to access your studio seamlessly

Call us at +1 (323) 454-2323, or email us at info@fdphotostudio.com. We also have a live support chat on our website where you can get directions, request help, or ask questions.

Underwater Photography Behind The Scenes with Jessica KobeissiFebruary 26, 2026
Genesis Rodriguez for Numero Magazine at FD Photo Studio LAFebruary 6, 2026
Top Photo Studio for Car Photography in New YorkFebruary 6, 2026
ELLA ANDERSON for Numero Magazine at FD Photo Studio LAFebruary 6, 2026
Upcoming Photo Events in NY in February 2026February 6, 2026

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios
N.Y.C Studios

0 Comments

Inline Feedbacks

View all comments

Rent Studio

starting from $24.99 _{/ hour}

Lights
Modifiers
C-Stands
V-Flats
Wi-Fi
MUA Station

BOOK ONLINE

Choose Your Date:

Booking is more than a year from now
Start At:
Finish At:

Overnight Booking

Where:

Check Availability

By providing a telephone number and submitting this form you are consenting to be contacted by SMS text message. Message & data rates may apply. You can reply STOP to opt-out of further messaging

Clients Review

Kokodaw EYEAMshooter Photography

My first time here and had a ball. Great experience. Beautiful view! Perfect natural lighting and had use of equipment. Great ...

Steven Pressler Website

Really enjoy using the new studios. Great natural light and the studio is well equipped with everything I would need to shoot f...

David DavidXPhotography

Used FD Studios for first time- great experience. I forgot my triggers- no problem, I was able to borrow some. Alex was a cool g...

Petr Green

Used FD multiple times for photo shoots for Volga Verdi clothing line – the results are amazing! Great rates, convenient locatio...

Yuriy

I love FD studio. This place is like a home to me :). I use this studio a lot to shoot portraits, engagements, fashion and artwor...

Julia Shema CreativeSwirls

We did shooting of our products at FDPhotostudio. Reasonable price, great service and convenient location compare to other places...

Maryna Rybalka MarinaRybalka.com

This was my first experience of working in a professional photo studio. To tell you the truth, I didn’t quite know how to set th...

Steven Pressler

First time using the studio and I must say the experience was terrific. Alex was great to work with and could not be any nicer. Th...

Anonym

Toba was fantastic to deal with throughout. From our first call to the point when we had wrapped out - she was great. Thank you...

Anonym

The lady at the front desk helped me with setting up the light. I had a few questions and was humble in response. Definitely comin...

Anonym

Great staff, easy to work with and very helpful.

Anonym

Just great location and very chill!

Mj L. Glendale, CA

I actually haven't rented studio space here yet, but I felt like I should write a review based on the customer service I've experi...

Steven A. Studio City, CA

I have been using FD Photo Studio for the past 6 months and the experience has been nothing short of excellent. The studios are cl...

Product D. Los Angeles, CA

Great place!

Ilia K. Los Angeles, CA

It's BEST place to implement any ideas for photo and video shooting. The location inspires to create unique work. Thank you guys f...

Lana K. Los Angeles, CA

I had a superb experience with FD Photostudio. I had no problems reserving the studio, confirming it and shooting there! The staff...

Lida K. Glendale, CA

Having shot at FD Photo Studio for about 5 times, I can't help but say that this place is a gem in the middle of LA. It is really ...

Andrey K. Los Angeles, CA

The best studio in town no doubt, lots of space plus latest equipment, strongly recommend!

Alex B. Los Angeles, CA

Great place! Been there for a few times and will definitely shoot more up there!

Guys who work there are cool and the ...

Marla D. Long Beach, CA

Update, I posted some snap shots of studio C. Seriously quick snap shots but you get the idea! I would love to keep the studio as...

Marla D. Long Beach, CA

I shot here a few times and have been happy each time. The staff have been more than helpful and accommodating. Parking is easy...

Hunter J. El Segundo, CA

Shot at FD Photo Studio last week and it was a pleasure shooting there. They have a full bathroom with shower for models, alien...

Mrs G. Los Angeles, CA

This is a straight-forward studio, and works great as that. The space is very customizable. I have shot in Studio B, and am ren...

Kendall G. Redondo Beach, Los Angeles, CA

This studio is so dope! Great natural lighting and really cool space. They have good portions where to get ready for hair and m...

Carlo P. Los Angeles, CA

Stage A has great natural light and the all white paint makes for nice high key indoor window light shots. Great for quick small-s...

Serg I. Lakeside, CA

Awesome place and very good rates. Alex is always helpful . That's my first time at the new location and it's just perfect, lar...

Kris R. Los Angeles, CA

I love this place! Such an inspiring and versatile studio! Great atmosphere and amazing people working there! So friendly and h...

Yulia Los Angeles, CA

I've shot at FD Photo Studio several times. The place is huge with 3 different spacious studios. I've honestly had the best exper...

Gerardo M. Orange, CA

After seven months of doing nothing I decided to do some review of what I learned in lighting and rented the studio for a while. V...

Mo H. Los Angeles, CA

Great place. the set up, the rooftop access is a wonderful plus and the rates are great.

Anonym

Everyone was so nice working there. The płace was fantastic and price was amazing. Very happy

Anonym

Such a great studio to shoot , Studio A is really amazing with large windows to allow in natural sun light, and enough room for...

Frank Ross FrankRossPhotography.com

Love the natural lighting. Great place to shoot. Nice friendly staff.

Chad Hill ChadHillPhoto.com

LOVE this studio! SHOOT HERE!! I ll be in to shoot tomorrow for the 2nd time this week. Grateful!

Anonym

It was great. Wish we booked more time. Definitely coming back!

Anonym

Very friendly! Love this studio.

Peter Green on Google+

Used the studio multiple times for various projects, mostly for my product photography. They have the mannequins, steamer and a...

Anonym

Gorgeous space, and another WINNER WINNER headshot session! I really love bringing clients to your space

Anonym

The staff was great. Super friendly and helpful. The space is also perfect, with plenty of natural light.

Ghamal

Wonderful customer service... Always a pleasure shooting there. No issues except I wish that
someone would be available ...

Leslie Leslie Rockitter Photography

I shot here for the very first time yesterday. Great location, great light, great studio!!! Everything you need is there. Th...

Christopher Barber

Toma at FD Photo Studio worked as our photo assitant during our shoot -- she is very knowledgeable and helpful! All facilities ...

Gen Levy Gen Levy Photography

You can tell by the lack of space in their schedules that FD Photo Studio is starting to catch on as the go-to hourly rental. Easy...

Liomir Martinez Fabulous People

We recently shot our Fall 15 Product Look Book and could not be happier or more pleased with our overall experience at FD Photo St...

David Waters MojoCinematic

Thanks for a great video shoot. The staff was always there and very helpful. We will be booking FD Studios again soon, THANKS!!

Glen Gante Mister G Photography

Great studio spaces and value! I chose FD Photo Studios for my shoots on my recent trip to LA from Sydney Australia. Pro Studio I...

Madhvi Madhvi Patel Studio

This place is amazing! The staff is really helpful and the place is very clean and ready to go when you arrive. For this rate, I w...

Lisa cc Studios

Our first experience with FD Studio was pretty amazing. From the helpful, really nice staff to the space itself, for the price is ...

Erick Robinson Erick Robinson Photography

Amazing space, very helpful staff. I will always continue to bring business to this studio.

Jenna Fox Real Fiction

I am the manager of a rock band in SoCal called Real Fiction. We were in need of a location to film their music video on a tight b...

Lorenzo lorenzobelmontephotos

Love the atmosphere. Great natural lighting...plus the rates are very reasonable. A+++ all around. I will be shooting there again.

Gia Unera GUD Apparel

Love this awesome studio Art 3! Will be back for more photoshoot for my next season designs for Summer 2017. Thanks FD Studio!

Ali LeRoi

I love shooting at FD. The staff is great and the booking system is seamless and efficient. Great space and great light if you ant...

MarcM

Anytime I"m visiting LA, FD is always my go to. Great studio space, easy to access and friendly staff.

Mark W. Whitaker Foto

Great place I just shot at Hill St. Studio 2 today and lots of Natural light plus 3 Alien Bee Strobes. Really clean and super clos...

Christian

I love FD studio because of their staff and of course their bright natural lighting. I also love the wooden background for art 1 a...

Eric B. Social Finger Imagery

I love shooting on several of the stages this studio has to offer. The staff all have outstanding personalities and are very helpf...

Mua Sherry O Make up Artist

This was an amazing collaboration with lovely models and great photographers. I worked with this Model creating a look that compli...

Erin Marie Miller

This is my go-to studio when I shoot. I absolutely love the gorgeous sets, the lighting equipment is always in great shape and rel...

Dez

Awesome place! The location we filmed at worked perfectly. Victor was a blast. Super helpful and friendly. I will definitely book ...

Rachel Taylor Jewel Badgley Mischka

We had a great experience LOVED shooting there!! Staff was fantastic as was the location. Ease of use and exactly what was pictu...

James Wilson JRW Photography

I've used FD Studios Several times & every time I go, I'm always leaving satisfied. Keep up with the amazing stages! I hear you ma...

See All Studio Reviews

About Jessica Kobeissi

Meet Hannah Fraser: Mermaid Performer

Underwater Photo Studio in Los Angeles

Behind The Scenes: The Mermaid Shoot

Technical Details That Help

Equipment And Booking

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios

N.Y.C Studios

Rent Studio

Clients Review

Events

Have Any Questions?