A key part of learning how to swim is to help little ones understand how to swim the under the water safely. In our lessons, we teach them how to do this in a safe, controlled, and supportive way through key skills which progress as they do. Once your baby is confident enough to be dipped underwater in their lessons with us, we will invite them to take part in one of our famous underwater photoshoots. Think of the famous Nirvana album cover and you’re on the right track!
We recently invited one of our little swimmers, Orson, to take part in a photoshoot at a pool in Milton Keynes. Here, his mummy Kelly talks us through their experience – and even chats with a couple of our lovely teachers who are fully trained to facilitate these shoots!
Let’s go underwater with Orson
Capturing special moments and milestones with Orson has been something I’ve been really invested in since he was born last December. His daddy and I waited a long time for him but I think whatever the journey you go on to realise your dream of being parents, part of the magic is documenting the special moments – and, sometimes, the not so special moments. In fact, I’ve been a real advocate for Water Babies for many years so finally getting to take part in my own underwater shoot, with my own baby, has been one of the highlights of becoming a mummy so far!
But taking part in this shoot is something we’ve waited for – to make sure Orson is confident enough to enjoy the experience and, more importantly, will be able to do so safely. I had a few questions that I wanted to ask before we booked on to the shoot so, in a bid to help other parents like me, here’s some answers on what you should expect from your underwater photoshoot.
Can I take part even in the cold weather? Won’t my baby get cold?
We had our photoshoot on a particularly drizzly and cold Sunday morning in November but, aside from the challenge of making Orson keep his winter hat on from the car to the leisure centre, I didn’t have any concern about the temperature on the day. That’s because Water Babies only swim in pools that have been heated to a minimum of 29°. In some swimming pools, the temperatures can be 32°. The pool we did our shoot in was particularly lovely and warm, and at a similar temperature to the pool we have our weekly class in, so Orson could splash away happily in his Happy Nappy. I was keen to get his gorgeous leg rolls in the photos so I was very relieved that it was warm enough in the pool that he didn’t need his Warm In One suit.
What should I take with me? Can I prepare anything beforehand?
All you really need to take with you is everything you’d usually pack for your swimming lesson – with it being a 10.30am shoot, I just needed to pack extra snacks for us both as we usually swim at 4pm and then drive straight home for dinner. But other than that, there’s nothing extra you’ll need. But there are other ways to plan for the shoot ahead of time. Your teacher will assess whether or not your little one is ready for an underwater shoot – if they’re going through the water wobbles, it might not be the right time to book on, and if they’ve got a cold, block nose or the hiccups, you won’t be able to take part – just the same as during a normal lesson.
Generally, it’s quite rare that your shoot will take place at the same pool where you usually swim so you may have questions about parking arrangements, the changing facilities and whether spectators are allowed poolside. But the team at your local office are so happy to answer any questions you might have and they always send out a handy email in the run up to your shoot day, so you can just enjoy the experience with your little one.
What happens during the photoshoot?
We loved the photoshoot day because it was like getting an extra lesson! The qualified dipper – who will also be a Water Babies teacher – will run a class just like you would have any other time of the week, with familiar activities so your child feels super comfortable with their surroundings before they are dipped. Most importantly your child needs to feel confident being dipped by the teacher or dipper – they’re specially trained to support your little one in getting the most out of their starring moment! You won’t be able to do this for the photo so it’s best if you’re not going through a tricky period of separation anxiety.
You and the rest of the parents on the shoot will be given an overview of how things will run once you get in the pool but, in a nutshell, you’ll be told who is going first, second, third etc. to have their photo taken and it’s really important to keep to that order. You’ll line up in the pool and, one by one, you’ll step forward to pass your little one to the teacher. You’ll keep them facing you and bob them up and down as you move towards the teacher, so as to keep them as calm as possible. Then the teacher will take them from you and you’ll step away to stand behind the photographer. Your child will then be dipped and, within milliseconds, handed back to you for post-underwater cuddles! The teacher will then have a quick chat with the photographer about the quality of the photo – generally whether your little one is looking the right way or facing in the wrong direction! – and you will be given an instruction to repeat back to the teacher the next time it’s your turn. For instance, Orson needed to be turned to the right slightly, so I repeated this back to Claire (our lovely dipper) once our second bash at the photo came round.
This happens three times in total, sometimes more depending on the session size, with lovely activities in between.
When will I get the photos back?
This can differ but generally the proofs will be emailed to you within two weeks. And they certainly do not disappoint! In fact, I yelped with excitement when ours landed in my inbox.
They truly are something to be treasured and a real talking point. Claire, who has taught for Water Babies for years and was our lovely dipper on the day of our shoot, even still has her daughter’s underwater photo on the wall of her home over a decade on!
“My daughter took part in an underwater shoot when she was only four months old and she’s 12 now! I hope, like I was all those years ago, that parents will be amazed with their photos as they truly are so special and unique.
“I love being part of these shoots. My favourite part about the day is meeting other families that I don’t usually teach. I feel very privileged that I’m able to be part of a team that will capture a precious memory,” said Claire.
For me, taking part in the underwater shoot really exceeded my expectations – I had been so excited to see the finished product that I hadn’t even considered how much fun we’d have in the process. I will forever – and very proudly – display Orson’s wonderful photo in our home. It’s a memory that will last a lifetime!
