This workshop will take place in a swimming pool, making it a controlled and beginner-friendly environment.

Join water, surf, and lifestyle photographer Mattea McKinnon for a relaxed, beginner-friendly introduction to underwater photography. With experience across branding, surf retreats, and editorial work, she brings both creative and technical insight into the water.

It can be overwhelming getting started with water/underwater photography, so this workshop is designed to keep things simple, approachable, and fun.

Held in at Laurie Lawrence Swim School at Burleigh Heads, you’ll be guided through the essentials to start creating beautiful water-based imagery.

What you’ll learn:

Basics of camera, lenses & underwater housings
Underwater portraits & specific water photography techniques
Camera settings for water photography
Water skills tips
Tips for working with models/people in the water
Image selection – how to choose your strongest shots
Simple editing tips to refine your images

What to bring

Bring swimming gear, goggles, fins and your own photography gear/under-water housing.

If you don’t yet have an in-water housing, one will be available on the day for demonstration and practice. Please note this housing is only compatible with Mattea’s camera, but you will still have access to all images taken during the session.

About Mattea

Mattea McKinnon is a UK-born, Australia-based water, surf, and lifestyle photographer and writer, specialising in storytelling-driven imagery. Her work spans branding, surf retreats, and editorial, and is shaped by her deep connection to the ocean.

Address: Lawrie Lawrence Swim School, 6 Flagstone Drive, Burleigh Heads QLD 4220

Contact the host of Foundations of Water Photography