NAPCP INSPIRED Let's Dive In - Renee Stengel Photography

Featured Photographer for NAPCP INPSIRED

I am beyond honored to share that I am one of two Featured Underwater Photographers published this month in the NAPCP (National Association of Child Photographers) INSPIRED Magazine‘s July “Water” Issue.

It has long been a dream to see my work published in print. I truly never imagined that my first Feature Article would be in such a prestigious publication.

NAPCP INSPIRED Magazine Feature Article "Let's Dive In! Underwater Introduction and Inspiration" by Renee Stengel Photography, Award Winning Underwater Photographer based in Charlotte North Carolina — NAPCP INSPIRED Magazine Featured Underwater Photographer

Icing on the Cake

The Icing on this amazing cake? The Featured Photographer for the Cover this month is a beautiful friend. Wesley Woodley is an amazing family photographer here in Charlotte. AND, the other Featured Underwater Photographer is my dear dear friend and mentor, Jennifer Kapala, co-founder of Underwater Kids.

To be Featured alongside these two amazing artists is an honor. And to be honest. It is one I am having trouble wrapping my feelings around.

Gorgeous Publication

I will say this. Every Issue of INSPIRED is beautiful.

I have several copies on my studio shelves. The articles are always well written and the magazine is beautifully designed by Deanne Mroz. The imagery, of course, is not just gorgeous eye candy.

It is creative, original, inspirational artwork. Month after Month.

But this month?

They have outdone themselves. Cover to cover this Magazine is stunning.

Each issue highlights a monthly theme. Photographers are invited to submit photos for possible publication within the theme.

I was honored to have my Backlit Ballerina chosen for the Low Light Theme just last month.

This month the theme is Water and the images are STUNNING! I have several friends in the Underwater Community whose images were chosen.

I really could not be more proud to have my work Featured alongside of them!

Let’s Dive In!

I fell in love with Underwater Photography sixteen years ago on a freediving trip in the Grand Cayman Islands with a girlfriend.

I was using a disposable point and shoot underwater camera. Disposable Y’all! But even that captured my water loving heart. A camera you could take into the water?

At that point I certainly didn’t know that some British guy had done this back in 1856. Or that Bruce Mozert was capturing amazing styled Underwater Portraits in Florida in the 1930’s!

But with my Grand Cayman discovery of Cathy Church’s incredible marine Underwater Photography, I knew. I knew that I would someday create my own Underwater Art!!

Underwater Magic

Documentary style underwater photography of families and children quickly captured my heart.

The pure joy that I see on the little ones faces melts me. Summer is the essence of being a kid. And for children who love the water – they really love the water.

So, the idea of having a family photo shoot, but getting to do it in the swimming pool? They may be a little hesitant at first because it is so new and different. But by the time we are finished, they rarely want to leave!

Parents love that they are getting breathtaking art for their homes that captures a mini vignette of their children’s carefree summer.

There is no “sit here” or “turn your shoulder that way”. There is no fussing over curling hair or clothes no one wants to wear. They don’t even have to put on shoes!

Of course, I help with coordinating bright and bold colored swim suits. And I have an ever-growing stash of whimsical sunglasses and goggles to add a bit of creative flair. But my parents are often amazed at just how “easy” the session is!

And then my soul discovered…

I will always have a great love for the free-spirited documentary style family sessions. But my creative spirit has discovered that styled underwater photography feeds a different part of my soul.

I’m not sure what Cathy Church would think if she saw the line I draw from her gorgeous portraits of graceful sea turtles to my vintage yellow telephone, underwater ballgowns and backlit ballerina silhouettes. But I do know that my soul has come alive with these sessions.

An artist? That one is new.

I have been taking photographs for 25 years. While some struggle with the title, I have been confidently calling myself a “Photographer” for 20 years.

But an artist? That one is new. That title came when my spirit discovered the passion and freedom in creating these magical underwater images.