I have decided to give myself a gift at the end of each season. The gift of a collaborative Creative Underwater Session. A session of my own design created by me and for me. To end my season with this Underwater Senior Fashion Session was absolutely the best gift that I could have given myself or my clients!

Don’t forget to Breathe!

Charlotte Underwater Ballerina in Purple Tulle
This Ballerina Image is one of my favorites from this Underwater Fashion Session

There came a point in the session that one of the photographer’s assisting actually me had to make me stop.  I could hardly breathe and needed a break.  What we were doing had me so mesmerized that I hadn’t even noticed that I was staying under for far too long. I was not coming up long enough to give my lungs the air they needed. 

It was such a magical day.  Even as I write this, I am swept back to that afternoon, my heart is racing just a bit and my smile is widening. I am breathing a little deeper…

Sunshine and Grace

We picked a Fall Friday when the high school was out and the weather was gorgeous.  What I thought was going to be a one hour session turned into nearly four. 

No one wanted to stop. 

The light was amazing and her dress was enchanting. 

The water was an irresistible blue with a sparkle that evoked pure magic. The photographs convince most I used post processing to add the bokeh.  I assure you, I did not.  I could see it from under the water and didn’t want to come up for air for fear of loosing it.

Charlotte Underwater Fashion Senior in Purple Tulle by RENEE STENGEL Photography | Charlotte Underwater and Portrait Photographer |
The light was just magical that day. I could see these bokeh sparkles in camera from under the water ~ and just didn’t want to come up for air!

Ella was perfection in the water, the epitome of grace and elegance. 

Charlotte Underwater Fashion Senior in Purple Tulle by RENEE STENGEL Photography | Charlotte Underwater and Portrait Photographer |

Spencer amazed me.  Not only as a phenomenal swimmer and athlete, but in his patience to sit on the side and watch us work when he wasn’t involved.

Teen Senior Boy in Tux Underwater
Underwater Teen in Tux in Black and White with Bubbles

Styled Sessions with Flare

These Underwater Styled and Underwater Fashion Sessions have lit a spark in me!!! I loved photographing the Charlotte Roller Girl Session last summer and I can’t wait to share some of the sessions I have in the works for this year!!

Do you have ideas for a fun styled session?  I would love to hear them in the comments below!  My boys are always coming up with new ones, and they have actually come up with some pretty great plans that I just may have to try!

Charlotte Underwater Fashion Senior in Purple Tulle
I adore how fierce this young woman looks here! Wearing a gorgeous princess gown, yet so fierce and strong.
Underwater Senior Teen Boy in White Shirt Tuxedo with Bubbles at Bottom of pool and swimming

RCB Fashion

I am forever grateful to RCB Fashion for the use of one of her amazing custom designed dresses.  Her work is absolutely stunning.  I can’t wait for an opportunity to use one of her dresses for myself.  What a dream to skip the shopping and have a dress custom designed for a formal event!!

And Erin was a joy to work with.  Truth be told, that dress stayed in my closet far longer than it should have. 

It was so gorgeous I honestly had difficulty returning it.  Even though I haven’t worn that size since my 20’s, it didn’t matter. 

Just having a dress that beautiful hanging in my closet brought sunshine to my home.

RENEE STENGEL Photography | Charlotte Underwater and Portrait Photographer |
Charlotte Underwater Fashion Senior in Purple Tulle by RENEE STENGEL Photography | Charlotte Underwater and Portrait Photographer |
This young woman was amazing. She is so confident and relaxed under the water!! She is stunning!

PS  This will have to be part one because there is just too much to share from this session – and if I don’t start somewhere I may never start anywhere!!

Charlotte Underwater Fashion Falling Angel in Purple Tulle by RENEE STENGEL Photography | Charlotte Underwater and Portrait Photographer |

One thing for you every session

It has been said many times. Do one thing for yourself in every session.

While this entire session was for myself in many ways. This photo was my “out of the box”, “push my limits” photo.

It was the one that I wanted to try even though I had zero idea how it would turn out. I love how those limit pushers are, more often than not, the ones that end up being the most creative and unique.

And, most often, the ones that stop our hearts….

Underwater Kiss?

Charlotte Underwater Fashion Senior couple for Underwater Kiss in Purple Tulle and Tuxedo
Is there anything more romantic than young love underwater? This underwater kiss makes me swoon….
Underwater Kiss with Teen Senior Couple

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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  1. Cristy Cross says:

    Renee these are just so so magical and beautiful. I am captivated by them!!