Credit: Steven Haining
The Guinness World Records‘ coverage of Steven Haining‘s underwater photoshoot is a masterful blend of technical achievement and artistic vision. The article details how photographer and model dove to an incredible 163.38 feet to capture ethereal images that seem to defy reality.
What’s particularly captivating is the meticulous preparation behind these otherworldly shots – from a year of technical diving training to the intricate safety protocols that made this feat possible. The resulting photographs of a model in a flowing white dress against the haunting backdrop of the Hydro Atlantic shipwreck are simply breathtaking.
The journey to this record-breaking underwater fashion photography shoot wasn’t a solo endeavor. When diver and model Ciara Antowski approached Haining for another collaboration, they knew they wanted to push boundaries. Having broken the record three times before, Haining assembled a dream team of experienced professionals, including technical diving expert Wayne Fryman.
Safety was paramount throughout the entire process. The team chose the deck of the Hydro Atlantic shipwreck in Boca Raton, Florida, for its unique location past the decompression zone. This added an extra layer of complexity to the shoot, requiring careful planning and additional safety measures.
The challenges were numerous: dealing with extreme cold, limited visibility, and the constant pressure of depth. Ciara had to perform without diving equipment while wearing a dress, communicating through hand signals she learned during intensive training sessions. The team also had to watch out for marine life, including a curious tiger shark spotted during the scouting mission.
What makes this underwater fashion photography project truly remarkable is the teamwork involved. The crew included safety divers, lighting specialists, and even an “emotional support rock” – Mareesha Klups, who had modeled for previous record attempts. They used multiple lighting techniques, including flashing lights and powerful torch lights, to create the perfect ethereal glow around Ciara.
The results speak for themselves. The images capture a dreamlike quality that seems almost impossible to achieve at such depths. The white dress flowing in the deep blue water, framed by the dark silhouette of the shipwreck, creates a stunning contrast that pushes the boundaries of fashion photography.
This story isn’t just about breaking records – it’s about the passion for creating something extraordinary. As Haining puts it, “Beating world records, for us, is a huge passion project for stuff that we already love doing and were doing anyway.” The team’s dedication to their craft, combined with their commitment to safety and innovation, showcases what’s possible when creativity meets careful planning.
Future projects might include exploring other shipwrecks or even attempting greater depths, but for now, these stunning underwater fashion photographs stand as a testament to human creativity and determination. They remind us that sometimes the most beautiful art comes from pushing beyond our comfort zones and diving deep – both literally and figuratively – into uncharted territory.
Visit the Guinness World Records website to view the complete story and discover how this remarkable team pushed the boundaries of underwater photography.
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