Underwater Model Workshop Photography Masterclass Italy 2026

Underwater Model Workshop Salento – Italy

German | English | Italian

Date: September 11–14, 2026 | Santa Maria di Leuca, Apulia

Host Dive Center:
Gnu Diving Salento
Via Doppia Croce 17, 73040 Santa Maria di Leuca (LE), Italy

www.gnudivingsalento.it

Dive into the Art of Underwater Photography

Experience the magic of underwater photography and expand your portfolio with unique shots in one of Italy’s most beautiful regions.
This exclusive 3.5-day workshop is aimed at ambitious photographers and experienced divers who want to create exceptional, aesthetic underwater images – from fashion to lingerie to fine art nude.

Together with experienced underwater models and under professional guidance, you will learn how to create artistic and technically sophisticated images in the sea – from perfect lighting to creative post-processing in Lightroom and Photoshop.

Why Salento?

The southernmost tip of Apulia – Santa Maria di Leuca – is where the Ionian and Adriatic Sea meet.
Crystal-clear water, fascinating rock formations, caves, and wrecks provide spectacular conditions for breathtaking underwater images.

The host dive center Gnu Diving Salento takes care of organization, rental equipment, boat transfers, and will gladly assist with hotel or apartment recommendations.
All organizational and financial processes are handled directly by Gnu Diving.

Workshop Program

Day 1 – Introduction & Basics (3:30–7:30 PM)

Theory:

• Lighting and color harmony

• Line guidance and composition

• Aesthetics and posing

• Model direction

Practical session:

• First model shoot on land

Day 2 – Getting Started

Theory & Practice:

• Underwater communication for model photography

• Safety during underwater shoots

• Underwater model shooting

• Introduction to Lightroom – basics of color correction

Day 3 – Workflow & Creative Control

• Advanced theory & practice

• Two underwater model shoots at different locations (7 m and 14 m)

• Complex color corrections & retouching in Lightroom and Photoshop

• Working with challenging lighting conditions

Day 4 – Wreck & Final Touches

• Two underwater model shoots, including a wreck shoot (6 to 24 m)

• Lightroom & Photoshop – creating fine art looks and detailed finishing

• Individual feedback & image review

Included in the Price

• Participation in all theory sessions and photo shoots

• Boat, weights, and air

• Two professional underwater models
  (fashion, swimwear, lingerie, artistic nude)

• Personal guidance and feedback during the shoots

Not Included

• Accommodation & meals

• Photo or diving equipment

• Travel costs

The dive center Gnu Diving Salento offers rental equipment and assists in finding suitable hotels or apartments nearby.

Requirements

• Valid diving license (min. 30 dives)

• Good buoyancy and safe diving experience (one shoot takes place at the entrance of a cave)

• Notebook with current Lightroom Classic and Photoshop CC

Recommended Photo Equipment:

• Underwater housing and camera

• Lenses:

  • Light telephoto 75–105 mm (land only)

  • Fast, lightweight wide-angle 24–35 mm, min. f/2.8 (a prime with 24 mm, 28 mm, or 35 mm is excellent)

  • Optional: Wide-angle below 24 mm

• Optional accessories:

  • 1 underwater strobe

  • 1 strobe and a trigger above water

  • ND filter

Participants & Process

• Maximum 6 participants for individual support

• Workshop in German and English (But we can also translate a lot into Italian. I am currently checking a simultaneous translator via AI)

• Takes place with at least 5 participants

Image Rights

• Images may be used for self-promotion (Instagram, Facebook, website, portfolio, etc.)

• Selling the images requires additional agreement with the model

• Use on pornographic platforms is not allowed

• Workshop images may not be submitted to photo contests. But after the workshop, you can organize your own shoots with the models.

Prices & Registration

Registration and payment are handled directly through the dive center:
👉 Gnu Diving Salento – Contact & Booking

For questions regarding photographic direction or the workshop process:
📩 info@lichtfang-foto.de

Create Your Underwater Portfolio

Use this opportunity to expand your portfolio with captivating and artistic underwater images.
Learn how to safely and effectively direct models underwater, capture natural movement, and edit colors to emphasize the depth and emotion in your photos.

Four days full of creativity, technique, light, and depth – in the crystal-clear waters of Southern Italy.

Registration

• Registration until April 30, 2026: €1,590

• Registration until June 30, 2026: €1,720

Registration requires a deposit to secure your spot. If the workshop does not take place, the deposit will be fully refunded by GNU Diving Salento. The deposit is €900.