Cheryl Walsh Fine Art

Many of my models I trained myself but a few had some knowledge before we met.  I have a very particular way of working and what I am looking for from my models is very specific to me. I’m looking for people who are very comfortable in the water but mostly who truly understand what it is that I am trying to create. I work with an amazing talented and hard working team of designers, makers, models, make up artists and other creatives. Mostly women but a few men.  They construct the clothing and accessories but sometimes I come up with my own simple creations. It can start as an individual idea, a group idea or something that is commissioned. The most important thing is that we are all on the same page creatively and we are contributing to each other’s success.

This is called a Private Commission. An underwater photo shoot starts at $2,500.  More details are available here.

This involves more than just a camera. I have always used ewa-marine underwater housings and just love them. They are perfectly suited to what I do, in the environment I work in.  I’ve found no better system for the work I do and because of the housings versatility I’ve been using some of the same ones with every camera I’ve worked with, including the entire Canon 5D series and the Leica SL.   For lighting I use modified natural light along with Rotolight Neo IIs and Aeos in custom ewa-marine housings. Strobe doesn't suit my style of art so having the powerful constant video light with color temperature and power that can be dialed in quickly is exactly what I need.  In 2018, at Photokina in Germany, I grabbed the owner of Rotolight and the owner of ewa-marine (both small family owned businesses which is very important to me) brought them together and asked them to create a housing for the Aeos light. They did and that has been revolutionary for me.  I use the Neo IIs in ewa-marine tablet housings but the combination of the two lightsources really bring it all together. 

I’m always looking for models with extensive experience underwater modeling.   I am not currently looking for new models to collaborate with unless they are bringing something to the table that absolutely blows me away.  I do offer a limited number of private commissions every year. Keep reading for information about commissions.

Modeling underwater is a lot like dancing.  Dancing is really really easy. And dancing is really really hard. It all depends on the individual's abilities.  I always have a tremendous amount of patience while working with people in the water. 

I work in my own swimming pool in my backyard.  No scuba equipment. It’s a very simple set-up. My models are right near the surface of the water and the pool isn’t very deep.  I have a safety person there at all times and it’s very very safe.

Thank you, sorry, no. I work underwater due to the solitude. If there is an audience then there is no solitude.  I don't need an assistant, thank you. I teach a workshop in the pool at Palm Springs Photo Festival in May. Please see my Schedule page for that information.  I do one on one training with photographers. Rates available upon request.