Sea-ing Below the Surface
Written by Penny Tranchilla // Photography by Suahuatica
Model: Melodie Treviño; Location: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, 2020
Melodie and I went on a little road trip to find this hidden forest cenote; a beautiful place with slightly milky waters and indirect light shining from above. Melodie is a very experienced cave diver (scuba), so she was comfortable in the dark. The final result of this photo reminds me of some spiritual being from the deep. Her fins resembling mermaid fins is a little coincidence I discovered later, at home.
sua•hua•ti•ca
/swa-ti-kuh/ •adj
Definition of suahuatica
Underwater; Canarian dialect pronunciation of "subaquatica"
Michael, the man behind @suahuatica, grew up on a sailing ship called the “Lancha.” He grew up sailing with his parents and lived in Portugal, Spain, Italy, Greece, and Turkey in the 90s. These days, he can be found anywhere the seas are deep, crystal clear, and if there are interesting underwater formations to be explored. With a profound fascination and love for the gracefulness of the female form, Michael uses this human interaction to capture his art. He also uses the medium of water and unique landscapes to create dreamy and other-worldly images that transport you to another dimension. We were so intrigued by how Michael captures his images that we had to dive in a little deeper and ask him a few questions.
Q: Do you hold your breath to do your photography underwater or are you scuba diving?
A: It's important to me to always feel the same as the model is feeling, when possible. So, this means that I will always freedive when I photograph freedivers/snorkelers. This also means that no matter the water temperature I will match my outfit with that of the model! She wears a bikini, I will wear a bi...ok, swimming trunks. If the model wears a wetsuit, only then will I also transition into a wetsuit. This is important so you can be exactly as free as she is, or know how cold it is after a while in the water.
Q: What are the depths you prefer to shoot in?
A: Most of my work is photographed between 15 and 45 feet, although I do work up to around 65 feet for some specific shots.
Q: What crazy things have you encountered while shooting?
A: A pod of rough-toothed dolphins crashing the shoot must still be the most memorable (and a very rare occurrence.) It was so exciting!
Q: How do you visualize each shoot before shooting your subject?
A: This is mostly done by feel—I will try to see what kind of skills and movements a model has and adapt my shooting style to her and what I think defines her at her most elegant/beautiful/powerful or fragile moments. By now, everything comes natural and I can trust my instincts to create what is most optimal. The curating afterwards is more conscious though!
Q: What’s the most beautiful place you’ve photographed and why?
A: The striking white sands of Aruba, the stunning cenotes of Mexico or the beautiful caves of Malta—they compete for beauty and make it very hard to choose, honestly. I think what is most important is water clarity together with some strikingly different surroundings for me.
Q: Do you shoot in the Bahamas too?
A: I haven't been there yet but would love to shoot there. The Florida Springs, Bonaire and the Maldives are also at the top of my list of places I'm dreaming to go
“Of what use are lens and light to those who lack mind and sight?"~ Anonymous
Model: Sienna Christine; Location: Aruba, 2020
We were doing a photoshoot with Sienna and her sister. We were just about to get out of the water when a large pod of curious rough-toothed dolphins came to check us out! They came right up to us; the curious youngsters being shielded carefully by the adults. Some of them were swimming in close circles around us, emitting a stream of excited sounds in the process. A magnificent experience!
Model: Sila V. Misli; Location: Sinai Peninsula, 2021
The unusual formation of corals are coated in layers of yellow and grey desert sand, blown in from the shores of the barren Ras Mohamed National Park. At a depth of 45 feet, Sila carefully glided through this amazing spectacle.
Model: Sienna Christine; Location: Aruba, 2020
This turtle acquired the nickname “Dent” because of his chipped armor. He was used to me and generally didn't mind if I got close; I moved very slowly and gracefully. The model kept a respectful distance while he cruised into my view, and this moment became the perfect capture and a great memory for Sienna.
Model: Melodie Treviño; Location: Yucatan Peninsula, Mexico, 2020
My photos are as much memories, as they are impressions of a moment or place, hence, I permit myself a degree of freedom in how they end up looking. It sets me apart from other photographers and provides a more creative expression. Every color has a psychological impact and a meaning. The warm magenta-pink tones, as seen in this image, strengthen the divine femininity that I love to capture.
Model: Wilma Kuiperi-Jansen, @wilmadanse; Location: Aruba, 2021
“This shoot also presented new challenges. These had to be overcome the same way I overcame other challenges in my life, including serious health issues. By facing initial fear and insecurity, tapping into my own inner power, trusting the Universe, and then taking positive action to realize my dreams made this possible. I can’t thank @suahatica enough for believing in me and supporting my vision by making this first part of the project happen.” ~ Wilma Kuiperi
“When our courage is greater than fear, and our love is greater than courage, we become grateful for life and creation.” ~ Valeria Luz
Model: Sila V Misli; Location: Quintana Roo, Mexico, 2020
This was the last cenote we visited during an intense week of exploration and adventure. A beautiful, thick layer of white petals from wildflowers coated the surface of some parts of this cenote. Having fallen from the jungle canopies above, they made an already amazing place look even more worldly.
About Michael
To see more of Michael’s underwater world, be sure to connect at: @suahuatica, Suahuatica@outlook.com, Suahuatica.com