Sea-ing Below the Surface
Written by Penny Tranchilla // Photography by Suahuatica
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
Abstract close up of a Sea Pen in Komodo, Indonesia, shot in shallow water.
SEASALT Sailing / St. Pete
About Michael
To see more of Michael’s underwater world, be sure to connect at: @suahuatica, Suahuatica@outlook.com, Suahuatica.com