One month ago I had the chance to exchange a lens that I was not using anymore for an underwater camera – the Minolta 35DL – in a camera shop, and I took the deal. I immediately used it a few days later during a pool party that a friend threw in his house on Elba. Before that, I never used an underwater camera – at least that I can remember – and the results enchanted me. Once I got back in Milan I immediately developed the two rolls of film that I shot in such occasion.
More than anything such an automatic camera that can go underwater without any concern immediately involved everyone at the party, and tons of pictures were requested. The unusual context helped me capture a few unexpected pictures, as a result of me experimenting outside of my comfort zone.
The surreal look of the light casted heterogeneously by the water ripples immediately throws the pictures in dreamy realm.
It was also very interesting to play with the internal reflections of light against the edge of the water, isolating what is inside of the water from the outside – which is even more interesting in a pool, an element that is inherently separated from its surroundings.
Yet more than anything else, it is a fun way to take pictures in all situations – unafraid to ruin the camera and free to enjoy the moment at its fullest.
Thanks to Giuditta Fullone for reviewing this article.
All the images included in this article were shot on Ilford HP5 film on a Minolta 35Dl, home-developed and home-printed in my bathroom/darkroom, and then scanned. The cover drawing is made by me.