Welcome to Dreamland

YOUR UNIQUE UNDERWATER PORTRAIT EXPERIENCE AWAITS!

Underwater Portrait Photography in Long Beach, California

An underwater photoshoot is the closest thing we’ve found to a waking dream, with its weightless and ethereal nature – the feeling of posing underwater is a beautiful adventure  & your photographs are the proof!

The Underwater Photographer

Brett Stanley

I’m Brett Stanley, an underwater portrait photographer based in Long Beach, California, and I’ve spent the last decade guiding people through this amazing underwater adventure to create amazing images.

Let me show you how to pose underwater, and show you why this might be far easier than you’re expecting.

Read more about my approach

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Testimonials

My amazing clients & collaborators are what drives me to create, & I truly appreciate every one of them.

Here are some of their experiences – in their own words:

Google
Melissa Wright profile picture
Melissa Wright
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Stunning work. As a frequently photographed performance artist Brett's professionalism and editing abilities are top notch. I felt comfortable being photographed and his suggestions and direction helped the achieve the final vision! So excited to post share the art we created.
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AlabamaGulfCoastMermaid
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Working with Brett was an absolute dream! I felt completely safe in every shoot - my safety, Sue, made sure that I was comfortable getting to the shoot area, she checked in with me often and was right there when I surfaced to offer a buoy. We visited 5 or 6 different Florida Springs; each uniquely beautiful. Brett has a calming energy that just makes you naturally slow down & be in the moment. The pictures (so many to choose from) are stunning! Brett has a natural timing to get the perfect shot. Lastly, I found Brett to be such a gentleman - I am excited to work with him again.
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Mermaid Lelie
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I love working with Brett. Such a great guy to work with and with a lovely outcome. Thank you for being the photographer during out Malta Merdreams retreat! Can't wait to create more magic together next year.
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Aijalon Morris profile picture
Aijalon Morris
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Two Words : CREATIVE GENIUS Brett is a true master of his craft. His artistic direction brought the perfect underwater vision to life in a way I could’ve never imagined. From the moment I stepped into the water, he made me feel completely at ease, guiding each movement with precision, patience, and a deep understanding of how to capture beauty beneath the surface. What sets Brett apart is his ability to transform a concept into something cinematic and surreal. Every shot felt like a still from a dream…ethereal, soft, and powerful. His attention to detail and control of light and composition were extraordinary. This wasn’t just a photoshoot it was an experience I’ll never forget. Brett creates worlds underwater, and I feel so lucky to have been part of one.
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Sara Campbell
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Brett is a fantastic artist and a delight to work with. I am overjoyed that I am able to add his beautiful work to my modeling portfolio!
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Angelina Pilarinos profile picture
Angelina Pilarinos
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Brett built a waterproof radio trigger housing for me so I could use my Godox strobes for my underwater portraits, and it works perfectly! It has truly elevated my underwater portraiture work. I’ve been a fan of Brett’s photography for years and even attended his workshop, where I learned to use above-water strobes to light models underwater—something I was hesitant to try. With his encouragement and guidance, I invested in an above-water lighting setup for my business, and I couldn’t have done it without his radio trigger housing. His craftsmanship is top-notch, and I can’t wait to keep using it for more underwater shoots!
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Clémentine R
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I've browsed a bit the previous comments, and if you are as well, and maybe becoming suspicious of all these amazing reviews - fear not, they are well-earned. Not only a very professional and helpful photographer, he's also an amazing human being to work with !
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Ciara Antoski profile picture
Ciara Antoski
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
I had a wonderful experience posing underwater with Brett Stanley. It's not my first time posing underwater, but Brett acurately and quickly understood my level and comfort underwater, and was able to give constructive criticism that both felt gentil and actually impactful. I've walked away with beautiful images, a great memory, and new skills to bring into my next underwater shoot. Thank you again!
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Tee N profile picture
Tee N
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5
Brett Stanley is truly an amazing photographer. I traveled to his California studio. I can barely swim and he made me feel completely comfortable underneath the water. He gave easy instructions to follow which made my photo shoot go smoothly. He treated me with kindness. My photos look great and I received so many compliments. I highly recommend choosing Bret Stanley.

Upcoming Events

I’m always travelling for photoshoots & organizing retreats in beautiful parts of the world, & I’d love you to join us!

Check out the list of upcoming events below

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