discover the depth of your brand
Welcome to DiP, a purpose-built underwater photography studio in Lake Macquarie, nestled on the shore just up from Caves Beach, NSW. We specialise in custom underwater photography that captures bold, ocean-inspired imagery for eco-conscious creatives like you.
welcome to dip studio
DiP is more than just an underwater photography studio. It’s a creative space built for eco-conscious fashion brands, ethical ocean labels and creatives who want to dive deeper with their imagery.
Founded by photographer Hilda Bezuidenhout, DiP sits on Awabakal Country in Lake Macquarie’s Caves Beach, just 30 minutes from Newcastle. With stunning ocean views, direct beach access and a custom-built underwater studio designed to flow with the elements, not fight them. It’s a space made for bold, authentic storytelling.
Born from a passion project during lockdown, DiP blends professional precision with creative freedom, giving brands and individuals a space to capture calm, intentional and truly one-of-a-kind images.
more than a studio
What began with surf shots and salty portraits turned into something deeper. While learning to surf during lockdown, Hilda picked up an underwater camera, and in the process, discovered not just a new creative outlet in underwater portraits but a tight-knit community of ocean lovers who welcomed her in.
That same sense of connection, support and creative openness is at the heart of DiP.
This isn’t just an underwater photography studio. It’s a space to create, collaborate and feel at home in the water. Whether you’re a brand, a photographer or a creative soul drawn to the ocean, DiP offers more than just a backdrop – it offers belonging and a growing community from Lake Macquarie, Newcastle and beyond.
what i can help you with
commercial photography
Professional underwater and land photography. High quality brand and content creation images, videos and creative reels. Premium visual storytelling for slow fashion labels, ethical ocean brands and conscious creatives who want their imagery to speak volumes.
workshops & events
Coming Soon. A space to learn, connect and co-create – DiP will host underwater photography workshops, intimate creative retreats and guest-led events in the studio and beyond.
dip studio hire
Looking for a private, calm space to shoot underwater portraits, minus the tides and unpredictability of the ocean? DiP Studio is available for hire. Perfect for maternity, branding or creative sessions, our purpose-built studio offers clear mineral water, soft natural light and all the creature comforts you need for a smooth, soulful shoot.
a glimpse below the surface
Quiet. Intentional. Striking.
Step inside DiP’s custom-built underwater photography studio in Lake Macquarie, just steps from stunning Caves Beach - where slow fashion, conscious brands and ocean-inspired creatives come to create something unforgettable.
Take a look at recent underwater shoots, from submerged fashion campaigns to serene solo portraits.
meet the photographer
Born in South Africa, Hilda only saw the ocean once a year. After long drives to the coast, she’d spend hours in the whitewash riding a broken foamie, wave after wave.
That pull to the water never left.
After moving to Australia and spending 25 years by the beach, it’s now hard to imagine a day without the ocean – even in the icy chill of Winter.
Already a qualified photographer, during lockdown Hilda shifted her focus, picking up an underwater camera and diving into surf culture and ocean-inspired imagery.
Now, as the founder of DiP, she brings that same sense of wonder, freedom and connection into every shoot.
join the community. create something real.
DiP is for brands and creatives who value beauty with depth, imagery with soul and spaces that feel like home. Whether you’re ready to book or just dipping your toe in, we’d love to hear from you.
