Born in the water.
Built for those who feel it too.
I create underwater portraits that capture what it feels like to be weightless, and work with surfers and photographers who want to bring that same feeling home in their own shots.
Based in NSW. Shooting worldwide.
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 theprocess, discovered not just a new creative outlet, 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 surfer, 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.
Born in the water.
ways to work with me
SURF PHOTOGRAPHY
For surfers and creatives drawn to the water's edge
Surf photography sessions available — in the lineup, on location, or wherever the waves are breaking.
UNDERWATER PORTRAITS
For individuals and creatives ready to feel weightless
A private underwater portrait session in my studio or the ocean.
WORKSHOPS
For photographers ready to go deeper
Hands-on underwater portrait and surf photography workshops. Learn to read light below the surface, direct a subject and capture the split-second everything becomes weightless.
1:1 UNDERWATER COACHING
A private half-day session, built entirely around you.
If you want hands-on guidance without the group pace, this is a fully private coaching session — just you and me in the water, working through your camera, your composition, and the shots you actually want to be taking.
STUDIO HIRE
For photographers bringing their own clients
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. Bring your clients and your vision — we provide the clear mineral water, the light and the privacy. Everything is set up, nothing to worry about.
She’s been chasing that feeling her whole life.
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 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, I would love to hear from you.
