meet the team

Hilda ~ Founder/Photographer

I’ve always been drawn to the water. Growing up in South Africa, the ocean was something that I only saw once a year. A full day’s drive from home, sometimes two. I remember paddling in the whitewash on a broken foam board, catching wave after wave until the sun went down. I didn’t know it then, but those salty days back in South Africa would stay with me, pulling me back to the water again and again. Now, after 25 years of living in Australia, the ocean is now part of my daily rhythm. Even in the middle of Winter, I find myself in the ocean or behind the lens – usually both.

Photography has been part of my life for years, but everything shifted during lockdown when I picked up an underwater camera and started documenting ocean culture and coastal life. The creative curiosity evolved into something deeper, a desire to build a space where visual storytelling meets stillness, movement and connection. And so, DiP Underwater Studio was born.

Based in Lake Macquarie, on the shores of Caves Beach, DiP is more than just a photography studio. It’s a space for brands and ocean-minded individuals to reconnect with their story, their senses and the natural world. Whether I’m capturing a conscious fashion label or a solo underwater portrait, my aim is the same – to create images that are calm, considered and completely one of a kind.

My approach is intentional but relaxed, guided by listening, collaboration and trust. I believe the best work happens when you feel seen and when you’re free to create without pressure or pretence.

Over the past decade, I’ve worked as a professional photographer across portraiture, branding and community projects and still find deep joy in sharing this work through creative workshops and collaboration. I’m proud to be part of the AUSWIP (Australian Women In Photography) directory, a platform that celebrates leading female and non-binary photographers in Australia. Being part of this community continues to push me creatively and remind me why representation in this space matters.

Whether you’re a brand founder, a fellow photographer or simply someone looking for a new perspective, I’d love to meet you in the water.

Lauren ~ Copywriter & Brand Storyteller

I’m Lauren, a coastal copywriter and brand storyteller who loves turning big ideas (and sometimes extremely vague ones) into words that flow and create connection. I’m passionate about crafting website copy, blogs, product descriptions, social media captions and brand stories that feel authentic, warm and grounded in your unique voice.

Born and bred on the coast in Newcastle, you’ll find me in the ocean most days. With a soft spot for surf culture and a love for all things salty and soulful, I work alongside Hilda at DiP Underwater Studio to bring the full brand experience – combining stunning imagery and thoughtful storytelling to help brands tell their complete, authentic story.

Emma ~ Videographer & BTS Content Creator

Hi, I’m Emma – a creative soul with a love for photography, videography, graphic design and content creation. There’s nothing I enjoy more than channelling my deep connection to the sun, earth and ocean into art that inspires and tells a story.

At DiP Underwater Studio, I bring that energy to my role as the videographer and ‘behind-the-scenes’ content creator. My job is all about capturing the magic that happens here. The creativity, the movement and the moments that unfold above and below the surface.

Driven by nature, ocean rhythms and soulful connection, I’m proud to be part of a space that invites artists, creatives and conscious brands to explore bold, expressive storytelling through underwater imagery.

Let’s create something beautiful.

Em x