The Guinness World Record (GWR) for the deepest underwater model picture shoot was set by a Canadian photographer. At a depth of about 50 meters (163.38 feet), the photo session was held on the deck of the Hydro Atlantic shipwreck near Boca Raton, Florida, USA.
The Hydro Atlantic site was specifically chosen because it is outside the decompression zone and presents unique difficulties for the team. Photographer Steven Haining, who had previously broken this record twice, recovered his title with this audacious endeavor.
Steven Haining achieved records by shooting at depths of 21 feet in June 2021 and 30 meters in September 2023. However, Canadians Kim Bruneau and Pia Oyarzun eclipsed Haining’s record in December 2023 when they conducted a picture shoot in the Bahamas at 131 feet.
Then, in an attempt to reclaim their crown, Steven Haining and his team embarked on this amazing underwater journey.
To ensure accuracy and safety at such extreme depths, Ciara Antowski, the model, and the rest of Steven Haining’s crew undertook extensive training. The photo shoot was made even more difficult by Antowski, who wore a flowing white gown and black boots while modeling without an oxygen tank.
The shot was originally planned to last 20 minutes, however it was cut short to 15 minutes due to the risk of narcosis, a condition caused by high pressure. The team also had to contend with problems including sharks, shipwreck corrosion, fishermen interfering, and ensuring Antowski’s safety while submerged.
Steven Haining revealed how he and his colleagues spotted two sharks during a reconnaissance dive on Instagram, giving fans a preview of the record-breaking endeavor.
