Life of an underwater photographer

Zheng Dongni smiles as Liu Xuewen(right) photographs her in Hefei, Anhui province, Aug 16, 2016. [Photo/VCG]

"You just need to capture the moment for it's hard to communicate under the ever-changing water," Liu Xuewen, an underwater photographer in Hefei, East China's Anhui province, said.

Liu's underwater photography experience started with the 2008 Beijing Olympics Games. "I became fascinated with the TV shots of the swimming and diving events," Liu said. "Those angles, quite different from those shot on the ground, were beautiful and romantic."

From then on, Liu started to learn underwater photography after purchasing some basic waterproof equipment.

It's not easy to shoot underwater though. Liu explained that both photographer and model have to stay still in same pose for a long time; the lighting further complicates the underwater shoot.

What's amazing is that Liu cannot even swim. "But after practice I am now able to hold my breath for one minute."

The sweltering heat in South China this summer has brought more opportunities for Liu to practice his skill.

Zheng Dongni, a graduate from Anhui University, said the underwater photos shot by Liu for her are "an unforgettable and valuable present" before she leaves for the United States to pursue further studies.