Photographer Dan Katz explores nude body art in underwater portrait work.

Underwater photography pushes the limits of creativity, and few artists embrace that challenge like photographer Dan Katz. A former advertising creative director turned fine art photographer, Katz has transformed his passion for figurative art into breathtaking underwater portraits that explore the beauty, fluidity, and abstraction of the human form. His work—ranging from underwater nude body art to ethereal figurative portraits—has been published in LensWork, Lens Magazine, nudeARTzine, Seeing in Sixes, and featured in live and online galleries worldwide.

And at the center of his underwater journey? The Outex waterproof housing system, which empowers him to capture museum-worthy images with precision, clarity, and complete creative control.

Underwater photo by Dan Katz - Anastasia 4437 

From Ad Executive to Fine Art Photographer

Creativity has always surrounded Katz. Growing up with a mother who was a fine art painter and a wife who is also an artist, Katz built his career in advertising before retiring in 2020 to fully pursue photography. He calls his style “Human Art,” blending figurative photography, portraiture, and underwater exploration.

“I’ve always been inspired by nature, architecture, and the shapes and colors of the human body,” Katz explains. “Water adds a magical dimension—ripples, reflections, distortions—that simply can’t be replicated in a studio.”

You can view his full portfolio at dankatzphotography.com.

Underwater photo by Dan Katz - Glimpse of Eternity 

Behind the scenes underwater nude body art photoshoot with Dan Katz 

Why Dan Katz Chooses Outex for Underwater Photography

Katz’s gear has evolved over the years, from film and darkrooms to DSLR and digital fine art photography. Today, his underwater work relies on a Canon 5D Mark IV, lenses like the 24–70mm f/2.8 and 16–35mm f/2.8, and his trusted Outex underwater housing system.

Here’s why Katz uses Outex over traditional hard-case housings:

• Universal fit: Works across multiple camera bodies and lenses.

• Full control: Every button, dial, and function remains accessible.

• Professional quality: Optical glass ports deliver sharp, distortion-free results.

• Durability & affordability: Built to last, without the heavy price tag.

“Outex lets me focus on my art without re-learning my camera inside a box. I can trust the system to protect my gear while letting me shoot naturally,” Katz says.

👉 Learn more about Outex waterproof housings.

 Underwater photo by Dan Katz - Edie 9402

Underwater photo by Dan Katz - Linnea - 7689

Overcoming the Challenges of Underwater Portrait & Body Art Photography

Underwater photography isn’t just about protecting your camera—it’s about reimagining everything you know about light, motion, and posing. Katz explains:

• Lighting: Unlike studios, underwater light constantly shifts with ripples, reflections, and textures.

• Angles: Photography becomes fully three-dimensional, opening perspectives from above, below, and within.

• Models: Comfort is essential. Many subjects struggle with holding breath, avoiding bubbles, or relaxing underwater. The best underwater models move with ease, adding grace to the imagery.

“Underwater photography is a whole new ball game,” Katz emphasizes. “But that’s where the magic lives.”

Underwater Nude Body Art: A Floating Canvas

Katz describes his underwater body art portfolio as “photographic paintings.” The water transforms fabric, hair, and the human body into floating sculptures, alive with movement and abstraction.

“Figures, shadows, and reflections become abstractions where the viewer can see more than what is in the photograph.” – Dan Katz

His underwater work showcases the grace of motion, sensuality of form, and surreal beauty of the human figure suspended in water. (Portfolio contains artistic nudity.)

About the Artist

• Nearly 40 years as an advertising copywriter and creative director.

• Began photography at age 10 with a Kodak Brownie camera gifted by his grandfather.

• Published in multiple fine art journals, books, and galleries.

• Inspired by masters such as Ansel Adams, Wynn Bullock, Richard Avedon, and Helmut Newton.

When not creating fine art photography, Katz enjoys aviation, travel, and discovery. But photography remains his true passion.

Work with Dan Katz

All of Dan Katz’s photographs are available for purchase as archival signature prints or can be licensed for creative use. Explore his work and connect with him directly at:
👉 dankatzphotography.com

“My inspirations are the Great Photographers: Ansel Adams, Edward Westin, Wynn Bullock, André Kertész, Minor White, Aaron Siskind, and more recent masters such as Richard Avedon, Albert Watson and Helmut Newton.”

“Advertising is my career, aviation is my hobby, travel is my joy, but photography is my passion.”

Outex: Empowering Underwater Creators

At Outex.com, we’re proud to support photographers like Dan Katz who are redefining what’s possible in underwater content creation. From professional fine art to adventure filmmaking, our waterproof camera housings are trusted by creators worldwide for their versatility, durability, and professional-grade results.

Whether you’re exploring underwater portrait photography, surfing, diving, or cinematic production, Outex provides the tools you need to create without limits.

👉 Discover why Outex is the #1 destination for underwater content creators: Explore Outex Systems.

All of Dan’s photographs are available for purchase as archival signature prints or can be licensed. Learn more or contact his on his website:

https://www.dankatzphotography.com/