Donna Rose

I vividly recall my first introduction to Oceanic Waterbabies, which was shortly after the birth of my son Aidan in July 2004.  I was eager to learn more and enrolled in a seminar presented by an extremely passionate and motivating speaker, Kelly Rae. With Aidan aged just 10weeks old we were in the pool for our first lesson with Kelly; this becoming our regular Monday afternoon activity together over the next 5 years.

The Waterbabies’ program provided us with a safe learning environment and an enormous amount of support, patience and guidance.  Aidan developed the confidence to swim whilst having lots of fun.  When asked what his favourite memory was he recalls “Jelly on the plate….”

As a mother, my love of portrait photography grew to a passion which I decided to pursue and so returned to study, attaining a Diploma of Photography.  It was during this period that Kelly approached me and asked if I would be interested in taking pictures underwater; until this point it was not something I had even considered.  Obviously I jumped at the opportunity to combine my love of portraiture with a new and exciting adventure underwater.  Kelly’s first question to me was “how did I plan to remain on the bottom of the pool… without oxygen?.”  “I guess I have a bit of research to undertake”, was my answer!

After completing my photography course I spent the next year discovering the world of photography underwater, with enrolment in an Open Water Dive course, followed by a coaching session with an experienced underwater photographer, together with many practice sessions. There have been numerous challenges, that without the absolute support, knowledge and perseverance of Kelly Rae and Bob Dunn, not to mention the incomparable and outstanding Oceanic Waterbabies’ program, this amazing journey would not have evolved and the breathtaking images of your children under the water would not be possible.

As a parent with personal experience of the program to observing the children through my underwater photography, it is significant testimony to Oceanic Waterbabies’ that the children are relaxed and enjoying their underwater environment and the proof is in the images that you can view in the gallery, a lifetime of precious memories.

Oceanic Waterbabies has become part of my family and Aidan is most definitely a ‘water baby’.

I will keep you posted as my website will be up and running soon.