Photographing the CU Boulder Women’s Water Polo Team

Photographing the
CU Boulder Women’s Water Polo Team

I had the chance to photograph the CU Women’s Water Polo team—at the same pool where I trained as a diver. This shoot sparked a new passion for underwater sports photography. Excited to explore more in Colorado!

Images and article by William Drumm

Last week, I had the opportunity to photograph the CU Boulder Women’s Water Polo team at the CU Rec Center pool, a location that holds a lot of personal meaning for me. As a CU Boulder alumnus who studied both journalism and biology, I spent countless hours in that same pool while completing many of my scuba diving certifications, including Rescue Diver, Advanced Diver, and Master Diver. It was a full-circle moment to return to that pool years later, this time with my underwater camera.

The Challenge of Timing and Light

The shoot took place in the late afternoon, and we only had a brief window where the sun hit the pool just right. Indoor lighting can be tricky for water photography, but I was able to capture a series of underwater portraits and team photos that turned out really well. Despite the limited sunlight, the energy and camaraderie of the team came through beautifully in the photos.

Capturing Underwater Portraits

One of the highlights of the shoot was capturing underwater portraits of individual players. Underwater portrait photography offers a unique, dreamlike quality that adds depth, literally and figuratively, to traditional team photography. These images reflect both the athleticism and grace of the team members, and I’m excited to build on this style in future sessions.

Expanding into Water Sports Photography

This was my first attempt at photographing water sports, and it definitely sparked something. While I’m known for underwater wildlife and lifestyle photography, this shoot opened a new creative door. Most of water polo’s action takes place above water, so next time I’d love to shoot during a game, preferably in an outdoor pool to allow for better lighting and more dynamic over-under shots.

Being based in Denver, Colorado, I’m now actively looking to photograph more aquatic and underwater sports across the state. From synchronized swimming and diving to competitive water polo and beyond, I see a ton of potential for creative, high-energy imagery that blends motion, water, and emotion.

Looking Ahead

I’m looking forward to working with the CU Women’s Water Polo team again and hope to collaborate with more athletic programs at CU Boulder. I’m also excited to continue exploring the world of underwater sports photography throughout Colorado. Whether it’s capturing split-level action shots, underwater portraits, or behind-the-scenes moments, I’m all in on this new creative path.

If you’re a coach, athlete, or program director interested in creative underwater or water sports photography in Colorado, feel free to reach out—I’d love to connect.

Learn More About William

Thanks for reading. To learn more about my mission visit my about page. To see my favorite images visit my portfolio, and if you are interested in purchasing prints (a portion of each sale goes to marine conservation efforts) then take a look at my fine art prints. Plus, to see even more of my images and to connect with me, make sure to follow me on Instagram!