100 to 1,000: Underwater Transformation for thrivers

My name is Erena Shimoda. I founded the Underwater Transformation Project in 2013 after realizing the power of underwater portrait photography to overcome incredible obstacles. Our small nonprofit has been helping cancer and trauma survivors find solace and transform their lives. For the project’s 10-year anniversary, we successfully reached 100 thrivers. And now, our next goal is to reach 1000. Because this is a volunteer-run organization, 100% of your donations will go toward the operational costs of photography sessions (primarily pool rentals, accommodations, transportation and transactions).

I know firsthand the restorative power of water. I am the survivor of a traumatic car accident that killed my father and left me with a fractured body and brain injury. It was a miracle I survived. Scuba diving and underwater photography became a transformative part of my own emotional and physical recovery process. Later, when I began photographing cancer survivors, I realized the potential for underwater photography to restore joy and a sense of beauty to other trauma survivors. I saw how the powerful experience of total immersion that one has in the water, combined with portrait photography, can help others who have been traumatized by domestic violence, PTSD, chronic pains, gender dysphoria, and physical disabilities.

In his book “The Healing Power of Water,” Dr. Bruce E. Becker, a clinical professor at the University of Washington School of Medicine, explores the substantial physiological and psychological benefits of total immersion in water. According to Dr. Becker, "Scientific knowledge of the physiology of immersion has dramatically expanded during the past decades, revealing a great many positive impacts of the aquatic environment on the human body." Reflecting on this project, Dr. Becker shared that "Erena Shimoda's photos are beautiful, of course, and the ability of the water to facilitate freedom is unique on earth." A 2009 publication by Cristina Nuñez in the European Journal of Psychotherapy & Counseling draws a link between portrait photography and developing a sense of self. While Nuñez’s research focuses on self portrait photography, her findings suggest additional overall benefits “Facing the camera lens and releasing the shutter immediately takes us to our first essential process of the definition of the self: the recognition of our image in the mirror…By forcing us into the Now, it can help us perceive and express our essential humanity in a photograph.”

Those who have been photographed through this project find that it helps them to overcome trauma and feel more authentically themselves. They say that the power of water combined with the creative process have helped report improved mental health, self-esteem, self-confidence, well-being, and resilience following their portrait sessions. Sammy shared that, “I think the shoot really helped me to be more comfortable with my body and enjoy who I am…this felt really good to be so open and celebrated.” While Ashlee shared, “I absolutely believe this experience is a huge step in overcoming some of the trauma I experienced.” Manu said, “I think underwater therapy can be very healing for survivors & I would recommend using this as an adjunct to therapy work. I think a lot of trauma can be released with this intentional practice.” Read dozens of stories from those who have found transformation through this project on our website.

My goal is to make this therapeutic activity available to more people who need it. As a small, volunteer-run nonprofit organization, your donations go directly to project costs, which include pool rental fees, transportation and modest travel costs to reach survivors.

We invite you to join us in supporting this life-changing project. Your donation will help us deliver transformational underwater portrait sessions and help us continue to offer powerful healing to more people in need. Thank you for your generous support!

Updated list of thrivers waiting in line who will be served by your donations:

Bay Area

Corissa - Hard of hearing

Los Angeles

Jay - Brain Cancer

Mike - Veteran

Dan - Veteran

Oregon

Dean - Leukemia and lymphoma

Arizona

Garnett - Spinalcord

Sunanne - Veteran, amputee

Texas

Caitlin - Accident

North Carolina

Michael - Veteran, breast cancer

Beth - Breast cancer

Virginia (Virginia beach)

BJ - Kidney cancer

Chicago

Jessica - Amputee

Atlanta, Georgia

Brandi - Veteran

Florida

Dan - Veteran & cancer

Canada, Toronto

Aya - Breast cancer

Courtney - Breast cancer

Ruby - Autism