Olympic synchronised swimmer Francesca Owen’s new underwater photo series

Francesca Owen represented Australia at the London Olympics and has now turned her talents to underwater photography. See some of her amazing shots.

Synchronised swimmers as part of the Ladies In Waiting photo series. Picture: Francesca Owen

It’s a rarely seen side of a sport that is not usually covered by the media and only occasionally shown on our TV screens.

But these stunning shots of Australia’s artistic, or synchronised, swimmers are an insight into what we will enjoy at the Tokyo Olympics.

Francesca Owen represented Australia at the London Olympics and has now turned her talents to underwater photography.

Her new series Ladies In Waiting captures these under-appreciated athletes under the surface.

“With Ladies In Waiting I wanted to express the Games had been postponed, but also the waiting of the selection process and the waiting of their dreams to come true,” she said.

“In their routines they have to be doing the same thing at the same time, and always thinking about what comes next — I wanted to go the totally opposite angle.”

Underwater shots in black and white. Picture: Francesca Owen

Ladies In Waiting, Picture: Francesca Owen

The waiting game has been brutal for some, with the postponed Games meaning some athletes retired, or were passed over for selection.

One athlete who knows the beauty and pain of artistic swimming all too well is Rachel Presser, who grew up training with Francesca.

The two have reconnected and Rachel is now a favourite photography subject.

Francesca Owen specialises in underwater photography.

Artistic water shots. Picture: Francesca Owen

Artistic swimming is a sport of chaos — under the water is usually a flurry of movements to make sure spectators see perfection.

“We’re constantly moving our legs to keep our bodies upright or moving our arms to keep our legs upright,” Ms Presser said.

“Artistic swimming is a sport of putting yourself in uncomfortable situations, and making it look effortless,” Olympic teammate Kirsten Kinsah said.

“We’ve been working for so long and hard that I’m really excited to put out a proud, strong swim.

“Getting to display our routine on a world stage again is what I’m most looking forward to.”

Francesca Owen’s photos can be bought as fine art prints from francescaowen.com.