Aqualillies by Brad Walls: A Bold New Perspective on Artistic Swimming
Brad Walls, an award-winning fine art aerial photographer, continues to push the boundaries of visual storytelling with his newest series, Aqualillies. This 16-image collection, shot at the prestigious Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Beach, California, reimagines the beauty of artistic swimming. Inspired by the recent Paris Olympic Games, Walls offers a glimpse into a sport often overlooked for its visual potential, presenting it in a way never seen before.
Artistic Swimming From Above by Brad Walls
Redefining Artistry in Motion
Known for his expertise in capturing complex visual forms, Walls’ work frequently highlights the fluidity and balance of movement. With an impressive portfolio covering sports such as diving, gymnastics, and ballet, Aqualillies marks a seamless progression in his artistic journey. His exploration of artistic swimming focuses on revealing the synchronized elegance that defines the sport.
Walls recognized a gap in how artistic swimming is usually portrayed: “It was surprising how few images truly highlight the intricate shapes and patterns created by artistic swimmers,” he noted. By leveraging his signature aerial viewpoint, Walls accentuates the symmetry and synchronicity that make the sport so compelling.
Collaboration with the Aqualillies
Key to the success of the series was Walls’ collaboration with the renowned Aqualillies, a premier group known for their innovative aquatic performances. Their routines, choreographed by Mary Ramsay, embody the finesse and dedication required in artistic swimming. Ramsay, a former NCAA Collegiate Champion, has led the Aqualillies through high-profile performances alongside artists like Beyoncé and Justin Bieber.
Ramsay expressed her excitement about working with Walls: “Artistic swimmers spend hours every day working to achieve perfection. With Brad’s eye for detail, perspective, and creativity, we were able to showcase our hard work that is often lost to the naked eye.”
From Concept to Execution
Walls approached the project with meticulous attention to detail. Before the shoot, he spent considerable time sketching geometric forms, drawing inspiration from various artistic sports. Translating these initial concepts into reality required careful planning and coordination with Ramsay and the team. The series was set in the expansive Pelican Hill pool, and orchestrating 26 performers to achieve precise formations presented a significant challenge. “When collaborating with Mary, our goal was to select static positions from routines that emphasize repetitive forms and geometric sequences,” Walls explained.
Despite the intense preparation, Walls embraces spontaneity during his creative process. “No matter how much planning goes into it, there’s always an unplanned frame that captures something extraordinary,” he said. This balance of precision and unpredictability brings depth and authenticity to Aqualillies.
The Unveiling and Future Exhibition
The Aqualillies series showcases the sport in an entirely new light, inviting viewers to appreciate the seamless intersection of art and athleticism. The play of shapes, reflections, and synchronized movements, as seen from above, offers a fresh appreciation for the dedication and talent behind artistic swimming.
Brad Walls plans to exhibit Aqualillies in the Summer of 2025, providing an immersive experience that celebrates artistic swimming’s grace and the power of visual storytelling. Through this series, Brad Walls not only brings attention to the beauty of the sport but also solidifies his place as a pioneering voice in contemporary photography.
All images © by Brad Walls. Feel free to find other trending photography projects on WE AND THE COLOR.
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