The Power of Water
Everyone copes and heals differently, and the Underwater Transformation Project does not claim to offer an instant cure for illness or trauma. Healing and transformation are complex, deeply personal journeys that unfold over time. This project provides a meaningful and accessible space for that journey to begin or continue.
Founded by underwater photographer Erena Shimoda, the Underwater Transformation Project offers transformative underwater portrait sessions for individuals who have experienced cancer, trauma, PTSD, disabilities, or other life-altering events. By combining the therapeutic effects of water immersion with the expressive power of portrait photography, the project helps participants reconnect with their bodies, rebuild self-esteem, and rediscover a sense of beauty, strength, and wholeness.
Erena’s inspiration for the project comes from her own healing process following a traumatic car accident that took her father’s life and left her with severe injuries. Through scuba diving and underwater photography, she found a path to emotional and physical recovery. Recognizing the healing potential of water-based portraiture, Erena has committed herself to offering this experience to others navigating their own recovery.
Since its inception, the project has supported more than 100 survivors, with a long-term goal of reaching 1,000 participants. This number is inspired by the Japanese tradition of folding one thousand origami cranes—a symbol of hope, healing, and eternal happiness.
Though not religious herself, Erena is inspired by the role of water in many spiritual traditions: waterfall meditation in Shintoism, sacred bathing in the Ganges River in Hinduism, and baptism in Christianity. These rituals reflect water’s historic and symbolic power to purify the soul and mark new beginnings—a theme that resonates deeply throughout the project.
The Underwater Transformation Project is entirely volunteer-driven, and 100% of donations and grant funding go directly to operational expenses. These include pool rentals, underwater photography equipment maintenance, travel, accommodations, and transportation costs that allow Erena to meet participants where they are—both physically and emotionally.
Committed to accessible experiences regardless of financial status, Erena’s mission, rooted in empathy, resilience, and creativity, ensures everyone has the opportunity to be seen, heal, and feel whole.
Cancer Survivors
Underwater photography gives a beautiful escape and a new rediscovery.
PTSD & Aquaphobia
Water has a power to improve your mood, self-esteem and overcome fear of water.
Physical Disabilities
Underwater Portrait Photographer
下田恵玲奈はサンフランシスコ在中の水中ポートレート写真家である。東京生まれでスキューバのダイブマスターとして認定されており、ニューメディアとファインアートの経験を生かしてさまざまなメディアで独特の作品を創造している。父親を亡くし自らも重傷を負った悲劇的な交通事故の後に水中ヒーリングセラピーの実践を開拓した。自らを癒す過程の一環として、アメリカ癌協会の「ルックグッド・フィールベター」プログラムでボランティアを行った。癌克服者が写真に写った自分の美しい姿を再び見て感激する姿に強烈なインパクトを受け、水中写真への関心と癌克服を組み合わせることを決意した。水中で得ることができるヒーリング効果を癌克服者に経験してもらい、その結果仕上がったポートレート写真で自分の美しさを再び感じてもらう手助けをしている。 数多くの証言が示すように、下田のパワフルで変革を促す水中ポートレートセッションは、癌克服者が自分の美しさを再発見した上で自信や自尊心の回復する役に立ち、さらに超越の経験をもたらすのである。
