We often hear about photographers who have lived in symbiosis with the camera since childhood, but this is not the case with Francesca Owen. 

For water sports experts, in fact, this name will ring a bell. Before becoming a photographer, Francesca Owen was a synchronised swimming athlete who went on to represent Australia at the 2012 London Olympics. 
When she decided to retire Francesca was studying photojournalism at Griffith University in Brisbane and combining her passion for photography and water was almost natural. 

Today, Francesca Owen is a photographer and fine artist specialising in underwater photography. Unlike many of her colleagues, however, she does not focus on the landscapes and natural spectacles that the sea or ocean can offer, but concentrates on what she knows best: synchronised swimming. 

As we can see in the series entitled “Red Head”, whether it is the sea or the pool, Francesca’s camera lens is always ready to capture the body of Rachel, a young swimmer, dancing in the water, stretching into poses impossible on land, diving and giving us a sense of freedom. 

The photographer then plays with colours, sometimes giving the images the same tone, others opting for black and white, giving life to even more mysterious shots suspended in time and space. 

Francesca Owen commented on the “Red Head” series: “I always felt a little different from everyone else growing up. Spending a lot of time in the sunny pool made me hate how my freckles stood out. The feel the need to hide my orange eyebrows and eyelashes just to name a few!  Now I am in my early 30’s, I am really embracing who I am and I want others to do the same. […]
This series will highlight the Red Head, but it will also make the viewer feel as sense of connection, and create curiosity to what makes them feel unique and connected in their own world. 
What is your background? What makes you feel different or connected to others? What are your quirks? Not just physically, but emotionally as well. It’s time to embrace our individuality and I hope this series helps you do just that.”

We’ve selected just a few of her images, but to discover all of Francesca Owen’s other series visit her website and follow her on Instagram.