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If aerobatic performers seem to be defying death swinging around 20 feet in the air above a safety net, what about 20 feet underwater while holding their breath?

Fashion and commercial photographer Brett Stanley is dazzling the crowds with his unique images of circus performers underwater. Acts of daring once reserved for the circus tent are captured through Brett’s creative underwater vision.

Trapeze artists glide through the water, with every muscle of the hunky male performer’s six-pack defined. Chain performers seem to hang from an invisible chandelier. Female aerobic performers make even the best breath-holders among us a bit nervous as they twirl underwater in long, red fabric.
 

Aerial trapeze performers Aaron Burr and Tess Munro Pedreros

Originally from New Zealand, but now living in Los Angeles, Brett Stanley is an award-winning commercial photographer. He is shoots with Aquatica housings, for which he is a sponsor. Brett has a passion for combining common subjects like these performers with non-traditional settings. He believes that combining the wonders of the underwater environment with the talents of the performers creates the most special effects outside of the editing suite.
 

Performer Pipi-Ayesha on aerial hoop (lyra)
 

Danielle standing on trapeze underwater
 

Sara Anderson Kidston and Madison Turner performing doubles hoop underwater
 

A world first: Professional aerialists Pipi-ayesha, Evelyn, Andrea, and Mary perform an underwater chain web
 

Abi Rose performing with silks (tissue) underwater
 

Christine Peace with an underwater hammock
 

Brett takes a break from a pool shoot to go over his creative vision with a performer

For more of Brett’s imagery, make sure to check out his official website. You can also follow him on Twitter @brettsphoto.