Fran Reina

AQ is our series of hardcover catalogs celebrating extraordinary women artists. Available on Amazon. Visit the AQ Catalog Webpage to learn more.

AQ Volume V artist Francesca Reina is an underwater photographer from Milan, currently based in Mexico, where she dives and explores cenotes—freshwater-filled sinkholes—to create her underwater art.

Her images blend the beauty of natural bodies of water with the human figure, capturing unique and diverse underwater environments. Her work highlights the intimate connection between water and humanity, with the hope of inspiring the conservation of these fragile ecosystems.

Francesca draws inspiration from the serene beauty of nature. She is driven by a desire to share the tranquility of underwater realms that many may never experience firsthand.

Fran has been awarded a scholarship at Art NXT Level with curator Sergio Gomez and has exhibited her work at the 33 Contemporary Gallery in Palm Beach and photoMIAMI 2024. Her photography has been featured in various blogs and magazines, including Waterproof Magazine, Artells Magazine, Artgo Magazine, and Artplacer Medium.

Fran continues to work with clients who travel to Mexico to be photographed by her in the crystal-clear waters of the cenotes. At the same time, she remains committed to creative projects that expand her artistic career.


https://www.franreinaphotography.com/fine-art

What inspired you to become an artist, and how did you decide to commit to this path?

I've always been drawn to creativity—since childhood, I’ve loved expressing myself through drawing. As a young adult, my adventurous nature led me to explore the world while working as a scuba diving instructor. Spending so much time in the underwater world sparked a deep fascination with its beauty and mystery, and I felt called to capture and share those experiences. This passion naturally evolved into underwater photography.

While documenting travels and coral restoration projects, I became mesmerized by the surreal beauty of underwater environments, especially the Mexican cenotes—natural sinkholes formed in collapsed limestone rocks, filled with crystal-clear freshwater. Cenotes were considered sacred by the Maya, who viewed them as portals to the underworld and vital water sources. This fascination inspired me to experiment with adding human subjects, fabrics, and other unexpected elements to create unique underwater compositions.

I decided to fully commit to this artistic path out of a profound need to share the beauty of what I experience firsthand underwater. Many people never have the chance to witness these places, and through my art, I hope to bring these hidden worlds to light. Beyond showcasing their beauty, my goal is to inspire a deeper appreciation for these environments and encourage conservation efforts. Underwater photography allows me to connect people to the fragility and majesty of these spaces, creating a bridge between humanity and nature while advocating for their protection.


Could you share the story or concept behind your recent work?

One of my latest projects was born out of my collaboration with Coralisma, a non-profit organization dedicated to restoring the Mexican coral reef. During my time with them, I had the privilege of managing the logistics for their volunteer programs and documenting their vital conservation work through underwater photography. The woman featured prominently in the Coralisma series is Marina, one of Coralisma’s co-founders. Her serene presence in the images is more than a visual element—it symbolizes the hope, optimism, and unwavering dedication she brings to her mission of protecting and restoring our oceans.

In a world often overshadowed by grim news about the declining health of marine ecosystems, Coralisma offers a refreshing narrative of action and possibility. The co-founders, Marina and Isabela, have been incredible sources of inspiration to me, demonstrating that tangible, impactful steps can be taken to heal and protect coral reefs. Their passion and optimism became the driving force behind this series, which I created to celebrate their belief that positive change is not only possible but already happening.

Through these images, I aim to convey more than just the beauty of the underwater world. I want to share a story of resilience and hope. The vibrant corals surrounding Marina in the photographs represent both the fragility and the potential for renewal of our oceans. They remind us that, with collective care and commitment, these ecosystems can thrive once more.

This series is both a tribute to those who dedicate their lives to ocean conservation and a call to action for everyone to contribute in whatever way they can. To further support this mission, I am donating 50% of the profits from this series to Coralisma, helping to fund their ongoing efforts in coral reef restoration. My hope is that these images inspire viewers not only to appreciate the beauty of our underwater world but also to recognize their role in preserving it for future generations.


What was the most challenging part of your path so far? How are you navigating this obstacle?

One of the most challenging aspects of my journey as a photographer has been reconciling the commercial side of my work with my desire for creative freedom. I am a busy underwater portrait photographer, and as I commit to creating underwater art for everybody, regardless of their swim level, my underwater portraits have become quite popular with people wanting to commemorate a special moment in their life—like a pregnancy or engagement—or those who want to have the empowering experience of doing an underwater photoshoot to overcome their fear of the water.

While I deeply love working with clients—helping them feel beautiful, empowered, and confident—there are times when my artistic choices are constrained. This can manifest in subtle ways, such as preferences for outfits or color palettes, or more significant challenges like the client’s comfort with expression or posing. These limitations can make it difficult to fully bring my creative visions to life.

To navigate this, I’ve been intentional about carving out time and space to pursue projects where I have complete creative control. These personal projects allow me to experiment freely, refine my artistic voice, and explore the concepts and ideas that truly inspire me. By balancing client work with these passion projects, I’m able to honor both sides of my craft—the joy of collaboration and the fulfillment of fully realizing my own artistic vision. This approach not only helps me grow as an artist but also enriches the creative energy I bring to every aspect of my work.


What role does experimentation and exploration play in your artistic practice?

Experimentation and exploration are at the very heart of my artistic practice, particularly the exploration aspect. Being out in nature and discovering new natural bodies of water fuels my creativity in profound ways. Each location, whether it’s a tranquil cenote, a vibrant coral reef, or a rugged coastline, has its own unique energy, textures, and light that inspire my work.

Exploration doesn’t just influence the settings I choose—it shapes my entire creative process. By immersing myself in unfamiliar environments, I challenge myself to see the world through fresh perspectives and to think beyond conventional compositions. Experimentation often follows naturally from this, as I play with different elements like lighting, movement, and props to capture the essence of each place in a way that feels authentic and innovative.

These practices keep my work dynamic and help me push boundaries, both technically and creatively. They also deepen my connection to the environments I photograph, allowing me to create pieces that celebrate the beauty and diversity of the natural world while expressing my unique artistic vision.


What message do you hope your art conveys to the world?

Through my art, I aim to inspire a deeper, more positive connection between humanity and nature. I want viewers to feel a sense of awe and wonder for the natural world, particularly the underwater environments that are so often overlooked or misunderstood. By showcasing the unique beauty and fragility of the cenotes and coral ecosystems, I hope to ignite a sense of responsibility and urgency to protect and preserve these precious ecosystems.

At the same time, my work seeks to empower individuals—whether they are subjects in my photographs or those experiencing the art itself. I aim to highlight the elegance and strength of the human form within nature, fostering a sense of harmony and belonging in these spaces.

Ultimately, my goal is to inspire conservation efforts and remind people of the vital connection we share with the environment. I hope my art serves as both a celebration of natural beauty and a call to action, encouraging others to cherish and protect these irreplaceable wonders for generations to come.