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The Swimmers: Emma Hartvig's joyful documentary of synchronised swimmers in LA

The Swimmers was created by Swedish photographer Emma Hartvig under a hot Californian sun in Los Angeles, following a request to collaborate with professional synchronised swimmers The Aqualillies.

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Four synchronised swimmers in white swimwear floating in formation in deep turquoise water, viewed from above

"I decided to bring out a certain awkwardness, bizarreness, strength and collaborative view on the otherwise entertaining and beautiful performances," says Emma. "Like a showground for the body, the swimming pool is a ready-made stage for these swimmers.

"And that's what I love about synchronised swimmers, the art and the performance but the extreme physical effort it takes. Their bodies are engrossed and strengthened – heavier and lighter at the same time. Weightless, but stronger."

Amazingly, it was the first time Emma had experimented with underwater photography: "It was quite challenging to try to stay still underwater and focus and do it properly. Luckily, I’m a girl born by the sea, so I'm very good at holding my breath underwater, so it went smoothly."

Based in Paris, Emma's work is always smartly staged and explores narratives inspired by cinema with a dash of tongue-in-cheek. At first glance, the often polished scenes seem perfect, but look closer and you'll discover the absurd and unexpected. Discover more at emmahartvig.com.

All images courtesy of Emma Hartvig

Five synchronised swimmers arranged in a line formation underwater, viewed from above in clear turquoise water with rippling light patterns
Overhead view of synchronised swimmers performing in formation underwater, their bodies creating geometric patterns against the rippling water surface
Overhead view of synchronised swimmers in white swimwear diving through deep blue water, captured from above
Overhead view of synchronised swimmers from The Aqualillies floating in formation in a bright blue swimming pool, wearing white costumes and caps
Five synchronised swimmers in white costumes arranged in a geometric formation in clear blue water, viewed from above
Underwater view of a synchronised swimmer surrounded by other performers with arms extended during a collaborative performance in a pool
Synchronised swimmers performing underwater, their bodies contorted and limbs extended in formation, captured in monochrome by Emma Hartvig
Overhead view of synchronised swimmers in white swimwear floating in turquoise water, shot from above by photographer Emma Hartvig
Two synchronised swimmers perform underwater in black and white, their bodies intertwined in an artistic pose surrounded by bubbles
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