The Physics Behind the Photo
A person floats in the Dead Sea with both hands holding a newspaper above the waterline. No kicking. No effort. The image has become the single most recognizable photograph associated with this body of water, and for good reason: it demonstrates something that feels impossible until you experience it.
Dead Sea water has a density of 1.24 g/mL, created by 34.2% dissolved minerals (predominantly magnesium chloride, potassium chloride, and calcium chloride). The human body, with a density of approximately 1.01 g/mL, cannot sink. Both arms float. Both legs float. The torso rests at the surface with enough clearance to hold a broadsheet newspaper without touching the water.
This is not a trick. It is fluid mechanics.
Dead Sea water at 1.24 g/mL density supports the human body so completely that a floating person can hold a newspaper with both hands above the waterline without any kicking or paddling, creating the destination’s most iconic photograph and the most direct visual proof of the lake’s extraordinary buoyancy.
Step by Step Technique
- Enter the water slowly at a beach with gradual depth (Ein Bokek’s public beaches work well)
- Wade until the water reaches waist to chest level, approximately one meter deep
- Lean back gradually with arms extended to the sides for initial balance
- Allow the water to support you completely; resist the instinct to kick or paddle
- Once stable (typically 30 to 60 seconds), have a companion hand you the newspaper
- Hold the newspaper with both hands above chest level, arms slightly bent
- Position yourself so the photographer captures the newspaper, your floating body, and ideally the Jordanian mountains as a backdrop
- Take multiple shots; the newspaper will eventually get wet, you will drift, and expressions vary
The entire process takes 2 to 3 minutes from entering the water to holding the newspaper. First time visitors sometimes need a second attempt.
Best Conditions for the Shot Factor Ideal Why
Time 7:00 to 9:00 AM Soft morning light, calm water, fewer visitors at the beach Alternative 4:00 to 5:30 PM Warm afternoon light, less harsh than midday Wind Calm or very light Easier floating, clearer water reflections Sky Clear or light cloud Better illumination, cover visible mountain backdrop Background East facing (toward Jordanian mountains add Jordan) dramatic scale and context Avoid midday (10:00 AM to 3:00 PM). The light is flat, the heat is punishing, and the photographs lack the warm tonal quality that makes the golden hour shots memorable.
What to Bring
- Newspaper or magazine:bring your own; at least two copies, since the first will likely get wet. English language papers are available at hotel shops and at Ben Gurion Airport
- Waterproof phone case:rated IPX8 or higher. Dead Sea salt corrodes unprotected electronics rapidly; a single splash can damage a phone permanently
- A companion:someone must take the photograph while you float
- Sunglasses with retaining strap:keeps the sun out of your eyes for a relaxed expression
- Lens cloth or towel:salt spray dries on camera lenses within seconds
Photography Angles
The classic composition frames the subject from slightly above, with the newspaper prominent, the face relaxed and visible, and the Jordanian mountain range filling the background. Have the photographer stand in shallow water for a lower, more dramatic angle, or on the shore for a wider context shot that includes the beach and other visitors.
For variations: hold a hardcover book instead of a newspaper for a different visual register. Use a magazine with a colorful cover for contrast against the turquoise water. Coordinate with a companion for a side by side floating shot.
The optimal Dead Sea newspaper photograph is taken between 7:00 and 9:00 AM, when soft morning light illuminates the Jordanian mountains in the background and the water surface is calm enough to create reflections, with the photographer positioned in the water at a low angle to frame the floating reader against the landscape.
FAQs
Why does the newspaper stay above water?
The newspaper is not floating. You are. Dead Sea water at 1.24 g/mL density supports the human body so completely that both arms remain above the waterline without effort. A dry newspaper weighs very little; you are holding it in the air while the mineral dense water supports everything below your chest.
What if I feel unstable while floating?
Every person floats in the Dead Sea. Instability usually means you are fighting the water rather than surrendering to it. Relax completely, lean back slowly, and allow 30 to 60 seconds for equilibrium. The more you try to control the float, the less stable you feel. Stillness is the technique.
Will the newspaper get ruined?
Almost certainly, after several minutes. Splashes from repositioning and ordinary drift will wet the paper. Bring two or three copies and be prepared to swap. Some visitors laminate a single page beforehand, though the authentic paper texture photographs more convincingly. The newspaper is a prop for a brief 2 to 3 minute session.