If you think you are a bit nervous about shooting a mermaid then here are some tips to help you get ready to capture this beautiful creature.
The secret to having amazing photos of a mermaid is to go in with an open mind and be prepared to put yourself out there and be brave! There’s no one right way to photograph mermaids. We are a diverse species and so are we mermaids.
The tips we’ve included below are just some of the things we’ve learned as we’ve photographed these beautiful creatures. Try out a few of the ideas you see and hopefully you’ll find them helpful.
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Find the perfect spot
Where you’re standing has an impact on how you’ll end up with photos, so take some time to find the perfect spot.
The best spots are often where there’s a little rocky reef, in shallow water. The rocks will break up the reflections of the sunlight.
You can choose between sunlit beaches or rocky inlets. A sunny beach can be perfect if you’re aiming for dramatic sunsets. But sometimes it’s great to catch a mermaid when the sun is low in the sky.
A rocky inlet will be warmer and quieter and provide a more peaceful environment. You’ll need to be vigilant though, as you may bump into sea urchins or other creatures.
What to wear
Wear loose fitting clothes that are comfortable and allow you to move freely. We like to suggest long sleeved tops and tights, a tank top and a skirt. It’s important to have some fun with your outfit, like adding an extra layer and using bright colours.
If you’re taking photos in a boat, then wear comfortable shoes like sneakers or boots.
Be ready to get wet
It’s common for us to be on the beach while the water is still fairly calm. But, there are times when we are required to get our feet wet.
Wetting your feet will help the fish relax and help them to hold still.
We often go in at sunset and wait for the sun to dip lower in the sky. This means the tide is coming in and will start to turn. We will usually wait until the tide has turned to shoot mermaids.
Make sure you are covered up. We suggest a long sleeved top, swimsuit and sunglasses, as the light from the sun can make the water look quite harsh.
If you are unsure of the tidal flow, ask your photographer to take you to the place they prefer to work and let you experience it first hand.
Take a few practice shots to get used to the idea of getting your feet wet. You’ll need to have patience to wait for a perfect moment to shoot.
Try to relax
It’s important to relax and enjoy the experience. You will often be shooting from the boat and it can be cold. So make sure you have layers of clothing on and keep warm.
Try to keep the camera focused on the subject and make sure the shutter button isn’t pressed down. If you want to use flash, do this in a safe area.
Shoot for a few minutes, and don’t take the photo unless you are really happy with it.
Keep your camera dry
Don’t forget to dry your camera, lenses and equipment, especially during the shoot. If you’re taking photos in the water, you’ll need to use a waterproof case.
If you’re taking photos from the boat, you’ll need to be careful with the equipment. Make sure it doesn’t come into contact with the saltwater.
When you return home, rinse your equipment off in the shower. It’s important to avoid leaving any residue on your camera lens and camera body.
Get some sleep
You’ll need a lot of energy when you’re out photographing mermaids. You’ll often be in the water for many hours and will need to be well rested.
Try to get some sleep before you go out and plan to get some more rest once you’re back on land.
Don’t forget to keep your camera fully charged. You don’t want to miss any mermaid action.
Have some fun
It’s all too easy to become tense and anxious when you’re out photographing mermaids. It’s important to enjoy the experience and to try to keep a sense of humour.
Mermaids are creatures of wonder. They are magical and magical things happen when you capture their images.
The tips we’ve included below are just some of the things we’ve learned as we’ve photographed these beautiful creatures. Try out a few of the ideas you see and hopefully you’ll find them helpful.
Facing the right way
Your face will be the main feature of the photograph. The best angle to shoot a mermaid from is from the front, with the mermaid facing the left side of the frame.
By facing the mermaid towards the left of the frame, you’ll get a more relaxed looking mermaid. It’s also the best way to show off the colours of the mermaid’s tail.
You may also want to use the mermaids profile view. It’s an easy way to add some drama to your mermaid photographs and gives the impression that the mermaid is watching the photographer.
Try to avoid shooting with the mermaid looking straight into the camera, as it can be a little unflattering.