A mermaid glides past my lens, her hair flowing weightlessly in the water. Her tail, a dazzling five feet-long with a three-foot fin, moves hypnotically. She turns her head, smiles . . . and I have the shot.
At first glance, it might seem unusual for a Calgary Boudoir and Nude portrait studio to feature so many mermaids. But when you consider that we specialize in bringing fantasies to life, it starts to make perfect sense.
For some, the fantasy is classic boudoir—skimpy lingerie, a satin bed, and soft lighting. But for others, the dream belongs to the realm of myths and legends.
Becoming a mermaid is pure enchantment, especially when the tail is real. Wearing it, you feel transformed—the Little Mermaid brought to life. Your legs vanish, replaced by an elegant, brightly coloured tail that moves you through the water like magic. It’s no ordinary tail; this is a Hollywood-worthy, show-stopping masterpiece.
Half the adventure is simply ‘being’ the mermaid—swimming, playing, and frolicking underwater. Learning to move in the tail feels a little odd at first, but once you catch on, the experience becomes magical. That’s when the photos look real and otherworldly.
The first time I brought a group of mermaids to a pool, the owner—a client of mine—was captivated. Tracy, the artist behind the tails, brought along an extra one that happened to fit my client perfectly. That summer, I’d spend over 20 hours submerged photographing mermaids. It was nothing short of magical for me and for them.
For those drawn to water’s mystery but not mermaid lore, we often create stunning underwater nymph portraits. Without tails, these ethereal images use flowing fabrics to create a serene, elegant effect. These portraits come alive in large wall displays—commanding, unexpected, and mesmerizing.
Through the magic of digital art, we can even transform images taken on dry land into underwater mermaid fantasies. One of my favourites features an international playmate posed perfectly on a rocky ledge by the sea, a custom digital tail completing her look. Behind her, the blue ocean expands to the horizon.
Some clients already have mermaid tails crafted especially for them. Misty’s tail was designed to match her daughter’s so they could host mermaid pool parties together.
Others go all out, pairing tails with body paint and prosthetics to create mythical creatures brought to life. Kelly’s mermaid, for example, wasn’t the friendly type—her dark, moody transformation was unforgettable.
Not all mermaid sessions require water. Adrienne’s session was done in-studio with a tail and carefully crafted lighting. Photoshop brought the ocean to her, creating an unforgettable mermaid fantasy.
With Samantha (below) we posed her in our studio, sitting on a rock then built the whole scene around her, including a new rock. This is a huge wall print.
Mermaids hold a special place in the hearts of so many, their allure steeped in lore and myth. For those who long to embody that magic, becoming a mermaid is more than a photo session—it is stepping into their dreams.
Clients often call these Legendary Gifts. For many, the gift is as much for themselves as it is for others. And it’s never just about the final images—it’s about the entire experience. The photos become anchors, holding the memory of an extraordinary moment made real forever.
