Mermaid Bra

Year: December 2015
Materials: scuba knit, glass pearls, braid, metal flower pendant, bra
Model: Illumis Creations
Photographer: See Through Sea
Mermaid tail: rented from Finfolk Productions
Event: Mermaid Experience January 2016, Kailua-Kona, Hawaii

I cut up an old bra replacing the shoulder and back straps, covering it with with scuba knit and polyester wadding. The gold braid and glass pearls were hand-sewn. The metal flower was glued in place and additional stitches on the petal tips to secure it. I glued a pearl to the centre of the flower and added the hanging pearl strands. Inspired by Ariel from "The Little Mermaid".

Below are photos from the week-long Mermaid Experience held by See Through Sea. This was my first time doing an underwater shoot (in open water too!) and swimming in a mermaid tail. Trying to hold your breath for an extended time was the hardest part. My vision underwater was also horrible - sucks being short-sighted. I almost swam into rocks/coral a couple of times...

Shot in a fresh water lava tube

"How many wonders can one cavern hold?"

I picked up the silver candelabra, fork and leather chest at a Salvation Army store in Kona.

It's all real! Also included in the package was a 30 second video of our time. Watch in HD.

Group photo courtesy of Jim Ward from See Through Sea.