Go behind the scenes as I create this Mermaid Photo. The Mermaid Project is a bodypainting shot that was conceived and executed by Philadelphia-based makeup artist Morgan Chalfant. As we go behind the scenes Morgan began by sketching her mermaid, beginning with simple outline drawings and progressing to detailed sketches that would provide her a roadmap to create the mermaid in the studio. Once she had her mermaid designed, she forwarded me the sketch, and I began to search for an appropriate background. We made the decision early in our discussions that we didn't want a Disney-styled mermaid. We wanted a look that was both mythical and grungy. We decided that the mermaid would be out of order and dragging herself across dry land. The decision was also made to create the tail and fins as a costume piece and to body paint the outfit from the waist up. This would have a direct impact on the composition of the background since mermaids can't walk.
We chose Philadelphia-based model Megan not only for her petite figure and beautiful face but also for her composure and patience as this shot would require about six hours in hair, makeup, and painting, not to mention at least 30 minutes of shooting in a very uncomfortable pose. Beginning with hair and then makeup and then a combination of body paint and airbrush makeup, Morgan methodically brought the mermaid to life. As you have already seen, we took test shots at various stages in the process to ensure that we will be ready to shoot when Megan's transformation was complete. It was important to have plan in place so that we could minimize the amount of makeup and painting that was required by only painting the parts of Megan that would be seen in the shot.
Planning the pose in advance also allowed us to be sure that the pose and lighting would fit well with the background image that we had selected as the setting for the shot and also to help minimize the time that Megan would have to spend in the pose. In order to make the digital transition a little easier, Megan was photographed on a base that was similar in color to the stone wall, and we added some seaweed for effect. As you can see, the raw image is rather bland without the background in place. The addition of the stone wall and storm clouds completes the story and gives our mermaid a sense of place.
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