Let’s pretend to be Mermaids…

Mermaids have been filling up my Facebook and Instagram feeds for the past few weeks.  I love seeing new trends and while I don’t jump on board with all of them, this particular one seemed to fit well with what I do.  My storybook sessions are all about pretending, imagining and playing dress-up.  They let your child become a character- a fairy, a princess, a superhero or even a Jedi warrior.  They’re about capturing those moments when possibilities are endless.

And I happen to know a little girl who has wanted to become a mermaid for as long as she can remember.  We finally made it happen.

Session Details: Mermaids

Session Type: Storybook Session

Subjects: toddler girl and older sister

Location: Lake Erie

This session started out with some challenges.  It was very windy and only in the mid-70s which made the breeze blowing in off the water a little chilly.  The waves were rough, so rough that swimming was not allowed at this particular beach.  That didn’t stop a few visitors from enjoying the beach and walking in the surf.

All of that made my little subject come down with a bit of stage fright.  Yes, sometimes, when you’re in the moment, you end up nervous and hesitant to just jump in.  It took a little patience and some encouraging but she put the costume on.

Then there was the challenge of getting a mermaid into position.  Never once did I ever think part of my job would be carrying mermaids.  But it was what I needed to do so I picked her up and plopped her down.  Still nervous but enjoying her fins, I started to snap some images.  I showed my shy mermaid the back of the camera and everything changed.  She really was a mermaid!!  She was so excited!  Suddenly the people and the cool breeze didn’t matter.

 “Not yet.”

I thought we were just photographing one little girl, maybe 2 because my daughter was interested in trying this out.  I didn’t expect to photograph 3 mermaids! But right after big sister got out of the mermaid costume, a little voice insisted that it was her turn.  This was a size 10 costume.  The voice was from a 3-year-old little girl.  I wasn’t sure how this was going to happen but the little one was determined.

So we decided to try.

Surprisingly, it fit or came close enough that you couldn’t really tell.

Once again, I carried the little mermaid over to the shore and she sat and played.

After about 15 minutes, I asked her if she was ready to be done being a mermaid.  “Not yet.”

I snapped a few more images and asked her again.  She was no longer looking at me but just digging in the sand.  “Not yet.”

This went on for quite a bit longer.  It ended up taking a little persuasion to coax the littlest mermaid out of her tail but we did.  I love that it worked out and I learned that this costume will work on a variety of sizes.

Being able to dress up and pretend is such a special part of childhood that passes by so quickly.  Storybook sessions capture those moments for you and your child to look back on and remember. Contact me for more information about planning a storybook session with your child.