The ocean has long fascinated us humans. As land creatures, we imagine that anything could be lurking in its mysterious depths, from terrifying monsters to magical cities. And since we haven't barely delved beneath the surface and explored the majesty of our planet's oceans, those thrilling tales could be right!
However, even though we have so much yet to explore about them, we are doing harm to our oceans and beaches thanks to pollution and general human carelessness.
Luckily, there are a lot of people who want to keep these habitats safe — and what better way to call attention to the cause than with everyone's favorite mythical sea creature: the mermaid!
Project Mermaids is doing just that. Headed by photographers Angelina Venturella and Chiara Salomoni, the project captures models, celebrities, and everyday women as gorgeous mermaids with glittering tails and jewelry — reminding us that the beauty and mystery of the ocean will be no more if environmental destruction continues.
The pair are putting their photographic talents to a good cause and donating half of their proceeds from sales to environmental causes.
And there's no shortage of models lining up to become mermaids, either. Being a mermaid, at least temporarily, is such a popular wish that there are even schools that teach humans how to swim like a convincing mermaid.
Check out some of their many photos below, and you'll want to be a mermaid for a day, too!
[H/T: Ufunk]
The photos, which include underwater shots as well as shots on land, feature women dressed as mermaids to lend support for environmental protection.
Their tails are created by The Mertailor, a bathing suit and costume outfitter that creates swimmable costume tails for men and women.
The creator of Mertailor started his business at just 13 years old, and has been creating these fantastic tails since.
He hopes they can make the world a more magical place. And loves the idea that his creations are helping improve the world a little bit.
As you can see, the border between the tails and the models' bodies is blended digitally for a more realistic effect. And of course, each mermaid is also equipped with beautiful jewelry and bikini tops for extra glamour.
Fifty percent of the proceeds from photo and book sales go to California's Save Our Beach program — which works to clean up, preserve, and protect beaches in Southern California, as well as to raise awareness about ocean and beach protection all over the world.
The photographers behind Project Mermaids, Angelina and Chiara, both have backgrounds in fashion photography, which explains the editorial look of these photos.
Taken on beaches and in other watery environments, the photos remind us that although much of the ocean is hidden from us, it's still full of wonder and beauty, and needs our protection.
Polluting the ocean and destroying habitats can lead to the destruction of entire species, robbing our planet of precious biodiversity. There might be creatures we don't even know about yet! (Sadly, they probably aren't mermaids.)
Chiara specializes in underwater photography, so many of Project Mermaids' photos see the mermaids in their natural habitat.
The underwater photos are even more magical, and many are shot on location at beaches around the world.
And women everywhere have volunteered to be mermaids. You can even book your own shoot, which comes complete with a tail, top, makeup, and hairstyling, then you can become the mermaid you always wanted to be and help a good cause.
On an average day, the team shoots about 20 to 30 models in a single day, which gives you an idea of how popular this project is — and how many people really want to be mermaids.
And if putting on a tail and hopping into the water isn't for you, you can enjoy it vicariously thanks to a lot of behind-the-scenes photos and videos on the Project Mermaids website.
The project shows that environmental awareness and glamorous fashion photography can really go hand in hand, and that maybe mermaids, as keepers of the ocean, aren't so far-fetched after all.
You can see much more of Project Mermaids on the website, and check out Angelina's and Chiara's portfolios, as well.
You can also follow the project on Facebook and Instagram, and pick up your own mermaid swag on their online shop, with a portion of the proceeds going to the Save Our Beach Foundation.
And be sure to SHARE this awesome project with all the mermaid fans you know!
