Ever Want To Be A Mermaid? You Can Do That In St. Louis

If you've ever wanted to be a mermaid, you can become one in St. Louis. Sort of.

The headline, "Stop Adulting, Be A Mermaid" caught my attention. I was looking at the experiences you can have in Missouri on Airbnb's site, and this caught my eye. I had to click on the page and see what it was about.

Get our free mobile app

No, you don't actually get in a pool or a lake and splash around wearing a prosthetic mermaid tail. While I suspect that could be fun for someone who grew up with an interest in oceanic mythology or was obsessed with "The Little Mermaid" as a kid, we humans need our legs in the water to keep us from downing. So splashing around as a mermaid, or merperson, as the case may be probably wouldn't be safe.

It's actually a fantasy photoshoot hosted by mermaid photographer Ondrea. In the description of the experience she writes, "My true passion, and where my vision really shines, is fantastic realism. I blend the fantasy element of a mermaid tail into a real background with minimal editing, giving you the opportunity to see yourself as the mythical creature you've always known you are, surrounded by the natural beauty of the region."

Ondrea sells the experience as something fun to do when you're tired of adulting as a human. Or if you've ever wanted to see yourself as a merperson in real life instead of a daydream. Or if you just want a unique picture of yourself for social media.

In a way, I suspect it would sort of be akin to doing a cosplay thing at a fan convention. It's the perfect experience for someone with a sense of fantasy, who's outgoing, who likes posing for the camera, and who isn't overly shy.

Photoshoots take place in one of the best urban parks in America, Forest Park, in St. Louis. Ondrea says modeling experience isn't necessary to enjoy the experience, however, the photo shoots work best with someone who is comfortable being in front of the camera and can take direction well. Additionally, the shoots are done in a public setting so keep in mind others may see you living out your merperson experience.

So what do you need to know if you're interested in doing this?

The cost of the two-hour experience starts at $350, and groups of up to eight people can be accommodated. There are some discounts available for groups, and she can accommodate larger groups if you make special arrangements.

Guests need to be 16 years old and up. You don't need to have your own mermaid costume for the shoot, Ondrea has a variety of mermaid tails in different sizes that subjects can wear, as well as tops to complete the look. Additionally, the shoot isn't limited to any gender or body type Ondrea welcomes all who want to be a merperson and live out their daydream. Guests will receive five fully edited images after the shoot.

Those who book a shoot should bring tight-fitting bathing suit bottoms, a towel, sunscreen, bug spray, water, and a top they'd like to wear for the shoot if the provided tops are not your style. Additionally, if you're a little shy about "changing" in public, she can bring a changing tent. Although, my guess would be if you're into this kind of experience, quickly changing your top with a little bit of discretion and not a lot of privacy isn't going to be a big concern.

The photographer and host, Ondrea, brings 15 years of traditional photography experience to the table having shot many weddings, various kinds of portraits, and boudoir sessions. She enjoys pushing boundaries and breaking free of rules and likes to create a vision with her clients, all of which make her the perfect mermaid photographer.

You can learn more about this experience over on the Airbnb site
here.