Five Days Five Mermaids

The Making of the Catrina Sirena 2015

Photographs and words: Sol Tamargo
Video: Marco

Growing up in the ocean, mermaids have been always my favorite. I used to draw them all the time and now I can take pictures of them!

Since I was a little girl I LOVE fairy tales. My imagination runs wild and free and I love, love writing stories. When I became a photographer I discovered a whole new world of possibilities available to create whatever I imagined.

I am very proud of my Mexican heritage, I love Mexico, a country full of color and tradition; legends and fairytales are part of everyday life. Mexicans take death with a grain of salt, we laugh in the face of death, celebrate the passing. In some small towns on the Day of the Dead they still visit old grave yards, dust off the bones of lost ones, and are up all night with offerings and family gatherings worshiping the life of the dead. “La Catrina”, an elegantly dressed skeleton woman, is a symbol of the Día de muertos.

The Shipwreck

I clearly envisioned what I wanted but I didn’t realize how challenging it would be to make it real. I am used to shooting in the cenotes and free diving, so I can go to the surface, speak to my “models” and assistants and tell them what to do: please light here, fix the dress… Diving 25m / 75ft deep the story changes! It becomes a challenge, but at the same time very rewarding to come back with an image that you know is amazing!