The Midwiferry Mermaids image above was used by the Herald Express and Torbay Weekly for their front pages. All photographs © Al Macphee/MiraclePR
The Mermaids Challenge
The Midwifery Mermaids are a group of seven midwives from Torbay Hospital, who are taking on the challenge of swimming in the sea, without wetsuits, every single day for a year.
I was contacted to help get the mermaids some publicity by supporting the story and interviews with good quality, press suitable photographs.
The Process
I arrived at Preston Beach ahead of their inaugural swim and started by listening to the interview. This helped to give me the context for the shots to follow. The light was inconsistent due to the cloud coverage, but we got some good shots of the midwives on the beach and entering the water.
I also took some shots of one of the sponsors, Greedy Bird Kitchen, who were providing cakes for the event. I was just tucking in to my cake, when I spotted the sun come out just as the mermaids were about to come back in. I knew instinctively that this was the big shot. The cake had to go to one side as out came the camera one last time.
The Results
My instincts were proven correct as both the Herald Express and Torbay Weekly decided to use that final image on their front pages. Front page coverage in two local newspapers is definitely what I would call a result. Hopefully, the mermaids will benefit from the coverage. If you want to support them in their challenge, see the Midwifery Mermaids Instagram page.
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