“Sitting Mermaid” is not the most glamorous mermaid pose, but it’s an important one to master if you plan on working events in your tail.

At some point or another, most mermaid performers find themselves posing in this position with their tail perpendicular to their body, often at the edge of a pool.

The best angle for this pose is from above, and thankfully the bystanders taking photos will typically remain standing, rather than squatting down to your level, which works in your favor. This camera angle shows off your fluke and helps hide any awkward cinching at the waist.

This pose looks deceivingly simple, so don’t be discouraged if it takes some time to achieve the look you imagine.

If you have something to lean your back on like a throne, palm tree, or rock, it will make this pose much easier and more comfortable- especially for long term situations like festivals and events. 

Practice makes perfect!

Practice this pose in a mirror, focusing on engaging your core, straightening & lengthening your back, and overall improving your toe-touch flexibility. If you are struggling with flexibility, you can try leaning back on one or both of your hands, or adding a slight bend in your knee.

TIPS: If you try Sitting Mermaid pose in shallow water, float your fluke up to the surface for the best pic.

This minimizes distortion of your fluke in the water, and is a trick I use all the time at kid’s parties to give parents the best shot of the tail.

Use your surroundings

Sitting Mermaid pose is a perfect way to lean into your environment. Use a tree, boat or other sturdy and safe elements from your surroundings for back support and to add dimension to your photos.

Prop up your fluke for a fun variation!

If you have a heavy silicone tail you will likely have to use your hands to grab and pull your tail fin up towards you to achieve this look. If you have a fabric tail with a stiff monofin, you may be able to lift up your fluke by simply flexing your feet. This variation is an especially great way to make your fluke pop when the camera angle is level with you.

Grab your “knees” for a different look and feel.

Lean your chest into your knees as you grab them to soften your look. If you have the flexibility, you can even lay your head on your knee.

Try Sitting Mermaid pose with your Mermaid friends 🙂

You can try out this pose with more mermaids, by sitting your fish butts close together and allowing your tails to flare out at different angles in front of you, overlapping flukes if necessary.

Come back next week for more Mermaid Model Finspo and follow me on Instagram for more mermaid inspiration!