Meet Martin Lingnau | Photographer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Martin Lingnau and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Martin, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

When we dreamt up the idea for The Mermaid Experience, we saw an opportunity to provide exclusive trips for the photographers to come to the Turks and Caicos. We concierge their journey so that they can concentrate on creating the art of their dreams. We take care of all the logistics from arranging their lodging, hiring the models, and location scouting.
We wanted to not only provide all these services to our clients, but to also bring together creative people. Put them in relaxing and inspiring environments so that their creative juices flow.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Our mission at The Mermaid Experience is to bring artists together for a creative experience of a lifetime. We customize our trips for the avid photographer at every experience level. Our all-inclusive trips are hyper-focused on portraiture, glamour, and of course fine art photography. We began the process of building out these one-of-a-kind trips in 2019 in the Turks and Caicos Islands. Both mine (Makayla) & Martin’s creativity was invaluable in setting up the type of trip we both felt proud to call our brand. Martin has been a photographer for 20 years and I have been a model for 10 years. Bringing both of our experience into this project has been incredibly informative on our skills in networking, sales, and event planning. We believe that our team’s strength in the hospitality and customer service departments rein supreme. The goal during each Mermaid Experience event is to bring out the guest/photographer’s individuality. And for them to go home with evidence of growth. We are set apart from other events because of our efforts to provide a unique and personalized experience. We take stock before every trip on who we have on board and what would serve to increase their portfolio quality and storytelling ability. During these 4 years in business we have had incredible setbacks due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Events ceased to be able to be ran for years 2020 and most of 2021. During this period of time we had the challenge of remaining patient and head strong. So that, when we had the ability to begin operations again we’d be ready for the next event and execute them safely and gracefully. We are most excited by our upcoming photographic retreat in November. Each trip we have a renewed sense of purpose to fulfill our guest’s exploration desires and photographic ambitions. Each weekend or week long trip is an invitation to us to create an unforgettable experience for both the models’ and photographers.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Let’s say you want to join our group for one of our 3 day Mermaid Experience events in the Turks and Caicos Islands. We want to show you the best time ever. You have never been to our island Providenciales before, never eaten the local fare, and never checked out all that island life has to offer. You arrive. Are you hungry? Let’s go to The Patty Place for your very first Jamaican patty filled with your choice of veggies or meat. Here, is one of our favorite quick snacks to energize you and delight your taste buds. Be careful, they’re saucy goodness is as hot as Hades. Next, let us get you into your charming accommodations that will house you comfortably for the three day visit. After all the logistics of setting yourself up for the days ahead are covered now the fun can begin. Wait, are your camera batteries charged and equipment packed well, safe from splashing water? Yes, Ok great, then we’re all set. Come aboard our 25ft pursuit power boat. Let’s head to one of our favorite uninhabited cays neighboring the main island ‘Provo’ called Little Water Cay. After anchoring we can safely disembark our passengers via ladder or cannonball. Water temperature in the summer is 82 to 84 degrees and in winter about 74 to 78 degrees. Always relatively comfortable for dipping or swimming. Gear has been offloaded by our support crew and we’re off to the races to begin our photoshoot portion of the excursion. The models are wearing their favorite swimsuits and ready to pose in the stunning beach environment. As you are discovering your surroundings with your eyes you also get to capture the scenery and models’ beauty via your mode of photography or videography. What a treat. After you have photographed to your heart’s content we will head back to the main island for our group cocktail party and dinner. Keep your camera ready as the sunsets here are pure magic. Safely back to shore we clean off the fine sand our bodies collected and throw on a new set of dry clothes. Cleansed and feeling the beautiful effects of the sunshine and salt water we are all ready to feast. The meal had been being prepared by our friend and private chef while we were out enjoying the afternoon. First course – fruit, cheese, and charcuterie. Second course – Lemon and Garlic Roast Chicken. Third course Flourless Dark Chocolate Cake.
Ready for rest? We are! Our Saturday plan is packed with more incredible scenes, photographic opportunities, and delicious meals. Our next dinner will be hosted at the world famous Da Conch Shack to taste more of what this island’s culinary scene does best.
See you bright and early for our sunrise shoot! Make sure to bring lots of water, sunscreen, and a hat!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Makayla Meisel @makayla_models

Without her, this dream would be impossible. She is the driving force behind us. She had a vision and I honestly just try to keep up with her passion and love for this industry. Her non stop motor is amazing. She has that rare talent of being able to think creatively and practically.

Website: https://makaylamodels.com/mermaid-experience/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mermaidexperiencetci/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mermaidexperienctci

Image Credits
Mermaid Pictures & Printing