Photoshoot + Interview: 'Atargatis, The First Mermaid' by Jesse Campbell Photography
Artemis, Hecate, Ophelia…Jesse Campbell is a California-based photographer who brings about modern touches to myths and classic literature through her work, capturing strong, beautiful characters with stories to tell.
In his recent shoot “Atargatis”, Jesse draws us into a mermaid’s grotto to retell the Syrian tale of the first mermaid, a goddess who fell in love with a human. After accidentally killing him, she throws herself into to the ocean to transform into a fish, maddened with guilt. However, her beauty is too strong, and Atargatis remains half-fish, half-goddess.
We love Jesse’s clear direction in this atmospheric, cinematic shoot – showing Atargatis’s descent into madness, trapped between two worlds. (We all still want to be mermaids when we grow up, right?)
Q: When did your love of photography first blossom?
A: During middle school, I earned the reputation as a prolific documentary photographer, who could not resist snapping images throughout any event. When I began experimenting with other genres, like dance photography for my high school senior project, I developed a stylistic approach to my imagery and pre-meditated my photo shoots as an artist would do to develop their vision. While exploring photography as an art form, I became enthralled by the boundlessness of the camera. There is a plethora of ways to evoke a certain emotion or portray a concept or concern.
Q: What inspires your creativity the most?
A: The Pre-Raphaelites, memoirs of influential people, the artistry of 60s music, my family’s creative pursuits, natural beauty, mythology and historical perspectives.
Q: Please tell us about the experience you had planning and capturing this beautiful series?
A: This series was my first pre-mediated photo shoot. The act of researching and outlining my vision helped in fully capturing the Iranian mythological character Artagatis. Not only was my model, Sarah Mergen, ideal for fantastical themes, her backyard was something out of a fairytale and she owned two mermaid tails! The execution of the shoot was better than I even imagined.
Q: What does an average day in the life of Jesse look like?
A: I created a mental alarm for 7:00 am, which has helped in balancing my artistic endeavors and the pursuit of a bachelor’s degree in psychology. During my pockets of free time, I try to do activities that support my mental and physical health, which typically includes a Game of Thrones binge read. Of late, I have been occupied with caring for three raccoon pups through my local wildlife rescue.
Q: What do you hope to achieve with photography career in the not-too-distant future; do you have any exciting, upcoming plans that you would like to share with us?
A: I plan to continue exploring mythology, folklore and 18th century painters and poets. I would like to narrow focus on improving my fine art and fashion photography. In my upcoming series, I will be attempting a variety of period pieces, using hand-made set designs and costuming.
For more of Jesse’s stunning work, visit her website, or check out her work on Facebook or Instagram.
.
Full credits: Photographer: Jesse Campbell Photography | Model: Sarah Mergen
.
Cecile Blackmore is a writer from Brisbane, Australia. She writes and edits at The Creative Issue and hoards vintage clothing – follow her adventures on Instagram at @saintcecile.