Underwater Transformation About Face Underwater Transformation About Face

Interview with a pro underwater mermaid model and travel nurse

uw portrait
June 16, 2019/by
Interviewed one of my underwater beauty clients Angela who is a professional mermaid model and a travel nurse. She worked as a mermaid at Weeki Wachee Springs before that ❤️ I have so much respect towards nurses because I was hospitalized after my car accident. Thank you so much for what you do ? ❤️ . • What inspired you to be a mermaid? . I grew up in Spring Hill Florida where Weeki Wachee Springs is located. My family took me to see the mermaid shows since I was 2. I grew up always wanting to be a Weeki Wachee Mermaid. After high school I went to Surgical Technologist school and worked with a travel nurse who had a friend that was a mermaid in the 50s. I met her at the Christmas show and applied for a mermaid position. I tried out in January and made it!!! It was the best three and a half years ever!!! . •What inspired you to become a travel nurse? . I always knew I was going to go to nursing school. My love for travel started in 2008 and I couldn’t wait to travel for work. My first assignment was in New York City!! I absolutely loved it and continued travel nursing until I found my forever home in San Francisco ❤️ . •What is the hardest moment you’ve experienced and what is the best moment? . The hardest moments were definitely nursing school!! The best moments have been with my family and during my travels!!!! . •What’s your dream? . Thankfully I’ve gotten to live...
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San Diego Trip Report with Liz Carmouche!

Travel, Underwater Healer About Face, uw portrait
April 14, 2019/by
Leaving San Francisco was such a hectic experience! I was really stressed out but when I woke up to this beautiful morning, I inhaled and exhaled deeply with my eyes closed. I could forget all the negative thoughts and restored fresh mind. It's so dreamy and surreal. I started assembling my new Ikelite gear. This is my first time using their new housing and I find that it's simpler than the older version. I'm liking it! I met Liz! She is already comfortable being underwater because she plays in the UTL (Underwater Torpedo League), so I wasn't worry about anything! She can stay solid underwater. Her body is like a weight! (100% muscle) Communication is important during the photo shoot. THANK YOU Liz and her son for making time to meet me and do underwater transformative photography! They were so amazing underwater. Please read her story and beautiful images from here. BIG THANK YOU to Michael Timm, a free dive/scuba instructor from SD who helped me capture behind the scenes. I treated myself with an amazing lunch after the photo shoot! The sushi chef was Japanese and highly recommended me to go to Sea World... (ah...no thanks...) My Airbnb host was friendly and sweet. She was also backing 400 cup cakes for her grand kid's school event!!! ...yes, 400!! The place has a pool and Jacuzzi!! Gotta come back here in Summer! After I left the house, I decided to do Falconry for the first time. I actually didn't know that this sport is 4000 years old!! They were so beautiful. ...
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Los Angeles 2017

Travel, Underwater Healer About Face
July 28, 2017/by
Let's go to Los Angeles!! It's been awhile- WooHoo- I love traveling! First stop, Wolf Mountain Sanctuary! One of my bucket list to see beautiful wolves! Hmm...The sign needs to upgrade... It was SO hot out (more than 100F). Wolf said, "Human time..(sigh) my early shift begins with these two...(sigh)" "HEY, heeey human, where are my carrots!!??" I brought carrots (organic!) for them but I was not allowed to feed them at that time :( "HEY human, got it, got it! I'll pose...where are my carrots?" The guide repeatedly told us they are not dogs. But you know....I want one!!! His big face didn't fit for selfie- "Carrots?" There was one more human friendly wolf. She is 15 years old, an oldest wolf at the sanctuary. "Oh hey, human:)" She was a friendly grandma. Just like this! I was so happy to meet 11 wolves. They were rescued from hunting in Alaska and from abusive owners. We found a cafe 247 for lunch. Home made Chiiiips! As soon as I got to the Airbnb, I had to jump in the water to rejuvenate! Next stop, Natural History Museum! Next stop, Anime Expo!!!! Check out the VIZ Media Blog! SO MANY people! I heard it was twice much bigger than last year! At the Food Wars panel, the creator, Yūto Tsukuda had to challenge some American snacks: Spicy Cheetos! It was a huge surprise for me when they played a manga trailer I worked on!!! I got super emotional seeing and hearing fans' reactions. The creator loved it, that means a lot! Thank you so much!...
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Medical conference 2017

about, art show, Underwater Healer About Face
June 3, 2017/by
It was one of my dreams to be part of medical/health field. My work was displayed at a medical conference!! They look gorgeous!! Thank you for your continuous support! ガン関連のメディカルコンフェレンスで 私の作品とバックストーリーがギャラリーに飾られました！3年連続での サポートありがとうございます?！！ Please read a story of a breast cancer survivor, JoAnn. Please read a story of a stomach cancer survivor, Steve, a breast cancer survivor Kim and a testicular cancer survivor Scott Please read a story of a thyroid cancer survivor Pauline and a brain cancer survivor...
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Academy of Art University

Underwater Healer About Face
March 17, 2017/by
Back in 2001, I graduated from Academy of Art University as a New Media major. And few month ago I was interviewed by the editor from AAU and it was published! I was so happy to see the article! The article is online now! Please check it out! "Ever since she was a little girl, Erena Shimoda fantasized about being a mermaid and calling the ocean her home. As an adult, she felt like her childhood dream had almost come true the first time she went scuba diving during a trip to Honduras 14 years ago. "  - See more at:...
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Underwater Healer About Face in Florida!

Travel, Underwater Healer About Face
February 5, 2017/by
I'll be in Florida from 2/10-2/15! Arriving at night on the 10th and leaving early in the morning of the 15th. Super short trip but I want to make the best out of this trip! I'm excited! Originally, I was not going to work BUT that never happened for me :) I just LOVE working with cancer survivors, sharing stories and making beautiful memories together. Les is 52 years old and was born and raised in Maryland. He lives in Florida for the last 30 years. He is a 2 time cancer survivor (skin and lung cancer) He used to go scalloping every season. He says, "One reason I want to do this, if I can be truthful, is because I'm kind of worried about getting back underwater since I have only 1 1/2 lungs and no idea how long I can hold my breath anymore. The second reason is because I haven't done anything just for me since cancer took my life and I don't have any pictures of myself! I also want to make my daughters proud :)" Amber grew up in Hot Springs Arkansas and spent time in Ketchikan Alaska as a teenager. Then she lived in Alabama for 14 years until she moved to Florida. She was diagnosed with PTSD and Colorectal Cancer. She has also been left with a colostomy bag and that is a constant pull at her feelings of beauty and causes much doubt and sadness. She says, "I hope to have the opportunity to...
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Fem Worldview Magazine

Underwater Healer About Face
October 12, 2016/by
Thank you so much for featuring my work. I'm honored to be a part of this beautiful magazine, Fem Worldview to inspire other women in the world. "From the Editor:  It is with great honor that Erena Shimoda agreed to allow Fem Worldview Magazine to present her extraordinary underwater healing project for cancer survivors.  I am a swimmer.  I love the water.  I am never happier than when I am floating in a pool, or diving underwater, free from stress and petty annoyances.  Sometimes I close my eyes and think I’m still in Bora Bora.   Sometimes I close my eyes and dream I’m a child.  Everything is possible in the water.  Until you immerse yourself in the water, you aren’t yet free.   Come with me and take a journey with people who have survived the worst fear – cancer.  Applaud them and praise them as we allow Erena Shimoda’s gift of photography to grace us in her underwater world." About Fem Worldview Fem Worldview Magazine is a publication showcasing extraordinary women from around the world.  Fem Worldview is a global journey brought to our readers through exquisite imagery and powerful journalism with no-holds barred presentation.  Fem Worldview is a publication that is embodied with integrity, consciousness, research, education and...
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UCSF event was successful!

Underwater Healer About Face
October 11, 2016/by
It was a successful day at UCSF cancer event, Taste for the Cure: A Taste of Science Each year, UCSF puts on an annual Taste for the Cure event at the Jewish Community Center. Aimed at patients, their families, and the community, the event shares resources and research on breast cancer as well as tips and food samples for eating healthy during and after cancer. I met beautiful survivors, fighters and supporters who are interested in working with me. I hope to hear exciting news coming soon! Wish me luck! I also purchased a book from BAYS! One of the cancer survivors, Sara is one of the writers. I was folding origami cranes at the event. So many people loved them and took them home. 1000 cranes are the symbol of our project, Undewater Healer About Face. Thousand Origami Cranes (千羽鶴 Senbazuru) is a group of one thousand origami paper cranes (折鶴 orizuru) held together by strings. An ancient Japanese legend promises that anyone who folds a thousand origami cranes will be granted a wish by the Gods. Some stories believe you are granted eternal good luck, instead of just one wish, such as long life or recovery from illness or injury. I was folding origami cranes to wish every cancer fighters and survivors get better and stay strong forever. #1000cranes #1000wishes...
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Meet Sara, a breast cancer survivor

Underwater Healer About Face
August 11, 2016/by
I had an amazing day working with an adorable couple who wanted to celebrate their 10 anniversary under water and after that, I got to work with a beautiful breast cancer survivor, Sara. She was born and grew up in the south bay, and have been living in San Francisco most of her adult life, other than going to Berkeley for undergrad and UCLA for law school.She was iagnosed breast cancer in December 2015, when she was 38. After the photo shoot, she said, "I totally would recommend underwater portrait to other survivors! For survivors, I think it's an experience that can help you feel strong and confident again, especially because Erena was so warm and encouraging. It is a nice escape from thinking about cancer. It also is a moment where you can feel like you're in control and you're guiding the concept and deciding what to do, instead of being told what's happening to you and your body by doctors. It's a fun "appointment," instead of all the mandatory doctor appointments that poke and prod you. I think it also would be a great experience for anyone, not just survivors. It is such a unique, artistic experience and different way of seeing yourself." Thank you so much, Sara for being a part of this beautiful project to inspire other survivors and everyone in the world. Her underwater transformative images are stunning! I can't wait to show them to you...
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