SEEN: A Merman's Tale

A Merman’s Tale

STORY AND PHOTOS BY JOHN SOTOMAYOR

Casa del Merman at GaySt- Pete House — a cozy Bed & Breakfast with a clothing optional swimming pool located near the heart of gay Central Avenue — held a multipurpose photo and video shoot with three gorgeous male models as mermen. Embrace Magazine was invited to capture the moment with behind-the-scenes footage.

Models Frank Piscopo and Ramsés Corpes were provided by photographer, Morgan Le Shade, owner of Black Rose Photography. Model Sam Xatan is Casa del Merman owner, Brian Longstreth’s husband.

Longstreth entered photos and video of his mermen at the bed & breakfast pool for consideration in a commercial for Visit St Pete/Clearwater, part of Visit Florida, the state’s official tourism marketing corporation. A casting director from Mark Mullen & Associates Casting, Inc. on behalf of Visit St Pete/Clearwater contacted Longstreth seeking people to audition for the commercial, either solo or as a group.

The second purpose was to create promotional material for social media and the Casa del Merman website for both the St Petersburg, Fla. and the Montanita, Ecuador locations. The latter is known as Casa del Merman at GayMontanita House. Casa del Merman announces that mermen tails are now available for guests to be photographed in or simply wear for fun.

For more information about Casa del Merman at GayStPete House visit Casadelmerman.com. For more information on photography by Morgan Le Shade, visit Blackrosephotog.com.

JOHN SOTOMAYOR is the publisher and editor-in-chief of Embrace Magazine. With nearly 20 years of experience as a journalist for magazines and newspapers, he has written on a board range of topics and subject matter. Specifically on event coverage, business, and travel, Sotomayor has written for numerous publications including, Ocala Magazine, Lake & Sumter Style, Elevate Magazine, Florida Travel + Leisure, and Florida Trends.