SacredRose, this is really neat--I like the watery version better, but I see what you mean about the background. I think that "refraction" is responsible for distortion so turning down the refraction on the water material might help. Also, if you're not going to map the mermaid, how about a procedural scaly material for her tail? Maybe you could swipe one from the fish. I haven't tried that myself, mind you! :) anyway, this is a really sweet pic, nice posing & subject. MaryCanary