Magical Mermaid Moments at Alligator Point, Florida: A Tallahassee Family Photographer’s Dream Shoot

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when the ocean meets a mermaid, let me take you behind the scenes of one of my favorite photo shoots to date. As a Tallahassee family photographer, I’ve had the chance to capture some truly special moments, but this one was straight out of a fairy tale.

The shoot took place at Alligator Point, Florida, a quiet, breathtaking stretch of beach just a short drive from Tallahassee. The serene location, with its wide, sandy shores and gentle waves, made the perfect backdrop for this whimsical mermaid-themed photo shoot. But the real magic came from an unexpected visitor—a pod of dolphins showed up right in the middle of the session!

We had a little model who was all set to enchant in her mermaid costume, complete with shimmering teals and purples. The colors of the outfit popped perfectly against the natural beauty of the beach, and the seashells we used as props added an extra touch of seaside charm.

The goal of the shoot was simple: to capture the beauty of both the beach and this sweet little girl, who embodied the spirit of a mermaid so effortlessly. There’s something so special about those candid, joyful moments—when a child’s imagination truly takes over, and the magic of the moment comes to life in the photos.

As a photographer, I love keeping things natural and candid. No stiff poses or forced smiles here—just a little girl being herself, interacting with the world around her, and letting the scenery do the talking. Whether it’s the playful splash of the ocean or the gentle breeze tousling her hair, those little details are what make the photos feel alive.

If you’re considering a themed photo shoot for your child, here’s some advice:

Location is everything: The right setting can turn a simple idea into something extraordinary. If you’re in the Tallahassee area, Alligator Point is one of my favorite places to shoot. It’s quiet, scenic, and offers a variety of backdrops, from the beach to the dunes to the nearby forested areas.

Go with the flow: Children’s shoots should feel fun and relaxed. Think less about perfectly posed pictures and more about capturing genuine moments. A themed shoot, like a mermaid session, is a great way to spark imagination and get those beautiful, candid shots.

Props make it personal: Whether it’s seashells, fairy wings, or a favorite toy, little details can help bring the theme to life and make the shoot feel unique to your child’s personality.

If this sounds like the kind of photo session you’d love to create for your family, I’d love to help bring your vision to life! Whether you’re planning a themed shoot or just want some beautiful family photos, feel free to reach out and book a session. Let’s make some memories you’ll cherish forever!


Mermaid with shimmering tail perched on beach rocks watching the waves roll in. Tallahassee family photographer
Mermaid gazing at dolphins swimming in distance while sitting on oceanside rocks. Tallahassee family photographer
Magical mermaid scene with sparkly tail posed on rocky beach at sunset.  Tallahassee family photographer
Magical mermaid scene with sparkly tail posed on rocky beach at sunset.  Tallahassee family photographer
Beach photoshoot featuring a sparkly mermaid costume against coastal rocks at golden hour.Tallahassee family photographer
Beach photoshoot featuring a sparkly mermaid costume against coastal rocks at golden hour.Tallahassee family photographer
Beach photoshoot featuring a sparkly mermaid costume against coastal rocks at golden hour.Tallahassee family photographer
Beach photoshoot featuring a sparkly mermaid costume against coastal rocks at golden hour.Tallahassee family photographer
Beach photoshoot featuring a sparkly mermaid costume against coastal rocks at golden hour.Tallahassee family photographer
Mermaid-themed beach portrait with colorful costume against rocky shoreline at sunset.Tallahassee family photographer
Beachside scene with shimmering mermaid tail costume among coastal rocks at dusk photo shoot Tallahassee family photographer
Mermaid costume photoshoot on sandy beach with ocean and rocks in background.Tallahassee family photographer
Magical mermaid-themed beach portrait with iridescent tail costume at sunset.Tallahassee family photographer
Seaside portrait featuring sparkly mermaid tail costume against ocean backdrop. Tallahassee family photographer
Sunset beach scene with mermaid tail costume glowing in golden evening light photo shoot.Tallahassee family photographer