Mermaid Photoshoot for a 5-Year-Old on Anna Maria Island

There are few things more magical than watching a child live out a dream—and this mermaid photoshoot for a 5-year-old on Anna Maria Island was exactly that kind of magic. While vacationing on the Gulf Coast of Florida, this sweet girl’s family planned the ultimate surprise: a portrait session where she got to become a mermaid for the evening.

From the shimmering tail to the salty sea breeze, this sunset shoot was filled with laughter, wonder, and pure joy. Anna Maria Island gave us the perfect setting with soft white sand, gentle waves, and a glowing sky that looked like it was straight out of a fairytale.

Why a Mermaid Photoshoot on Vacation Is So Special

Planning a mermaid photoshoot for a 5-year-old on Anna Maria Island during a family vacation is the perfect way to turn a fun beach day into a lasting memory. Here’s why it works so well:

• The beach is already part of your trip – No extra travel required!
• Kids are relaxed and excited on vacation, making photos more natural
• Golden hour lighting at the beach adds that dreamy, mermaid glow
• Anna Maria Island’s calm, shallow waters are ideal for young children

This little mermaid was all in—tail, crown, seashell props and all. Her joy was infectious, and her family got the sweetest portraits to remember this stage of imagination and wonder.

Behind the Scenes of This 5-Year-Old Mermaid Session

We met up in the early evening just before sunset to catch that gorgeous golden light. The session took place on the quiet north end of Anna Maria Island, which gave us peaceful dunes, soft waves, and uninterrupted views of the sky.

She arrived in full mermaid attire—a sparkly purple and turquoise tail, a shell crown, and a matching top. She even brought along a little plush flounder friend. We started with seated portraits in the sand, then played by the edge of the water, and wrapped with sunset silhouettes as she danced and splashed with joy.

She truly felt like a mermaid princess.

What to Bring for a Mermaid Photoshoot on Anna Maria Island

If you’re planning a similar session, here’s what I recommend:

• A high-quality mermaid tail (Amazon and Etsy have great options)
• Seashell or starfish crown to complete the look
• A towel or blanket for sitting comfortably on the sand
• Props like sea-themed plushies, bubbles, or shells
• Plenty of water and snacks—mermaids get hungry too!

Make the Magic Last

Your child is only little once, and a themed session like this is a beautiful way to celebrate the fun, imaginative stage of being five. A mermaid photoshoot for a 5-year-old on Anna Maria Island is more than just pictures—it’s a magical experience your child will talk about for years.

And trust me, you’ll treasure these photos forever.

Whether you’re vacationing here or live locally, I’d love to help you plan a portrait session that feels unique, easy, and absolutely enchanting. Let’s create something unforgettable together.