Because Every Mermaid Needs a Pirate (Even If He’s Annoying)

Jersey Shore Mermaid Photography | NJ Family Photographer

Picture this: a golden sunset, gentle waves, a gorgeous little mermaid twirling in the surf… and her pirate brother yelling “ARRR!” while dramatically face-planting in the sand.

Brother and sister photoshoot at the Jersey Shore

Welcome to the Magical Mermaid Portrait Experience — sibling edition — where one child is feeling their mystical fairy-tale moment… and the other is pretending to fight off a kraken (which is really just seaweed).

This summer, I had the absolute pleasure of photographing a brother-sister duo at the Jersey Shore just outside Atlantic City, New Jersey. She was elegance, grace, and all things mermaid magic. He was… well, a pirate. A loud, sandy, chaotic pirate.

And honestly? It was perfect.

Sibling Bonding: The Fantasy vs. The Reality

The Fantasy:
A sweet moment where sister and brother sit side by side, staring dreamily at the ocean, sharing a magical childhood memory.

The Reality:

“STOP TOUCHING ME.”
“THAT’S MY SEASHELL.”
Mom bribing them with ice cream to take one cute picture together.

Let’s be honest — sibling photo sessions are part adorable, part WWE wrestling match, and this one was no exception.

She struck perfect, graceful poses in her shimmering mermaid tail while he swung a plastic sword like he was defending the high seas from invisible enemies. I like to think of it as organized chaos.

And yet… despite the occasional sand-throwing incident, the photos? Pure magic.

Why a Mermaid & Pirate Session is Actually the Best Idea Ever

Your kids will actually have fun
Running around the beach in an epic costume while the sun sets? Instant excitement.

You get a mix of dreamy portraits and hilarious personality
One moment looks straight out of a storybook. The next moment? They’re chasing seagulls.

It captures who they are right now
Whether your child is a graceful mermaid or a rowdy pirate, those personalities deserve to be remembered exactly as they are.

Boy using a looking glass next to his sister looking out at the Ocean.

The Jersey Shore: The Perfect Setting for Childhood Magic

With the Atlantic City coastline in the background, this session had everything — glowing sunset light, ocean breeze, and a little brother who attempted to launch a treasure chest into the water.

But that’s what makes these Jersey Shore photography sessions so meaningful.

It’s not just about beautiful portraits.

It’s about memories.

The giggles.
The protests.
The barefoot running.
The childhood energy you wish you could freeze forever.

As a New Jersey portrait photographer and NJ family photographer, these are the moments I love most — when kids feel free to be themselves.

Planning Your Own Mermaid Photography Session

If you’ve ever searched for a mermaid photoshoot near me, chances are you’re looking for something truly unique — not just a typical beach session.

Smiling little girl at the Jersey Shore posing for her mermaid beach portrait.

My Mermaid Portrait Experience includes:

• Professional mermaid tails and wardrobe options

• Styling guidance

• A relaxed, playful beach experience

• Sunset timing for the most flattering light

• Fine art editing for heirloom portraits

If you’re planning a beach vacation or live locally, you can learn more about my Jersey Shore family photography sessions here:
👉 Jersey Shore Family Photography

Don’t Wait Until They Outgrow the Magic

Childhood moves fast.

One day they’re pretending to be mermaids and pirates.
The next day they’re too cool for costumes.

These sessions are about holding onto that wonder just a little longer.

📍 Jersey Shore | Atlantic City Area
📅 Limited summer availability
📸 www.shootingstarsouthjersey.com

Happy Shooting, my friends!

Dee