Ashley Merrill Photography

02/11/2026

What a dream this entire session was 😍

01/18/2026

We tried to get some shelling in today and woah! It moved in fast and hit hard. Intense and beautiful.

12/31/2025

I have many clients who have said they loved Mackie’s North Captiva Island Quest. This is a great opportunity for your kiddos to learn about what makes the island and Florida so special.

Looking for a fun way to break up your beach time for kids who need a break from the sun? On your visit to North Captiva, give your children the opportunity to come home with more than just a tan. Sign them up for a session of Island Quest to learn about the island and ocean animals as well as sea shells. Children ages 3-12 love this two hour program which is offered in my home’s ocean classroom. Extended learning packets go home with each child. Text retired educator and island resident, Valerie Horstman at 7405812079 to schedule a session. The cost is per child per session. Sessions are two-2.5 hours depending on size of group.

My sessions usually go like this....
Five minutes of get to know each other
A section on seashells with specimens and photos
A section on other sea life with specimens and photos
A break with a couple of active activities
Snack time
A section on sea turtles and gopher tortoise with books and photos/videos
Shell craft
A section on pollution of the oceans
A section on dolphins with books and photos/videos
A dolphin craft
Depending on time we can move on to a section on manatees
I also have a selection of ocean related games I use as time permits. Longer sessions are available at additional cost.

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11/28/2025

Happy Thanksgiving from our family to yours. May your day be filled with joy and comfort.

11/15/2025

11/13/2025

11/08/2025

It’s national cappuccino day. Here’s to cap #1 and many more to follow since coffee is my favorite food group 😂

11/08/2025

It was so great to photograph such a fun event! The Swashbuckler's Ball on North Captiva brought everyone out in their best Pirate attire.

Band: Naugahydes
Venue: The Island Club at North Captiva and Mango's Dockside Bistro
Sunset Boat Cruise: Captiva Cruises

10/16/2025

How is half of October already gone? We have not planned one fall activity. 😭😭

Shhhh.......something is going to invade your news feed and it's hauntingly beautiful. Stay tuned.