5 best photoshoot locations around Jacksonville and why? {North Florida high school senior and college grad photographer}
There are so many beautiful locations in and around Jacksonville that are perfect for a senior photoshoot or just taking some pictures of you & your children - but I have narrowed it down to 5 of my very favorite spots around town that I think are the best.
I’ll tell you WHY these locations are my favorite and I also have a few tips of where exactly you should go and what time of the day. So scroll down for my 5 favorite locations and you’ll see all the sample images taken in these locations as well - perfect for inspiration!
(These images are taken over the course of 3 years so please excuse a slight difference in editing since my style have changed a little bit over the years)
HANNA PARK (or Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park)
This park in Mayport area is such a hidden gem! It is pretty big so make sure not to get lost in there! Hanna Park is super versatile as far as picture options - there are wooden paths all around surrounded by big beautiful moss trees, little lake in the middle of the park and long wooden walkways leading to the beach.
There are about 11 beach entries so you have many options to choose from. My favorite ones are with walkways (not all the beach entries have them so make sure to ask the person at the gate - they can also provide you with a park map). After several hurricanes Hanna Park also still has most of the dunes left (versus Jacksonville beach that is all flat) - that offers a really pretty backdrop for photos and that little bit of extra greenery really pops on the photos! I prefer photographing my clients in Hanna Park around 1-2h before the sunset depending if we start taking pictures at the wooded area or head straight to the beach.
GUANA BEACH (on A1A in between South Ponte Vedra Beach and Vilano Beach)
There are 3 different beach entries to go to Guana Beach (North, Middle and South beach - in this order if coming from Ponte Vedra Beach).
I usually shoot in North beach since it’s the closest to Jacksonville but after one of the hurricanes it was closed for a little while - then I used Middle or South beach locations. These 3 places are all very similar and I love the walkways leading to the beach. Guana North beach also has a pretty tree before getting to the beach and I like to have this as our last picture spot after the photoshoot (since it’s normally way too bright when I’m starting my session). There aren’t usually many people out there in the evenings (unless it’s Holiday time). Just like in Hanna Park Guana also have the dunes in the background that provide privacy and are helpful when trying to get those beautiful pictures! I also like the “sunset viewing spot” that is pretty high up the stairs and offers stunning views over the ocean as well as it is so perfect for catching these last sun rays! I photograph my clients there in the evenings about 1h before the sunset.
NOCATEE’S 20 MILE PARK
I just had to add Nocatee’s 20 mile park in here because it’s so close to my house and super convenient if you live anywhere near ponte vedra!
20 mile park is perfect for a photoshoot all year round both mornings and evenings offering plenty of shade, beautiful sunset with sun-rays peeking through the trees, walkways, moss trees etc. There’s even a cute little bench out there that I always try to include in my images. It really is perfect for any type of client from a family to maternity session!
BIG TALBOT ISLAND (near Amelia Island)
Big Talbot Island is perfect for both sunrise and sunset photo sessions.
It’s usually pretty private as well so that’s a bonus! There is a little bit of a walk to get out there to the beach (about 5-7min) but if you are with little ones you definitely want to keep that in mind and plan accordingly (maybe bring a wagon if they are not walking yet or you have lots of items with you)! Also I usually start taking pictures in the wooded area right before getting to the beach - and the reason for starting in the greenery versus beach is that it will get dark (if doing sunset session) sooner if you are surrounded by trees and then there won’t be enough light to get good images!
Other than that all the driftwood out there is absolutely magical and looks so good on pictures! It’s the only beach in Jacksonville area that looks like this so if you are wanting to change things up from regular beach photoshoot then Big Talbot Island is definitely a great place to take your photos at!
JACKSONVILLE GOLF & COUNTRY CLUB
This location is private so you will only be able to take photos out there if you live in the neighborhood (or can go with someone who does). I’m not a morning person at all but I will get up bright and early for this location! It’s absolutely gorgeous out there right around sunrise! That way you will also away the crowds and won’t get on anybody’s way (be mindful of the golfers). The sun peeking through the trees is truly magical so if you and/or your little ones are early risers then I would highly recommend checking out Jacksonville Golf & Country Club! Also there are many different plants around the gazebo area that will look really good as a backdrop and add lots of color to your pictures as well!
These are (in my opinion) 5 best photoshoot locations in and around Jacksonville. There are so many other places I love as well but do you have any ideas/recommendations about places I should visit/take my clients to? Feel free to write a comment below or email me! I’d love to check out new locations!