Hello, dear friends!
I’m Alice, your enthusiastic photographer, and videographer. I’m delighted to share my handpicked guide to the most captivating photo session locations in our wonderful city, Jacksonville, FL. Let’s embark on a visual adventure and capture unforgettable moments together!
During my time living here, I’ve discovered numerous inspiring places that will help set the perfect mood and atmosphere for your photo session. The location plays a vital role in capturing the emotions and vibes that will be conveyed through your photographs.
So, I would love to share with you my favorite spots that will make your photo session unforgettable and truly expressive. Let’s explore the potential of our city together and create unique frames that will carry your distinctive message!
Friendship Fountain and Southbank Riverwalk
The fountain is temporarily closed for renovation, but it still remains iconic for photographers due to its beautiful view of the river, downtown, and the scenic waterfront.
The waterfront promenade is a picturesque pathway that winds along the river’s edge, providing stunning vistas and a serene ambiance.
James Weldon Johnson Park and Hemming Plaza (DTjax)
Hemming Park is a public park situated in the heart of the government center in downtown Jacksonville, FL. As the city’s first and oldest park, it holds historical significance.
Despite being a bustling gathering spot that hosts numerous events, it serves as an excellent location for capturing urban city-style photographs. Within the park, you’ll find a fountain and a monument, surrounded by historic buildings and churches. The surrounding streets offer picturesque corners for photography. For those who appreciate city life, Hemming Park is an ideal place for a photo stroll.
Treaty Oak Park
Nestled in downtown Jacksonville, you’ll find Treaty Oak Park, a charming green space centered around a magnificent 200-year-old oak tree. This iconic tree serves as the main highlight of the park, offering numerous captivating angles for breathtaking photos. The park’s central location provides convenient access to a diverse range of photography options. With its organic ambiance and timeless beauty, Treaty Oak Park is undoubtedly one of our top recommendations in Jacksonville for an unforgettable photography session.
Blue Cypress Park and Reddie Point Preserve
Both of these parks are very close to each other, located near Jacksonville University on the St. Johns River, is a perfect natural setting for outdoor sessions.
With a riverfront boardwalk, two miles of scenic trails, a beautiful lakes, and a long piers overlooking the river, this parks offers abundant opportunities for capturing stunning photographs. Additionally, hidden within the forested area are cozy gazebos and benches, providing a serene and secluded backdrop. During low tide, a small sandy beach emerges beneath the wooden walkways, adding an extra touch of beauty to this picturesque location.
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park
Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park in the Mayport area is a hidden gem filled with exciting, family-friendly activities.
The park offers a versatile setting for photography, with wooden paths surrounded by majestic moss trees, a serene lake, and long wooden walkways leading to the beach. With around 11 beach entries and well-preserved dunes, there are numerous picture-perfect options to choose from. Plus, the park features direct access to the sea, allowing you to capture stunning shots with the expansive ocean as your backdrop. Whether capturing the enchanting forest or the serene beauty of the beach, Kathryn Abbey Hanna Park provides a memorable backdrop for your photography session.
500 Wonderwood Dr, Jacksonville, FL 32233
Losco Regional Park
This park is a versatile gem, perfect for both family and personalized photo shoots. The spacious playground nestled amidst a field of old oak trees offers a charming backdrop for capturing precious moments.
Additionally, the serene lake with its meandering paths and benches provides a tranquil setting for beautiful photos. For those seeking a touch of nature, the forest area boasts 3 miles of long trails, offering endless possibilities for creative and picturesque shots.
Jacksonville Beaches and Pier
When it comes to beach photography, the Jacksonville Beaches are an incredible destination. With miles of coastline in the city and surrounding areas, you’ll discover limitless opportunities for capturing breathtaking photos.
The Jacksonville Beaches offer various areas, including Atlantic Beach, Neptune Beach, Jax Pier, and Ponte Vedra Beach, each providing its own unique charm and atmosphere. Along with stunning vistas, the pier serves as an engaging element in your photographs and offers a shaded retreat from the intense Florida sun. To make the most of your beach session, it’s advisable to consult with your photographer regarding the optimal time of day to shoot, especially during the summer months when the sun can be harsh. Based on experience, early mornings and sunset hours often provide the most favorable lighting conditions for creating truly memorable images.
In addition to beach photography, I recommend taking a stroll along the charming beachside streets of the area, each with its own unique atmosphere.
Big Talbot Island Boneyard Beach
Boneyard Beach on Big Talbot Island is one of my favorite spots for sessions. This unique location features iconic driftwood along the shoreline, creating a dreamy and otherworldly backdrop.
Although it requires a 10-15 minute walk from the parking area, the adventure is well worth it. You will love climbing on the driftwood, and the diverse scenery of trees, driftwood, and the beach offers a stunning setting. Conveniently located about 45 minutes north of Jacksonville, Boneyard Beach provides a tranquil and picturesque environment for capturing memorable photos.
Huguenot Memorial Park
Huguenot Memorial Park is a unique and expansive park, one of seven city parks in the area. It offers a range of amenities including a nature center, picnic areas available for rental, a family beach, and campsites. What sets this park apart is its access to three bodies of water: the Atlantic Ocean, St. Johns River, and Fort George Inlet, providing diverse and picturesque backgrounds for photography. An interesting feature of the park is that vehicles are permitted on the beach, making photoshoots more convenient.
It’s important to note that Huguenot Park may experience closures due to high tides, capacity limits, or unsafe conditions. Additionally, during certain seasons (before Memorial Day and after Labor Day), the north end of the peninsula is closed to vehicles to protect nesting shorebirds as mandated by the Migratory Bird Act. Please be aware that pets are not allowed in the park.
Guana Beach
Despite being less popular due to its proximity to the A1A highway and limited turn-off options, Guana Beach offers a unique feature with its dunes in the background. These dunes not only provide privacy but also enhance the beauty of your photographs.
There are three different beach entries at Guana Beach: North, Middle, and South Beach. However, it’s important to note that parking spaces are limited, so I don’t recommend visiting during holidays when the beach tends to be crowded. Nevertheless, all three entry points provide a similar beach experience, and I particularly appreciate the walkways that lead to the shore.
Downtown St. Augustine and Castillo de San Marcos National Monument
A short 50-minute drive from Jacksonville, FL, is the charming town of St. Augustine, the oldest in the United States since 1565. With its colonial and Spanish ambiance, it offers countless picture-perfect spots to capture remarkable photographs.
We’ll start your session at the historic Castillo de San Marcos National Monument, the waterfront, and the Lion Gates Bridge. Then we can explore the whimsical streets surrounding the fort for even more captivating backdrops. St. Augustine is a treasure trove of photogenic locations that beautifully blend history and natural beauty for an unforgettable photography experience.
Arts Districts: Cork and Phoenix
The CoRK Arts District is a bustling center of creativity and self-expression in Jacksonville’s vibrant art scene. From its origins as a network of neglected warehouses and unused spaces, it has evolved into a dynamic community filled with art studios, galleries, and production spaces.
The Phoenix, located just north of Downtown, is reminiscent of the previous art district with its charming painted buildings that add an artistic flair to your photoshoot. This vibrant neighborhood offers a similar creative atmosphere, making it a perfect spot for capturing unique and captivating images.
Dames Point Park
This unique park is unlike any other you’ve seen before. Despite its small size, its standout feature is its location beneath one of Jacksonville’s most beautiful bridges Dames Point, a well-kept secret known to only a few.
This hidden gem provides an unexpected and captivating setting for a session, with the majestic bridge adding a touch of grandeur and intrigue. Its intimate and exclusive atmosphere offers a refreshing departure from traditional parks, making it the perfect backdrop for a distinctive and memorable photography session.
St. John Town Center
St. John Town Center — the heart of shopping and dining in Jacksonville, Florida.
Amidst the stylish boutiques and eateries, you’ll discover numerous opportunities to capture beautiful photographs. The palm-lined streets of the Luxury Collection and the charming walkways offer fantastic backdrops for chic and urban-style photoshoots. Additionally, the serene Park Green with its turtle pond and dog park provides a relaxing setting for natural and candid shots.
Thank you for taking the time to explore this article on the best photography locations in the area!
I hope that it has provided valuable insights to help you choose the perfect location for your upcoming photography session.
Please remember that no question is too small or insignificant. Feel free to reach out to me with any inquiries or concerns you may have. I’m here to assist you in planning a memorable and enjoyable photography experience.
I look forward to capturing beautiful moments with you and creating timeless photographs that will be treasured for years to come. Thank you for considering me as your photographer.
