Jacksonville, Florida is home to some of the absolute best backdrops for your family photo session! Whether you're looking for gorgeous beaches, mossy oaks, grassy fields, lush greens, driftwood or a private intercostal waterway setting, the Jacksonville area has it all. As photographers our locations are near and dear to us, we scout and scour google maps looking for locations that have the best of the best. Every spot has it's own magic ! Here are my top 5 favorite locations in Jacksonville for family photos!!
Big Talbot Island / Boneyard Beach
Iconic driftwood spewed out all along the shoreline, Big Talbot Island is a must for unique, otherworldly family photos. It's the perfect spot to let kids climb around and explore and offers a diverse backdrop of trees, driftwood and of course beach.
2. Downtown St. Augustine
Okay I know I said Jacksonville, Florida area but St. Augustine is a short drive away and boasts some of the best backdrops for your next family photo session. Less than 1 hour in the car gets you to the oldest city in the United States with some of the most beautiful architecture in the country. I like to park at Plaza de la Constitución snap some photos near the gazebo and trees and the gorgeous cobble stoned side streets. So. Many. Photo. Ops all within a few minute walk of this park. Walk across the street towards the water for photos beside the bridge of lions.
3. THE BEACHES and Hanna Park/ Huguenot Park
Every Florida family needs photos at the beaches. Jacksonville is blessed with miles and miles of gorgeous coastline for family fun. Find any spot along the coast in and around Jacksonville and you'll be sure to get gorgeous family photos. Some favorite spots beyond Atlantic, Neptune and Jax beach can be found at Hanna and Huguenot Park. These parks feel a world away and are a photographer's dream as there are no buildings or houses within view. Also the beaches are generally not crowded. Big Bonus for letting your family loosen up in front of the camera!
4. Camp Milton
This spot is worth it. Towering trees with a mix of open field, tall grasses, small bridge and easy peasy parking. Parts of it remind me of shooting back in Colorado where golden fields were the norm. It's the best spot to bring a blanket and cozy up with your family for fall family photos. I love it so much I'm running my fall mini sessions there this year!
5. Conner's Amazing Acres
Conner's is seasonal but it's worth it to check to see if they're open and operating for your next family session. Pumpkins galore in the fall and the most amazing sunflower field in the spring. It's a really special place with a lot of different photo opportunities. Take your family on an adventure there and see for yourself !
