The 27 Best Photo Session Locations in Jacksonville & St. Augustine

James Weldon Johnson Park

Right in the heart of downtown, just steps from the Main Library, this charming courtyard (you might know it as Hemming Park) is full of little nooks and crannies that photograph beautifully — greenery and urban charm all in one spot.

And the best part? The historic brick streets, golden arched architecture, and tucked-away alleys surrounding the park give us even more to play with. Soft and natural, or bold and editorial — we can get a ton of variety without ever moving the car.

Friendship Fountain & the Jacksonville Skyline

This is the best vantage point in the city for capturing the full Jacksonville skyline and the Main Street Bridge behind you. If you want your photos to say "this is our city," this is the spot.

We shoot here exclusively at sunrise or sunset — that's when the light over the river is absolutely at its best.

Downtown Main Library

The main library downtown is a four-story architectural stunner — grand staircases, a gorgeous map room, an outdoor courtyard, and walls of books that make the most beautiful backdrops.

It's one of my favorite picks for couples who love to read, and it doubles as a fantastic indoor option when Florida weather has other plans.

Treaty Oak Park

The Treaty Oak is a massive Southern live oak with sprawling, octopus-like branches — estimated to be around 250 years old, which means it was likely here before Jacksonville was even founded. Standing under it feels genuinely magical.

Plan to arrive a few minutes early — parking is limited and this spot is popular for a reason.

The Lock Bridge

Tucked along the downtown riverwalk, this little bridge is covered in love locks — such a sweet, romantic backdrop for couples and engagement sessions, with waterfront views and historic architecture all around.

It pairs perfectly with the skyline spots nearby if you want to make a downtown session of it.

Prime Osborn Convention Center

The Prime F. Osborn III Convention Center has a stunning outdoor space with stately columns and a large fountain — grand, timeless, and a little unexpected for a photo session.

It's also one of my go-to backup plans when the forecast looks iffy, so your session can go on rain or shine.

Memorial Park

One of Riverside's crown jewels, Memorial Park sits right on the St. Johns River with sweeping water views, a graceful old balustrade, and century-old oaks that frame every photo beautifully.

Between the riverfront railing, the open green lawn, and the historic charm woven into every corner, it's an effortlessly elegant backdrop just minutes from downtown.

Jacksonville Beach Pier

This is one of my favorite session locations. The beach access near the pier holds a special place in my heart, and at sunrise it is absolutely breathtaking — soft golden light coming up over the ocean with the pier's silhouette behind you.

The pier itself adds so much character, and it works beautifully for everything from intimate couples sessions to big family gatherings.

Jacksonville Beach Boardwalk

The best of both worlds — urban energy and beach vibes in one session. We can mix boardwalk textures and beachy backdrops without ever moving the car.

Palm-lined streets, coastal architecture, and that salty ocean air — it's a favorite for everything from senior portraits to full wedding parties.

18th Street Beach Access

A true hidden gem tucked into a residential stretch of Atlantic Beach — serene shoreline, minimal crowds, and that quiet, uncrowded feeling that's getting harder to find at the beaches.

Parking is limited in the area, so plan to arrive a few minutes early to grab a spot and soak it in.

Howell Park

Sitting between Seminole Road and East Coast Drive, Howell Park is a peaceful little pocket of Atlantic Beach with 2,500 feet of winding nature trails, freshwater streams, and charming wooden docks.

It's a wonderful pick for relaxed family sessions — lots of room to wander and play while I capture the in-between moments.

Dutton Island Preserve

Close to Mayport Naval Station, Dutton Island has about 9,000 feet of nature trails, a fishing and viewing pier, and a kayak launch right on the Intracoastal — and the sunsets here are something else.

Golden hour is when this preserve really shines. Bring bug spray; the lush surroundings come with a few tiny residents.

Cradle Creek Preserve

Right along the Intracoastal Waterway, Cradle Creek has nature trails, elevated boardwalks, and a boat pier — a totally different look from the beach, just minutes away from it.

It's a gorgeous, natural setting with a lot of texture. Bug spray is your friend here too!

Boneyard Beach

Just before Amelia Island on Jacksonville's Northside, Boneyard Beach is famous for its dramatic, weathered driftwood — giant sun-bleached trees scattered along the shore. There's truly nothing else like it in the area.

A few things to know before you fall in love: parking is $5 cash, it's about a one-mile walk to reach the beach, and this spot is only available for sessions in fall and winter (bring bug spray!).

Because of that mile-long trek, I gently recommend one of my other beautiful beach spots for mamas nearing their due date, families with very little legs, and anyone with mobility needs — I want your session to feel magical from start to finish, never exhausting. I'm always happy to help you find a spot with the same wow factor and an easier stroll!

Black Rock Beach

Black Rock Beach is like Boneyard Beach and Vilano Beach had a beautiful baby — expansive black rock formations and driftwood everywhere, all moody texture and natural drama.

Getting there is part of the adventure: about a one-mile walk down a dirt trail from the parking area. Pack bug spray, and like Boneyard, this one's fall and winter only.

Because of that mile-long trek, I gently recommend one of my other beautiful beach spots for mamas nearing their due date, families with very little legs, and anyone with mobility needs — I want your session to feel magical from start to finish, never exhausting. I'm always happy to help you find a spot with the same wow factor and an easier stroll!

Fort George Inlet

Tucked away on Fort George Island on Jacksonville's Northside, this hidden gem feels like three locations in one — calm inlet waters, wide-open sand flats, and golden marsh grass with a maritime forest rising behind it all.

It's quiet, dreamy, and absolutely made for that soft sunrise and sunset light. Bring your bug spray and come ready to wander — this one feels like a little slice of secret Florida.

Downtown St. Augustine

Easily one of my top picks for any session. The elegant Lightner Museum, iconic Flagler College, cobblestone streets, and historic architecture around every corner — the variety here is unmatched.

And the Bridge of Lions overlooking the bay adds that extra touch of romance. You could shoot here a hundred times and never get the same gallery twice.

Vilano Beach

A beloved local escape for over two centuries, Vilano Beach has a relaxed, tranquil feel that comes through in every photo. It's coastal Florida at its most laid-back.

Down by the jetties of Matanzas Bay, the big rocky formations create a backdrop you won't find at the typical sandy beach session.

North Beach at Guana State Park

If you've ever dreamed of a beach session with nothing but sand, sea, and sky, North Beach at Guana is it. Tucked inside the Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve, this stretch of coastline is wonderfully untouched — no condos, no crowds, just miles of protected shoreline.

The long wooden walkover across the dunes is a showstopper all on its own, and once you crest that last step, the view opens up into one of the most pristine beaches in Northeast Florida. It's the kind of backdrop that makes every photo feel like a destination session.

Washington Oaks Gardens

Majestic oaks, vibrant rose gardens, charming gazebos, and little bridges — Washington Oaks feels like stepping into a fairytale. It's one of the most romantic settings in Northeast Florida.

Perfect for intimate portraits, engagement sessions, and family photos when you want something lush and storybook-pretty.

Washington Oaks Beach

Directly across from the gardens sits one of the most stunning beaches I've ever photographed — sweeping tan and brown coquina rock formations that make every frame feel grand.

Between the rocks, the surf, and the light, this spot elevates family and engagement sessions to a whole different level. Do the gardens and the beach in one session for maximum variety!

Walter Jones Park

Tucked into the Mandarin area, Walter Jones Park has historic houses, majestic oaks draped in Spanish moss, and a peaceful dock on the water — old Florida charm at its finest.

Whether we frame your family against the historic architecture or under that sprawling oak canopy, this spot makes timeless images.

Yacht Basin Park

This little Riverside park sits right along the water with a colorful, picture-perfect gazebo and a majestic oak tree as its centerpiece. It's timeless in the best way.

There's plenty of space for kids to run and play, which makes it a wonderful spot for relaxed, candid family sessions.

Alpine Groves Park

Near Fruit Cove, Alpine Groves is a big, beautiful forested park with winding nature trails, a fishing pier, and butterfly gardens — so much variety in one place.

There's even a historic home with a rustic red barn on the property, which adds the sweetest touch of nostalgia to a session.

Riverfront Park

Sitting right on the banks of the St. Johns River in St. Johns County, Riverfront Park delivers exactly what the name promises — wide-open water views, big Florida skies, and some of the prettiest sunsets on this side of the river.

With its open green spaces and peaceful riverfront setting, it's an easy, relaxed spot for families and couples who want that golden glow over the water without a trip to the beach.

Bird Island Park

Right next to the Ponte Vedra Library, this charming park is full of delightful surprises — beautifully kept gardens, a serene little dock, and even an enchanting bush maze the kids will love.

Come prepared with bug spray — this one is surrounded by lush greenery, and the bugs know it too!

Camp Milton

A hidden gem on Jacksonville's Westside — a historic preserve with a beautiful old house, towering trees, and wide-open fields of tall grass that glow at golden hour.

It works for just about any kind of session, and the open space makes it perfect for families with kids who need room to roam. Bug spray recommended!