My Top 5 Photo Shoot Locations in Jax
Updated: Mar 9, 2021
One of my favorite places in the city, the gardens at JZG are definitely underutilized when it comes to great portrait photography. I interned at Jacksonville Zoo many years ago now but it still holds a dear place in my heart. I know how hard the dedicated staff works to keep not only the animals healthy and thriving but the expansive gardens. An engagement session in the secluded corners of the asian gardents or a family session on the carosel
Black Rock beach - Since it's exponential jump in popularity in the last 10 years, black rock beach has become a staple in many portrait photographer's arsenals. Also known as boneyard beach, driftwood beach, or Big Talbot Island, I only see its growth in popularity increasing. My first time visiting was in College, before there was a parking lot, my professor took us and told us to park on the side of the road and go down the dark abandoned-looking trail (not creepy at all!) Please PLEASE be careful while there to preserve this amazingly beautiful beach!
Important Tip!: This parking lot is known for vandalism, please don't leave valuables in your car, lock your doors, & keep your eyes peeled!
2. Treaty Oak Park
I can only name 2 other places off the top of my head where you can find an Oak tree as large, old, and majestic as this and neither is a short distance from Jacksonville. Treaty Oak Park is located near the Southbank River walk and the beautiful live oak is estimated to be near 250 years old.
3. Walter Jones Historic Park
If you've lived in Mandarin then you probably know about County Dock & Walter Jones Historic Park. With its dock, quaint white house which looks amazing in family photos, and a board walk following the waterline there are many different settings in this little park to create a memorable photo session.
4. Jacksonville Zoo & Gardens
One of my favorite places in the city, the gardens at JZG are definitely underutilized when it comes to great portrait photography. I interned at Jacksonville Zoo many years ago now but it still holds a dear place in my heart. I know how hard the dedicated staff works to keep not only the animals healthy and thriving but the expansive gardens. An engagement session in the secluded corners of the Asian gardens or a family session on the carousel
5. Southbank Riverwalk
Riverside, from Love, locks down to Memorial Park, there are SO MANY options in this little area for gorgeous photos. You can get edgy industrial all the way to soft romantic park scenes within a short walk
Some of my other favorite spots include:
Howell Park
North Beach Guana River Preserve
Fort Caroline National Monument
Riverside, from Love locks, down to Memorial Park I've saved the best for next to last because there are SO MANY options in this little area for gorgeous photos. You can get edgy industrial all the way to soft romantic park scenes within a short walk
BONUS!
My (Not so Secret anymore) Pine Tree / Trails / Pond I won't give up the location of this little gem because 1. every photographer has his/her secret spots and 2. I'm not sure if it will still be there much longer with the expansion happening around it. But, If you want an ethereal pine tree session that circles a large pond then let me know!
Update: I went back to this spot this week and well...it's not so secret anymore. This particular spot is over grown (ðŸ˜) and there are new kept trails around the lake. fortunately it doesn't seem too busy and I still found a few good secluded spots near by.
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