As a family photographer, I know just how much work goes into planning the perfect photo session! Coordinating outfits, wrangling the kids, and planning out your entire day is a handful on it’s own. The last thing you’re going to want to do is research every single park, beach, and garden in your area to find the ideal spot to capture those beautiful family photos you’re looking for!

But I have some good news for you- I’ve already done that part! I’ve been photographing families in the South Georgia/North Florida area for years, and have made a list of my top 4 favorite locations. Now, of course this doesn’t mean that these are your ONLY options when booking me as your photographer! They’re just some of my personal favorites, and some I would choose (and have chosen) for my own family photos.

Washington Oaks Garden State Park

Washington Oaks absolutely makes my favorites list! This park is most famous for it’s beautiful gardens, but is also home to your classic Florida scenery. Massive, ancient oak trees covered in dangling Spanish moss instantly gives you a magical woodland feel, with several other unique picturesque photo ops that are unmistakably “Florida”.

Washington Oaks also borders a beautiful beach coastline (also known as River To Sea Preserves), which allows you to snag some beach photos as well! The giant rocks along the coast offer an entirely different dynamic to these beach photos, as they are definitely uncommon along the Florida coast. If you have kids, having them climb safely along the shore is an amazing way to snag some joyful candid images!

One thing you need to know about this location though is, depending on where you live, it might be a bit of a drive for you! Washington Oaks is located near Palm Coast, Florida along A1A. It’s about an hour and a half south of our studio, so keep that in mind when you’re thinking about this location!

Driftwood Beach at Big Talbot Island State Park

Not to be confused with the similar driftwood beach on Jekyll Island, this beach is located on Big Talbot Island off the northeast coast of Jacksonville! This beautiful beach is on the Timucuan Ecological and Historic Preserve, and is not only one of my personal favorites, but it’s a SUPER popular choice with our clients!

This place has truly been sculpted by nature. Massive and awe-inspiring driftwood trees line the entire coastline and provide such a unique backdrop for your photos. This beach transports you away from the city and into a natural, peaceful, and special location that is truly one of a kind.

If this location is something that speaks to you, make sure you’re prepared to walk! You cannot drive up to this beach, so if you’re wanting heels or nice shoes for your photos, I definitely suggest bringing an extra pair that can get a little dirty.

Mom’s Park

So officially, this location goes by the name of Yacht Basin Park, but us locals call it Mom’s Park after the big bronze sculpture outside of the nearby Performing Arts Center! You can find this beautiful little park by either name, located in the Riverside area on the west bank of Willowbranch Creek where it enters the Saint Johns River.

This Jacksonville hidden gem is small, but absolutely beautiful. Several of the ancient oak trees in this park have branches so low that they touch the ground, making for the perfect natural bench photo op. The decorative brick walking paths and ornamental stone handrails that have been there nearly 100 years, and provides an incredible background for your photos!

This little park is hidden from plain sight, so you’re also less likely to run into other people and photographers. When we go, it’s pretty common for us to have nearly the entire place to ourselves!

Ravine Gardens State Park

There is just something so magical about this state park! The first time I went, I thought that there was no way we were in Florida anymore! The scenery and views- both natural and man made- is something out of a storybook.

Keeping true to its name, there are two stunning ravines that provide otherworldly views. You’ll definitely catch yourself saying (or at least thinking) “Toto, we’re not in Florida anymore”! There are two suspension bridges that are perfect for panoramic nature views, stone arches and walkways that make you feel like you just jumped into a castle garden, and if you go in the springtime, azaleas will be blooming EVERYWHERE! Like I said, it really is a magical place.

This is another location that can be a bit of a drive to get to though, depending on where you live! Located in Palatka, Florida, it’s about an hour south of our studio southwest of Saint Augustine. Although it may take some time to get there, it is SO worth it!