The Ultimate Jacksonville Family Photography Guide

Everything You Need to Know to Plan a Beautiful, Stress-Free Family Photo Session

Hi, I’m Tracy — your Jacksonville family photographer specializing in joy-filled and low-stress photo sessions for real families (yes, even yours with the wild toddler and camera-shy partner). Whether you’re planning your first session or making it a yearly tradition, this guide is your complete roadmap to creating a family photo experience that feels effortless and results in images you’ll treasure forever.

When to Book Your Jacksonville Family Photographer

The best time to reach out and book your session? As soon as you think, “We really need new family photos.” Ideally, that’s 2–3 months in advance, especially during the busy fall and holiday seasons when weekend spots book quickly. Planning ahead ensures you get your preferred date and plenty of time to coordinate outfits, plan location details, and build excitement instead of stress.

I take on a limited number of sessions each month to give every client a fully personalized experience. You’re not just another appointment on my calendar, you’re a family whose story matters. So, the earlier you book, the more flexibility we have to tailor your session to your family's unique needs, rhythms, and personalities.

Tip:

Fall and spring are the most popular seasons thanks to Florida’s weather and school breaks. Weekend dates in October, November, March and April are in the most demand and book out the fastest. Looking to schedule a last minute session? A week day evening may give you a better chance of booking with the photographer that you want.
If you’re booking an extended family session around the winter or summer holidays, try to schedule at least 2-3 months in advance. This way, everyone has enough time to coordinate travel schedules, plan outfits across all family groups, and to make sure everyone in the family has a chance to prepare.

The Best Jacksonville Locations for Family Photography

Choosing the right location sets the tone for your entire session. Are you a barefoot-on-the-beach kind of family? Do your kids light up in wide open nature spaces? Or maybe you prefer a more classic, clean studio look. Here are my top three recommendations:

North Beach at Guana Preserve

This spot is a coastal gem—quiet, scenic, and full of natural beauty. The beautiful sand dunes that line the shore back a gorgeous background for photographs, and there is a nice, wide beach area. The beach here is less crowded than others in Jacksonville, which means fewer distractions and a more peaceful experience. Think golden light reflecting off gentle waves, sandy toes, and authentic joy. This location can only be booked for sunset sessions.

Why it's great:

Stunning golden light at sunset
Less busy than the bigger, more well known beach access points
No city noise or buildings, just sand dunes and rolling waves

Pro tip: Dress in light, neutral tones to complement the beach palette. And yes, it’s totally okay if everyone ends up a little sandy.

Alpine Groves Park

Located in St. Johns County, Alpine Groves Park offers tall lives oak trees, Spanish moss, wide-open grass, and a rustic dock overlooking the river. It’s perfect if you want that charming, Southern feel to your family photographs. Bonus - this location can be booked for sunrise or sunset, depending on your family’s schedule.

Why it's great:

Lots of variety in one spot: trees, large grassy area, and water views
Ideal for families who don’t want photos on the beach
This park the best combination of manicured space without being too stuffy
Easy parking and restrooms (parents, rejoice!)

Pro tip: If you want to utilize the pier for photographs on the water, then your session should be schedule just after sunrise to get pretty, pastel tones over the river. If you prefer golden sun flare, then a sunset session is what you want to book

Natural Light Studio Sessions

For those hot (or rainy) summer days or when you want a crisp, minimalist aesthetic, my studio offers an easy, controlled environment with beautiful soft light and white walls. This is a great choice for families with infants, toddlers, or anyone who prefers air-conditioning and fewer variables. Studio sessions can be booked throughout the day, and can be a great option for families that have strict nap and bedtime schedules.

Why it's great: