How to Choose the Perfect Location for Your Family Photo Session in Northeast Florida
Choosing where to have your family photos taken is one of the biggest decisions in the planning process. The right location sets the tone, light, and overall mood of your gallery and it should reflect your family’s personality. Whether you love the idea of soft sand between your toes or quiet trails under the oak trees, Northeast Florida has so many beautiful spots to choose from.
Here’s what I tell clients when we start planning together.
1. Think About Your Family’s Personality
The best sessions happen when everyone feels comfortable. If your children loves to explore, an open park with trails and space to move might be perfect. For families who prefer calm and cozy, a quiet riverside location or shaded field offers a more peaceful setting.
Example: Alpine Groves Park in St. Johns County has wide, shaded paths and plenty of room for kids to play while still offering soft, dreamy light — it’s perfect for families who love nature.
2. Consider the Time of Day
Lighting changes everything. Early mornings bring soft, diffused light that feels calm and peaceful, while evenings glow with warm, golden tones. Some locations like the beach will be best scheduled at sunset, while wooded areas are beautiful in the morning or late afternoon when the light filters through the trees.
If you’re not sure, I’ll always guide you based on the look and feel you love most.
3. Choose a Setting That Matches Your Aesthetic
Do you want your photos to feel coastal and airy, or earthy and organic? Every backdrop creates a different mood:
Beach sessions feel carefree and timeless with soft colors and open skies.
Parks and preserves give that intimate, natural vibe with greens and neutrals.
Historic downtown areas like St. Augustine offer charm, texture, and architecture for families who love variety.
It’s not about picking the “prettiest” location. It’s about choosing what feels right for you.
4. Keep Comfort and Accessibility in Mind
If you have young children or grandparents joining, think about how easy it is to get around. Some of my favorite hidden-gem locations involve short walks through sand or grass, so comfortable shoes and realistic expectations go a long way!
I always provide location options with a mix of accessibility and beauty so every family can relax and enjoy the experience.
5. Ask Your Photographer for Guidance
You don’t have to decide on your own. When you book your session, I send a quick questionnaire that helps me understand your family’s personality, style, and comfort level. From there, I recommend locations that best fit your vision and this can range from coastal dunes to oak-covered trails and everything in between.
Together, we’ll find the setting that tells your story in the most genuine way.
Final Thoughts
Your family’s location should feel like a reflection of you — a place where your kids can play, laugh, and just be themselves. The most beautiful photos come from real moments in spaces that feel familiar and comfortable.
If you’re planning a session in Ponte Vedra, St. Augustine, or anywhere in Northeast Florida, I’d love to help you choose the perfect spot.
📸 Ready to start planning? Get in touch here and let’s find the location that fits your family best.
About Teresa Geraghty Photography
I’m a lifestyle family and newborn photographer based in Ponte Vedra, Florida, serving St. Augustine, Nocatee, Jacksonville, Palm Coast, and the surrounding coastal areas. My work is centered on connection, emotion, and the beauty of real life — the laughter, the in-between moments, and the season your family is in right now. Whether you live here locally or are visiting, my goal is to create a relaxed, meaningful experience that allows you to simply be together while I quietly document the moments you’ll want to remember. If you’d like to connect, you can reach out to me anytime.