Are you getting ready for your Jacksonville Engagement Photos? You definitely want to read this blog post. I can’t wait to help you plan your most perfect beach engagement session in St. Augustine or Jacksonville.
I have been a photographer for 20 years! And I have had the opportunity to photograph weddings and engagement sessions ON the beach on 3 coasts in the United States! I started my business in Southern California and shot engagements and weddings in Orange and L.A. Counties mostly (but also made it up to central and northern California also). Then we moved to Houston, Texas and I was able to shoot on the Gulf, mostly in Galveston. And NOW on the Florida Atlantic coast in Jacksonville.
So I have a little (or a lot of) experience photographing on the beach. And I want to help you plan the PERFECT engagement photos in Jacksonville.
THE PERFECT TIME OF DAY FOR YOUR JACKSONVILLE OR ST. AUGUSTINE BEACH ENGAGEMENT SESSION
One of the most important aspects of planning your perfect engagement photos in Jacksonville at the beach is the time of the day that you choose. You can ask your photographer what they prefer, but, for me, I always prefer the evening light. I like the texture of the light better at that time of the day. In the evening, light has a warmer tone and in the morning it has a cooler tone. My preference is the warmer tone. But let me give you the pros and cons for each of them.
A Morning Engagement Session at the Beach in Northeast Florida
Pro: It’s not as hot. Especially during the warmer months of the year, this is really important.
Pro: It’s not as crowded. Because we are there before the actual sunrise, no other person is on the beach. This is an amazing perk!
Pro: Especially during the summer in Florida, rain is bound to pop up more often in the afternoon/evening time. If you plan a morning engagement session you avoid that.
Pro: At Jacksonville and St. Augustine beaches, the sun rises over the water. Your backlit images will be with the water in the back. (This could really be a pro or a con. When your back-lit images have the ocean in the background, the ocean appears brighter, more white than blue. This happens because the couple is the focus, not the water. Something to think about.)
Con: It’s really really early, especially during the summer! If you are planning a morning session mid-June, the sunrise is at about 6:20am. You want to be there, ready to start your session, 20-30 minutes before that to have the best light at your session. That is a commitment. It’s worth it! But it can be rough to get up and going and have hair and make-up done by then.
An Engagement Session in the Evening
Pro: It’s not as early. It, of course, depends on the time of year, but you will start this session much later in the day. The sunset in December is around 4:30 or 5, but in June it is 8 or 8:30. At the beach, you will start your session about an hour to an hour and a half before the sunset.
Pro: It is the warm-toned light that I love and, in my opinion, it is just better.
Pro: The ocean will be more true to color because it will not be back-lit.
Con: It will be warmer, if it’s summer, for some, this might be unbearable. Just for the record, I love warm/hot weather. And, if you are going to be anywhere on a hot day, you might as well be on the beach.
Con: During the summer you are more likely to get a surprise, pop-up storm. You’ll be watching your weather app, for sure! And, there is higher likelihood that you will have to reschedule your session.
Con: The beach is more crowded. Especially during warmer months, the beach is a popular place to be. This definitely something to think about when you are choosing which beach to do your engagement session in Jacksonville.
CHOOSING LOCATIONS FOR YOUR PERFECT JACKSONVILLE ENGAGEMENT SESSION AT THE BEACH
The perfect light on the beach is about 20-30 minutes before the sunset and for about 10 minutes after, but that’s not really a full session. I believe that you have to have a 2nd location or “look”.
That can be the cute beach town that is nearby. For this couple, this is a town they grew-up coming to and has because part of their story as a couple. It’s super significant! We even got to include their favorite hangout, Pete’s Bar. If you can find a town like that, it makes your engagement session even more memorable.
Or, if the beach has dunes, a park nearby or a pathway or just anything other than the beach with water (as long as it has good light), I think it adds so much interest to your shoot.
Good Beaches for your Engagement Session in Jacksonville or St. Augustine
Choosing the perfect beach is so important for your engagement session. Do you have a beach that is significant to your relationship? Or do you just love the beach and want that look for your engagement session. Here is a list of really great beaches for you to consider for your engagement session:
- Atlantic/Neptune Beach
- Guana Tolomato Matanzas Reserve – South Ponte Vedra Beach
- Big Talbot Island – Blackrock Beach
- Vilano Beach – near St. Augustine
- Mickler’s Landing – Ponte Vedra Beach
- St. Augustine Beach – Anastasia State Park
- Washington Oaks Gardens State Park – Beachside
WHAT TO WEAR FOR YOUR PERFECT BEACH ENGAGEMENT SESSION IN JACKSONVILLE
When it comes to choosing the perfect outfits for your engagement session, I always recommend keeping things soft, simple, and timeless—just like the natural light we’ll be working with! Neutral tones like creams, whites, soft grays, tans, and muted pastels photograph beautifully and reflect light in the most flattering way.
These shades help keep the focus on your connection and blend seamlessly with the soft, airy tones of the beach. Think flowy dresses, linen shirts, and layers with texture—nothing too bold or busy.
You can’t go wrong with a white dress, either a short summer-y one or long and flowy in the breeze, they are both amazing options.
I was made to photograph beach sessions! They are my favorite!! I love having my toes in the sand and running through the water during your engagement session to get the best shot.
Click HERE to go to another amazing beach session.
