I have lived in Jacksonville Florida almost all of my life. Florida is not known for having beautiful mountains and waterfalls. In fact Florida can be pretty flat and boring. That being said, we do have beautiful forest, riverbeds, and streams. Let me also mention serene, secret forest parks. Among these places is the hidden gem called the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens. This has been one of my favorite spots for the past two years and it is continuously improving and growing. The Arboretum used to be a landfill and dump, It's amazing how nature reclaimed the land.

What makes the Arboretum and Gardens so special is its miles of beautiful trail and clear riverbed (yes I have went swimming in them before and have photographed several clients and models in them). The moment I start exploring I can see gaps in the tree line that project and filter light in the most whimsical ways. My dog Jack and I know this park like the back of his paw. I get to photograph amazing fine art maternity sessions here, making this place even more special.

Speaking of maternity sessions. I had the pleasure of working for Micaela. Her and her partner are amazing people. Props to her partner for wanting to be part of the photoshoot and going all out and dressing sharp. He was very enthusiastic and fun to be around. He had a great attitude and was very encouraging and supportive, he is a great example of how fathers can be included in maternity sessions. As for Micaela I could tell she was having fun with the shoot. She really started getting into the shoot towards the end, with my help and her partner. She even sat on top of this beautiful tree being reclaimed by nature. Micaela is someone who accepts nothing but the best. She is also very down to earth and real and I love her for it. In a way I feel like I learned a few things from her as a person. And I am honored to be her fine art conceptual photographer.

As for beautiful places to photograph your clients in Jacksonville, Florida. I consider the Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens to be one of the best hidden gems in the city. Not just for a photography, but for just about any kind of outdoor adventure you can think of. There is always beautiful wildlife that I encounter, some of which have included a wild fox and a wild owl. We actually heard the owl during our photoshoot! This owl is huge, bold, and not scared, he will stare at you and not even care. I assure you if you go to this park you will eventually meet him. I may even give him a name...

I captured the photo of this fox during a morning jog. I was extremely lucky to capture this photo. Because I rarely have my camera on me when I jog.

I have plenty of photos of this guy... I see him all the time. Im trying to think of a cool name... How about McFeathersofdoom

The Jacksonville Arboretum and Gardens - A Hidden Gem for Photographers.