I just wrapped a full month of commercial assignments in Jacksonville, Florida, and I have to say the experience left me more inspired than I expected. I set up my home base on 1st Street in Jacksonville Beach, right on the water. Every morning I rolled out of bed before dawn, stepped onto the sand with a cup of coffee in hand, and waited for that first line of light to break across the Atlantic. Sunrise in Jacksonville Beach hits differently. The colors shift from deep blue to peach to blazing gold in a way that feels almost theatrical. As a photographer, you cannot help but feel grateful for that kind of daily show.

The beach became a quiet ritual for me. Even on days packed with commercial shoots, I made time for those early hours. Watching the surfers head out, the birds skim along the shoreline, the beach slowly fill with runners and dog walkers. It grounded me before I jumped into the structured world of ad work. The city has a laid back rhythm that reminded me of why I fell in love with Florida in the first place.

During my downtime, I explored as much as I could. One of the biggest highlights was a visit to the Cummer Museum of Art and Gardens. If you find yourself anywhere near Jacksonville, make this stop a priority. The museum’s collection is beautifully curated, but what really stole my attention were the riverside gardens. They blend historic architecture with sweeping views of the St. Johns River in a way that feels peaceful and timeless. As someone who spends his life behind a lens, I appreciate places that naturally slow you down. I wandered the paths for hours studying light, shadow, and texture. It sparked ideas for future projects and reminded me of the importance of stepping outside my usual environment.

After weeks of shooting for clients, meeting locals, and exploring the city, Jacksonville left me energized. The combination of beachside living, early morning sunrises, and moments of cultural immersion at places like the Cummer Museum created a perfect balance of work and rejuvenation. I headed back to Miami with memory cards full of images and a creative spark that I plan to carry into the rest of the year.

Until next time, Jacksonville.