Favorite Underwater Locations for Florida Springs Photos

North Central Florida is home to hundreds of beautiful springs, where no two are alike.

I’ll never forget the first spring I ever visited (Morrison Springs in the panhandle). I couldn’t believe that such beauty existed right here in Florida! After that first visit, I fell in love and skipped my college graduation to move to Florida’s Cave Country. Over the years, I’ve visited many of these places and am so excited to share what I think are the best places for Florida springs maternity photos.

We all have a responsibility to the beauty of the springs

Before I dive in, I want to give a disclaimer: I know that the topic of location sharing, especially springs, is controversial. I’ve given this a lot of thought, and have decided to share a few, publicly accessible locations that can be responsibly enjoyed. If we want to keep these places open to photographers and our clients, it is IMPERATIVE that we practice good stewardship and follow Leave No Trace principles. I’ve seen so many places be closed to photography because of a few people who couldn’t respect the park – those who leave glitter/confetti/other items behind, those who go in off-limit areas, don’t give space to the local wildlife, and so much more. Please remember that none of us are the main character – we all need to remember that these wild places were here before we were and that we want them to be here after we’re gone as well.

I WANT people to see our springs and fall in love with them. I want them to want to protect them. But they can’t if they don’t know about them, or don’t know how to enjoy them responsibly. I highly recommend that you take a quick course to become a LNT certified photographer like I have. We don’t know what we don’t know, and I guarantee that all of us have made conservation mistakes. Only through kind, non-judgmental education can we all keep learning to do and be better for parks, springs, and wild places.

If you’re reading this, chances are you’re the kind of person I want to see visit the springs. You care enough to educate yourself and will hopefully act responsibly and safely. If you’re a photographer who wants to learn more, I’d love for you to come to one of our events where you’ll learn how to do a site safety assessment and work in the springs safely and responsibly. If you’re a potential client, I hope that these spots will serve as some inspiration for you and reassure you that we take our responsibility to these springs seriously.

We can create epic photos at Florida's springs

These are in no particular order, and please remember that rules/regulations may change at any time. Always do your due diligence before visiting and make sure that you’re in compliance. This may include not using certain types of buoys, not bringing certain items to the springs (many do not permit food near the water), and abiding by all posted rules. With Florida state parks, photography may take place at the springs as long as it does not impede normal park function. You cannot ask people to move, take up an entire area, or just generally act like you own the place.

Don’t bring items that could get left behind in our water. This includes gowns with glitter/sequins (I REALLY hate when I see this stuff in the water – what do you think fish are drawn towards?) or any other pieces that may fall off. We have a nothing new policy – every item we take to the springs has been pre-washed to ensure no microplastics, dye, or other things are contaminating our water.

Stay where you’re supposed to be. I hate when I see people going off path in delicate areas marked for conservation. Once again, none of us are special or above the rules. If you’re unhappy with all the people in the background of your images – do what I do. Most of my shoots take place early in the morning or late afternoon at off-peak hours.

Ok, I’m done lecturing now, promise! I just really want our park officials to WANT photographers to be present because we’ve earned a reputation for being advocates and not problems. Let’s enjoy these stunning places responsibly!

Ginnie Springs

Ginnie is privately owned and not a state park, and has had its share of controversies over the years. However, it does host 4 beautiful springs to shoot at and hot showers on site. It is significantly more expensive than the state parks to visit, with off-season swimming passes starting at $20 per person and peak season at $25. As it is privately owned, they can decide whether or not to admit photographers.

Ruth B. Gilchrist Blue Springs State Park

This is one of my absolute favorite places to shoot underwater. This park used to be privately owned and fell into disrepair. Then, the state of Florida took it over and has been slowly renovating it. Currently, there isn’t much to see above water. Erosion has taken its toll and the park will be closed from December-May for repairs. However, for underwater images, this park is so stunning. It has low flow, a nice sand bottom, and is famous for its crystal blue waters. It’s $4 per single occupant or $6 per car with multiple people.

Ichetucknee Springs State Park \u2013 North Entrance

The head spring is absolutely beautiful and is off-limits to tubers, which helps keep the water much more clear during busy summer months. I love the rock floor of this spring – in the sun, it turns rainbow colored and is just so lovely to photograph and be at. There is a bit more flow here, though still very manageable. Photographers, models, and safety people should all be confident in the water here.

Kelly Rock Springs \u2013 County Park

Located in Apopka, FL just 20 minutes outside of Orlando. This is a county park and is well known for tubing due to the high flow and long spring run. This can make it challenging to get shots without others in the background, but it’s so worth it. Kelly Rock Springs is beautiful both above and below the water. However, it’s important to note that due to its strong current, it may limit who would be comfortable shooting here and what type of outfit is appropriate. It’s also very shallow, with the deepest section being a max of 5’. The lush jungle feeling above water and crystal water below, is definitely worth a visit.

Alexander Springs

Located in Ocala National Forest. Alexander features a HUGE basin that’s a popular choice for open water SCUBA courses and mermaiding events. It has a beach area that gets progressively deeper. The low flow coupled with the massive space makes this a great place to visit with clients.

I hope that you’ll consider visiting some of these places! Let me know your thoughts – did I miss an iconic one?