Eight Great East Bay Photoshoot Locations
Oh, hey, East Bay!
San Francisco isn’t the only part of the Bay Area that is ripe with great photoshoot locations. Today is all about my favorite spots in the East Bay.
Looking for those San Francisco locations? They are right here.
Check out the family photo guide to learn about the experience.
Roberts Recreational Area
The redwoods are so beautiful at this location. It never gets very busy. There are also grassy areas and a great playground to capture candid shots. A $5 fee for parking is at this location. The playground is far enough away that your child will not see it, therefore will not be distracted. It can also be used as a good bribe. “We can go to the playground after we take these photos. But you need to smile for these photos first.”
Crab Cove in Alameda
This is a great spot on the water. There are nice beachy spots, cool rocky locations, and some more woodsy sections as well. It has a lot of variety in one place. Parking can be difficult if there is an event happening (i.e. a cross country meet).
Tilden Park Merry-Go-Round
It’s a merry-go-round. So that’s fun in itself. But then there are also some woodsy areas outside the merry go round too. Family photos can be taken as you ride the carousel, and also in front of it. This location can be easily paired with Little Farm.
Little Farm at Tilden Park
At this farm, kids can feed the animals. Bring celery to get some action shots of feeding the cows! It’s a really fun place if you are looking for a more candid photo session. Not far from the farm, there are beautiful stairs and lots of trees. So really you can get two types on of locations in just one spot. Feeling like going full farm? Pack a pair of overalls for your kiddo. You can always put a sweater or top over the overalls if you don’t want them in every photo.
The Gardens at Lake Merritt
This is one of my favorite East Bay locations. Any time of year, it is beautiful. The gardens have all types of plants, small structures, little ponds, and so much more. It is free to enter, but you do have to pay $5 for parking if you want to park real close. I am usually able to find street parking with a 5-minute walk, but that might not be the best choice with little ones.
Morcom Rose Garden
This one is the most beautiful when the roses are in bloom. Aside from the roses, there are lots of great places to take photos including some wooded paths, stairs, and a small pond. So even if the roses aren’t in bloom there are plenty of pretty spots in these gardens.
Big Frog Park
The playground at Big Frog Park is a whole lot of fun! It’s one of those large wooden play sets. There’s also a spot with sand if your kid loves making sand castles. The swings here are also a lot of fun and photograph very well. Beside the park, there are pretty paths and benches to get great family shots.
Woodminster Cascade, Joaquin Miller Park
Love stairs? Then this is the place for you! There are tons of really great steps here. I also love a good path, and Woodminster Cascades definitely has a few. Parking is easy at this location. On weekends it can be a bit busy with people working out in the mornings, but there is plenty of space for great photos without getting people in the background.
Chances are we’ve never worked together. And that’s okay.
My sessions are kept fun and light. I’m not going to be in your face changing the angle of your chin every 5 seconds. I love capturing natural smiles and actions. Find out a little more about what it’s like to have your next family portrait session with K. Sienk Photography.
But don’t just take my word. Hear what others have said about working with me!
