Eight Locations in San Francisco that are perfect for your next family session
The Bay Area is incredible! Forests, the ocean, beautiful bridges, street art, parks (oh! the parks!), museums, and much more!
There are so many wonderful and unique places in the Bay Area, it can be hard to choose one for your next photo shoot.
You don’t have to do all the work. I photographed families all over the Bay Area and I know a lot of great places for photos. And I know exactly what makes them special.
I’m putting together a series of blog posts highlighting my favorite spots all over The Bay.
First up, my home base – San Francisco!
Here are my top eight:
Sutro Heights Park
This location is my favorite in the city, not only for photo shoots but to be. There are lots of trees, flowers, green areas, views of the ocean, and it’s never too crowded. Because it is near to the ocean, there is some risk of morning fog. Karl the Fog has never been a problem for me, and the clients that I have photographed in the fog have loved it. Pretty sure that there is some magical force field around it because this park is never windy. Like any park, grass tends to be wet. Make sure you wear shoes that you are okay with standing in some dewy grass.
Baker Beach
It’s a smaller beach with a great view of the Golden Gate bridge. On the beach, there isn’t much in the photos besides sand, water, and the bridge. But there are also some wooded nooks right across the parking of the beach. And if you want something that has an urban feel, the barracks provide a great backdrop. The morning or at sunset would be the best times for this location. Avoid sessions at this location during the midday…unless you like photos of you squinting because it’s too bright.
Stow Lake in Golden Gate Park
This is the lake with the paddle boats. There are lots of great spots for photos that include water, flowers, bridges and even a waterfall. So much variety with very little walking. This is also a park without a lot of wind, unless it’s a supper windy day. Want to be on the paddle boats for the photos? Yes!! I like to save that for the end. That way you sail off once you are done with the shoot.
Alamo Square
I’d recommend doing this one in the morning since there would be fewer people around. There are grassy areas and trees that photograph well. We could also do some photos with the painted ladies in the background. This park doesn’t have as much variety as other parks. But if you want something that is very San Francisco, the Painted Ladies are great!
The Legion of Honor
This is a place that I have never photographed it, but always wanted to. The building itself and its pillars provide a great backdrop for photos. There are also spots nearby that have grass and trees, so it’s not all about the architecture.
Rincon Park
This is a great place if you want to capture the Embarcadero and the Bay Bridge in the photos. There aren’t many shady spots, so this location is best early in the morning. The Cupid’s Span sculpture is there too! If you want the Bay Bridge in your photos, this is the spot for you!
Dolores Park & an alley with street art
I’ve photographed at the park and the alley in one shoot. They are a five-minute drive one another, so it’s easy enough if you wanted a shoot with a more urban vibe. Dolores Park is beautiful. Lots of great trees, a wonderful view of the city, and the playground which is the perfect spot for candid photos. Some kids have a problem doing photos when a playground is in sight. If this is your kid, then this location should wait until they are a little older. Or you might end up with a lot of candid photos of your child playing.
North Lake in Golden Gate Park
Not a crowded spot at all! Although the location is at the lake, there aren’t spots to get the water in the background. This location is all about its beautiful paths, cool bridge, and wonderful wooded areas. Feeling shy about having your photos taken in front of strangers? Let’s do your next shoot here. There are plenty of spots here where you won’t be the subject of people watching.