Tips For Choosing An Outdoor Location For Your Family Photo Shoot in the Bay Area
We are soo spoiled with beautiful photo locations here in the Bay Area! When clients book with me, I like to find out if they have any preferences first, and then I can point them towards some of my favorite spots that sound like a good fit. So where to start? Here are my tips!
Start with thinking about your favorite outdoor spaces to hang out in. If you have a favorite family spot that holds sentimental value, then that might be your perfect location! The benefits of using a location that is familiar to you and your kids is that you and your family already have beautiful memories there, you know exactly what to expect, and now you can have photographs that tell an even more meaningful part of your family’s story.
I took these self portraits with my daughter at my favorite hiking trail in Novato! Not only is it a beautiful location, but it’s such a special place to me where we’ve continued to make so many memories.
2. Consider the season. The Bay Area has gorgeous locations all year, but there are some locations that look best during certain seasons. In the winter, I love forests, creeks, and beaches most (cozy beach sessions are the best!!). Spring looks good EVERYWHERE (seriously!) In the Summer, I love rolling hills, beaches, and open fields. And during the Fall, I love going to parks with seasonal foliage.
This portrait session was taken towards the end of Fall in Marin County
3. Think about what you and your kids will enjoy. This is similar to my first point, but even if you aren’t choosing a location that is sentimental to you, make sure it is still a location that your family will enjoy playing in. Beaches often put kids in an instantly joyful and playful mood!
This family photo session took place at the beach in Sausalito, Marin County.
4. Consider accessiblity. I do my best to find locations that aren’t too difficult to get to, but there is still a range of accessiblity. Some locations require a small trek or walking up a steep hill. If you’d like an easier escape to nature without the extra steps, consider gardens and local parks. A favorite of mine is Stafford Lake in Novato. It’s a gorgeous open space that is totally flat and has plenty of parking!
These photos are taken at the beautiful Stafford Lake Park in Novato during Spring. Stafford Lake is one of my top recommendations for Bay Area folks who want a gorgeous nature landscape that is also super accessible.
5. Finally, if you just want a location that’s as epic as your family- then heck yeah!! We live in the Bay Area! You want to snuggle your family atop Mount Tam, or with the Point Reyes coastline trailing behind you? I am sooooo there!
Family Portrait Session at Mount Tamalpais during late summer
There is no shortage of gorgeous location options here in the Bay Area, but at the end of the day, it all comes down to how you connect with your family. If you book your session with me, I’ll make sure that we find the perfect location that suits your family!