Let me start by saying that I love when my clients let me give suggestions on where to take photos. I love being able to incorporate somewhere that is special to them that also showcases our gorgeous city elements.
What I’ve realized over the years is that, while clients know we want a beautiful backdrop, it’s not common knowledge that photographers also want shaaaaaaaaaaaade! Lots of it. Not only is it next to impossible to get a toddler to give you a geniune smile while squinting into the sun, but the colors and gorgeous depth of a photograph is so much more pronounced when taken in the shade.
As busy holiday season begins, I thought I’d share some of my favorite spots to shoot family photos in San Francisco. If you have others to add, please include them!
1) Presidio / Lover’s Lane: This is an awesome location because it has beautiful greens/blues/browns…is fairly secluded and provides a dozen backdrops in a very confined location. Here are some examples of shots taken in the Presidio:
2) Crissy Field/Palace of Fine Arts: The plus side? Gorgeous golden colors all around the Palace of Fine Arts. The challenge? Weekend crowds!! Dozens…and dozens…and dozens…and dozens of wedding parties being photographed each and every weekend! But if you don’t have to drive or can shoot early, it’s worth all of it!
3) Ferry Building / Bow & Arrow {Embarcadero}: I love this combo because there are so many gorgeous colors in the Ferry Building, coupled by the beautiful Bow & Arrow structure with the Bay Bridge in the background. Caution: you’ll want to shoot this early in the morning or late afternoon as there isn’t much shade cover near the Bow & Arrow!
4) Land’s End/Sutro Baths: Ahhhh…I love these locations. They are gorgeous, tons of shade, dozens of backdrops and iconic San Francisco…fantastic!
5) Baker Beach: This one gets its own because you can easily do an entire shoot just at Baker Beach. First, it’s a bit of a hike to get down to the “end” of the beach where the rocks are (beware if you have toddlers/carrying kids!). Second, there are a dozen (or more) areas behind Baker Beach that are fabulous photo locations too…from awesome trees to winding paths, Baker Beach has a ton of fantastic photo opportunities.
6) DeYoung Museum/Botanical Garden: Similar to Baker Beach, I’d suggest either early morning or late afternoon for these locations. Shade is definitely available, but not as prominent as I’d like (if I could walk around with a giant sun shade, I would! Are you sensing a theme here?). Awesome leading lines, great colors and a huge variety of backdrops make this a great spot for photos.
There are dozens…dozens of other locations that are great in San Francisco. We are so fortunate to live in a city that lends itself to us daily! Some more favorites include:
- Alamo Square
- Buena Vista Park
- Dolores Park
- Legion of Honor
I hope this was helpful to you! Most of all, Happy Shooting!!!
