Here is a running list of a few of my tries and true favorite locations for Family photo sessions here in Peninsula Bay Area and a few beyond. Some of these spots can change a quite bit, seasonally. more lush and green in the Spring and a bit more warm and brown in the Fall. Also, as nature is ever changing, some of these spaces may have experienced some bigger changes over the years. I do try to keep this page up to date with the most recent session examples from each spot as best I can.
Please rest assured that this is NOT a list of the only places I shoot. I am constantly looking for new spots and always open to ideas. If there is a particular type of scenery or look you are going for, let’s talk about it and see what we can find! I have lists of spots that I would love to get families into. Urban/Downtown locations, parks, waterfronts, trails and more! We live in one of the most picturesque areas in the world and I am always looking to explore it more.
BURLINGAME
This gem in Burlingame is peaceful with a small dirt trail loop. Lots of woodsy, vibes and some pretty yellow leaves in the Fall.
SAN MATEO
This park in San Mateo almost feels like fall year round with its big beautiful oak trees and woodsy dirt trails. It’s most green in the Springtime. Fall can be a mix of warm greens, yellows and browns.
Coyote point
On a hill top in Coyote Point is a beautiful little eucalyptus forest. These tall trees provide a walls of soft browns that make for a really cozy fall look. Since many trees were removed due to storms a couple years ago, you can now see some beautiful blue/green leafy new growth at the base of many of the trees. It provides a fresh pop of color that I love!
BELMONT
This is a beautiful open space up on along a ridge overlooking Crystal Springs Reservoir. It can get windy out here and is often colder in the Fall months. This spot has a lot of variability in terms of lighting, depending on whether there is cloud coverage or not. Since there are little to no trees providing diffusion of sunlight, this spot really is best just before sunset.
Redwood City
This is big open space with trails throughout. Lots beautiful greenery and tree coverage. With some great woodsy spots as well. Definitely more greenery and even grass in the Spring. More warm and brown in the Fall, though still with some fluffy greenery in the trees and some subtle yellow creeping in as well.
Redwood City
A pretty wooded area with dirt trails. Lots of warm, cozy nature all around.
Woodside
A beautiful county park nestled in the Redwoods.
Half Moon Bay
A simple Coastline with a pretty open space up along the ridge that provides some backdrop options for a longer session. Trails through tall, green grasses and wildflowers in the spring.
Half Moon Bay
Elegant, and often quieter stretch of coastline. Just a swet little beach nestled up close to the cliffside.
Pacifica
This is a great spot with a trail and wooded boardwalk that leads to bluffs with scenic views of the peninsula coastline. This area can be very colorful with wildflowers in the spring and a lot of greenery and red plant life throughout the Fall months.
EAST BAY
This is an incredible Redwood Forest in Oakland. It’s easy to get to, with a parking lot just beside it. Tall, rich wooded Redwoods, still somewhat this at the base to allow for some fluffy greenery to peek through.
