Best San Francisco Family Photo Locations

January 2, 2020
Baker Beach, Palace of Fine Arts, Lovers’ Lane, Lands End, Crissy Field, Pier 7, Battery Spencer, San Francisco City Hall

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Here are some of the Best San Francisco Family Shoot Locations that offer a variety of Northern California’s scenic locations and iconic views.  

 

1. Baker Beach

Baker Beach is the most common location I photograph for engagement sessions in San Francisco. Free and plentiful parking, unparalleled views of the Golden Gate Bridge, and a diverse setting around the area help make this a perfect spot for many.

Beaches aren’t just seen during the day! I especially love photographing at Baker Beach at dusk, where the Bridge lights up and illuminates the blue sky as well! 

If you plan it right, the Golden Gate Bridge reflects in the water at low tide and you can take your photographs to a whole new level! On a side note – closer to the Bridge is clothing optional and it is not uncommon to see a nude body on a sunny day (did you see it in this photo hehe)! 

2. The Palace of Fine Arts

The Palace of Fine Arts is the second most common location I shoot at and offers a more elegant look for those who prefer the more formal setting. Its ornate architecture and photographic dome attracts locals and tourists alike, making it also one of the busiest locations on this list.

Opposite the lake facing the dome allows for panoramic views of the entire location, and shooting under the dome allows you to fully appreciate the art deco close up. 

This is one of my favorite places to shoot on a sunny day because the shadows and light that filter through the columns offer so many unique opportunities to play! 

3. Lovers Lane

With the snake-like trail of logs, Lovers’ Lane provides the perfect outdoor setting for those who love nature and earth tones.

Lovers’ Lane is a gorgeous hidden trail many people ignore, since it is nestled at the edge of the Presidio and is often overlooked as you manage the winding roads of adjacent Presidio Blvd. 

4. Lands End

To narrow down locations for the 3.4 miles of Lands End, I’m going to separate it into two places – Sutro Baths and Point Lobos.  Both of these locations provide a stunning view of the ocean and offer especially magical light at sunset.

 

 

5. Crissy Field

The pier on the western end of Crissy Field is called Torpedo Wharf, offering one of the closet views of the Bridge in SF

Crissy Field is a good choice because it has unobscured views of the Golden Gate Bridge as well as a variety of settings to photograph, all within a short walk or drive from each other

6. Pier 7

 

 

7. Battery Spencer

 

8. San Francisco City Hall

9. Stow Lake

Golden Gate Park offers many locations for an engagement shoot, but the most common ones are Stow Lake and the Japanese Tea Garden. Stow Lake is known for its mini waterfall and stone bridges that are popular backdrops for photos. The Japanese Tea Garden requires an entrance fee ($5-$7/person) but has a unique wheel bridge (and a secret grove of bamboo) that everyone loves!

10. Japanese Tea Garden

The Japanese Tea Garden is a very picturesque backdrop, offering numerous settings for your engagement shoot. Full of nature, it is hard not to get carried away at this small yet impressive garden

And one more for good luck 😀

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