Places to Take Family Photos Near Me in the Bay Area
There are so many stunning places to take family photos in the Bay Area that attempting to list them all would result in a lengthy list. So, I will start with the top places used by Upma Sharma Photography to capture your beautiful family photos.
Note: It is best to schedule weekday sessions in many of these places, as they tend to get very crowded on weekends.
Filoli Gardens, Woodside
Manicured gardens, rolling hills, a historical mansion, could you imagine any more timeless backdrops when looking for places to take family photos in the Bay Area?
Depending on the season, Filoli Gardens offers background florals, bright spring flowers, or autumn golds. There are spacious lawns and tranquil gardens. It’s ideal for families of all ages.
Should you decide that this is the place to take your family photos, Upma Sharma Photography offers family passes to Filoli Gardens as part of our family sessions.
Elizabeth Gamble Garden, Palo Alto
Not only Elizabeth Gamble Garden in Palo Alto is among the perfect places to take family photos in the Bay Area, it is also great for maternity and wedding photoshoots.
Pictures gardens that are manicured year-round for every season. Bright colors mark spring and lush greenery for Summer before giving way to the warm colors of fall then the calmness of winter. A Christmas tree and some lighting is even put up during the holiday season.
Here’s a portrait idea: Choose your session time based on the sunset and coordinate what to wear for your family photos accordingly.
Arizona Cactus Garden, Stanford University
I know, it may sound too prickly at first (see what I did there?), but the Arizona Cactus Garden is one of the most unique places to take family photos in the Bay Area!
Nestled in the heart of the Stanford campus in Palo Alto, the wide variety of cacti and succulents are striking backdrops, particularly during the golden hour.
The Arizona Cactus Garden is a popular spot for photographers, especially in the fall. To beat the rush, I prefer scheduling sessions during weekday evenings.
Guadalupe Oak Grove Park, San Jose
One of the last remaining large tracts of deciduous oak savanna and oak woodland on the Santa Clara Valley floor, Guadalupe Oak Grove Park is a great place for outdoorsy nature loving families to take family photos in the Bay Area.
This park has it all – majestic oak trees, greenery galore and lots of natural light. If those attributes didn’t get your attention, perhaps the views of the Santa Cruz Mountains will do the trick.
Note: There’s a short uphill hike from the parking lot into Guadalupe Oak Grove Park. Mom may need to plan her footwear accordingly or bring an extra pair of shoes.
Redwood Grove Los Altos
Tucked away in a quaint Los Altos neighborhood, this little hidden gem offers towering Redwood trees (hence the name), cute wooden bridges, and easy hiking trails. It’s one of the most charming and surprising places to take family photos in the Bay Area.
The trees in Redwood Grove are so large that the sunlight has to squeeze through them providing a gentle glow to your backdrop. Depending on the season, there may also be water in Adobe Creek!
Vasona Park, Los Gatos
This pretty little park is a photographer’s favorite among places to take family photos in the Bay Area. It’s easy to see why it is, as well.
The potential portrait backdrops in Vasona Park include train tracks, a lovely bridge and more than one body of water. There are also lots of trees, logs and rocks that can be used for posing for families.
San Jose Municipal Rose Garden, San Jose
Many locals will already recognize this photo session spot as popular among prom goers and brides, but if you time it right, the San Jose Municipal Rose Garden can be one of the best places to take family photos in the Bay Area.
During late spring to early summer, the garden bursts with colorful roses and primed beautiful human photo subjects. A session in the rose garden will definitely need to be scheduled during a weekday.
Natural Bridges State Beach, Santa Cruz
Can you imagine a more dramatic family photo backdrop than the arch on Natural Bridges State Beach? I know I can’t! Look past the arch, though, because this beach has more to offer than its most famous attribute.
The park has coastal grasslands that bloom bright native wildflowers during the springtime. There is also a Monarch preserve of Eucalyptus trees. This combination of beach, forest, and open grassland allows for a variation of shots and makes Natural Bridges State Beach one of the most stunning places to take family photos in the Bay Area.
Shoreline Lake, Mountain View
Unlike other places to take family photos in the Bay Area, Shoreline Park holds perfect photographic light throughout the day. An abundance of shady spots in the park that produces soft light that is flattering for photos.
Another thing that makes Shoreline Park a photographer favorite is the wide variety of possible portrait backgrounds. There’s Rengstorff House, a historical Italianate Victorian, built in 1867. There’s also a really picturesque bridge and the lake in the middle of the park. There’s also ample space at Shoreline so there is less competition for space for your family photo session.
Cuesta Park, Mountain View
If your family photo includes a four-legged furry relative, this wide-open park in Mountain View will be one of your best places to take family photos in the Bay Area!
Cuesta Park is pet-friendly! (Pets do need to be on a leash, though.) The park also has lots of open shade, which creates a nice soft lighting for portraits. There’s also lots of space and varied terrain. Much of the main part of the park is carpeted with lush green grass. There are rolling areas that drop down, making for fun, active shots and backdrops.
Rancho San Antonio Open Space Preserve, Cupertino
One of Santa Clara County’s most popular parks, you can bet that Rancho San Antonio Preserve is also one of the best places to take family photos in the Bay Area. It’s heavily utilized by hikers and joggers, which means it can get crowded on weekends. Afternoons and weekdays are the best times for photo shoots in this park.
The Lower Meadow Trail has an array of nice backdrops including grassy areas and lush trees in various green and gold hues. There’s also a 160-year-old historic farm that could add a rustic charm to your shots.
Palace of Fine Arts, San Francisco
One of the most iconic places to take family photos in the Bay Area is the Palace of Fine Arts in San Francisco. Built in 1915 to exhibit artwork during the Panama-Pacific International Exposition, it has since become a favorite spot for photographing life’s milestones. That’s why brides, engaged couples, and prom goers are often out there in front of cameras. The Roman-inspired architecture, the colonnades, and the swans gliding across the lagoon all give a dreamy, romantic feeling to the place.
What makes it a really fun place to photograph family portraits is the possibilities for so many looks and angles. The Palace of Fine Arts is also a popular place to do a photo shoot so be prepared for a weekday or early morning weekend shoot if you want this amazing landmark.
BONUS LOCATION: Your Home
Oh sure, sweeping views and beautiful colorful landscapes are great, but of all the places to take family photos in the Bay Area, is there one that is better than your own home? In fact, it is probably the best way to preserve family memories. What better way to authentically capture your family than in the place where they are most relaxed --- at home?
Tips For Selecting Places to Take Family Photos in the Bay Area
When choosing a location, consider the time of year and the weather conditions. For example, the terrain in a nature preserve can be pretty messy during a rainy season.
Consider your children’s ages when choosing a location for your photo session. Little kids and grandparents are not typically up for arduous hikes.
Do you have a specific style in mind? Whether rustic or beach casual, choose a location that will complement that style.
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