Isn’t San Francisco great? So how do you choose where to take your family photos? 

There’s bridges, beautiful parks, lovely architecture, unique art. But having all these things in one city can make it hard. Especially when trying to figure out the best photoshoot locations in San Francisco.

 
That’s why I am here! I’ve been living in San Francisco for the last eight years and I have made it a priority to explore the city that I live in. Whenever I get the chance I love exploring neighborhoods and locations that I haven’t been to before.
 
And on top of that, I have been taking families’ photos all over SF for the last several years. I know what makes a photoshoot location in San Francisco great, and what doesn’t.
 
If you are looking for locations outside of the city, check out some of these: East Bay Locations, North Bay Locations, South Bay/Peninsula Locations.
 
So here it is, the top 30 photoshoot locations in San Francisco!

 

 

1. Sutro Height Parks

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If you and I have talked about locations in San Francisco, there is a 99% chance I brought up Sutro Heights Park. This place is a hidden gem and my favorite part of the city. I’ve had so many clients tell me that they have lived in SF for long, but had never been there.
 
Now that you know about Sutro Heights Park, let me tell you why it’s my No. 1 location for a family photo shoot.
 
This park is beautiful throughout every month of the year. It changes with the season, but each one has something special about it. The view of Ocean Beach is incredible from Sutro Heights Park. And one of the most amazing things about this location is that it is almost never windy! That is so important when it comes to photos.
 
Pros:
 
  • No wind
  • Not crowded
  • Beautiful all year round
  • A variety of different locations in one park
  • Great view of the ocean
  • Easy Parking

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, toddlers who like to run around.

 

2. Stow Lake
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Stow Lake is such a beautiful location. One of my favorite spots at this location is the waterfall. There are so many wonderful features I won’t name them all. Just know that you can get a lot of variety without a lot of walking around.
 
This location can get a bit crowded because the lake has paddle and row boats available. Parking is generally easy to find. But you may have to walk a little if you have your shoot during peak hours on the weekend.
 
Interested in having family photos taken while in the boat? We can do that. We’ll take photos first in the beautiful area around the lake. Then at the end, you can get on the boat, and I’ll take some photos of your family and you glide across the lake.
 
Pros:
  • Lots of variety
  • Beautiful lake
  • Paddle Boats!
 
Cons:
  • Your kid might want to go on a boat
  • Somewhat crowded on weekends

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, toddlers who like to run around.

Not good for: If you are trying to avoid crowds on weekends.

3. Musical Concourse
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A few months ago I had my first family photo session at the Musical Concourse. And I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of variety and beauty this place has to offer. It’s one of those locations that’s very San Francisco, without having a bridge. You have the DeYoung Museum, Cal Academy, and of course the beautiful bandshell of the Musical Concourse. There’s so much variety and San Francisco packed into this location.
 
Before having my first shoot there, I didn’t realize that there is a beautiful garden right next to the DeYoung. On weekends free street parking can get a bit tough. They close JFK drive to cars on Sundays and Holidays. There is a paid underground lot between the two museums.
 
Pros:
  • TONS of variety
  • Not windy
  • Iconicily San Francisco without any bridges
 
Cons:
  • Street parking (free) can get tricky after 10:00a on the weekends
  • Paid Lot
  • Can get crowded

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions, toddlers who like to run around.

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends


4. Koret Playground

 
This playground and area are super cool! You should take your kids here even if you decide not to have your family photos at this location. I love this park because of it’s cool and unique structures. I think it’s so much fun to get photos of children playing and truly being themselves. And this park helps them do that.
 
Besides the cool park, there’s also a carousel! It’s only a couple of bucks to ride, and I can hope on there too and take some photos.
 
So you love these things, but you want something a little more simple for some family photos to put up on the walls. Koret Playground is in Golden Gate Park, so you know that there’s going to be some great spots. There is a large grassy meadow, wooded paths, flowers and more.
 
There is a parking lot at this park, but that fills up pretty quickly. Street parking is available. But on weekends it can be hard to find after 10:00a.
 
Pros:
  • Lots of variety
  • Carousel
  • Cool playground
Cons:
  • Parking can be difficult after 10:00a on the weekend
  • Somewhat crowded

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions, toddlers who like to run around.

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends, if your child gets easily distracted by playgrounds.

 

5. North Lake

 
Best Photoshoot Locations in San FranciscoThis place is a hidden gem within Golden Gate Park. It is a quiet place without a lot of people. One of my favorite things about this location in the variety. It has a beautiful bridge, cool paths, and a large open area with grass great trees. I highly recommend this area if you are worried about people looking at you while taking photos. Parking is also super easy here.
 
Pros:
  • Super easy Parking
  • Lots of variety
  • Not windy
  • Not crowded
Cons:
 
•Even though it’s by the lake, you can’t see the water that well in photos
 

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday and weekend sessions, toddlers who like to run around.

Not good for: those who want more than nature in the photos

 

6. Legion of Honor

 
I am a big fan of this location because of the architecture of the building. The entrance is open to the public and is a beautiful spot for photos. The tall marble pillars and walls create beautiful light and block the wind.
 
Once outside the entrance of the Legion of Honor, there’s a lot more. Right outside is a large grassy area. Then you can walk down a little bit from the parking lot to see a beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge. Parking is relatively easy because of the free lot for the museum and 4 free hour street parking.
 
Pros:
  • Lots of variety
  • There’s usually parking
  • Can see the Golden Gate Bridge
  • A mix of architecture and natural landscapes
 Cons:
  • Can be windy
  • Can get crowded
 

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions, toddlers who like to run around.

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends.

 

 

7. Stern Grove

 
You may know this location for its free concerts in the summer. But it’s so much more than that! The beautiful outdoor concert seating is a wonderfully unique backdrop for family photos. And the east of the concert meadow is a beautiful wooded area. It’s shaded by tall redwood trees and makes you feel like you are no longer in the city.
 
A location this lovely is not always available. Sometimes there are concerts, weddings, and other events. Because of this, it is best to check with Stern Grove first before you plan on doing any photos here. Parking is somewhat limited. There is a small lot (about 15 spots) by the clubhouse, and a larger lot (about 45 spots) that’s just a couple of minutes walk. That lot is at the Stern Grove Dog Park.
 
Pros:
  • Beautiful location
  • Not crowded
  • Not windy 
Cons:
  • Events take place here, so it might not be available
  • A limited number of parking spots

Great for: Family sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions. 

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends

 

8. Metson Lake

 
This is a super hidden gem that Golden Gate Park has to offer. I stumbled upon this location one time exploring the park. Metson Lake is a small body of water surrounded by beautiful flowers, wonderful eucalyptus, and tall cattail plants. This area is super secluded which means parking is super easy. You won’t have to worry about people being in the background of your photos. Or worry about strangers watching you.
 
Pros:
  • Easy street parking
  • Never crowded
  • No wind
  • Great variety

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekend sessions.

Not good for: if you want more than just nature in the backdrop of your photos.

 

9. Baker Beach

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Not going to lie, this location has grown on my a lot. It is my go-to recommendation when clients tell me they want the Golden Gate Bridge in the background. That’s because this beach is more than just a beach. There is a beautiful wooded area, and the old battery is a cool spot for photos too!
 
My favorite time of day for photos here is either in the morning or late afternoon. The beach doesn’t have any shade, which is not good when it comes to photos. Having harsh midday sun in your photos can cause squinty faces and unflattering shadows.
 
Pros:
  • More places to take the photos besides just the beach
  • Beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Parking lot 
Cons:
  • Can get very windy
  • Not much shade
  • Nude sunbathers
  • Crowded

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions, getting the Golden Gate Bridge in the background of your photos. 

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends, sessions that take place in the middle of the day. 

10. Lands End

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If you haven’t been here, I recommend checking it out (even if it’s not for a photo shoot). Lands End is located at the northwest corner of San Francisco. It has beautiful views of the Ocean and, of course, the Golden Gate Bridge. Because of this elevated location and closeness to the ocean, it can get quite windy. Make sure to bring some clips or hair ties in the event of a windy day.
 
Lands End is large. One of the most popular places to meet is at the parking lot near the Sutro Baths. This parking lot can get quite full, but there is usually spots or street parking available. If you want to avoid that business you can also meet for your shoot closer to the Legion of Honor. You’ll still see beautiful views, but with fewer people.
 
Pros:
  • Beautiful views
  • Can see the Golden Gate Bridge
Cons:
  • Parking can be difficult
  • Can get very windy

Great for: Family sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday and weekend sessions.

Not good for: those who don’t want to do a lot walking during their shoot.

 

11. Sutro Baths

The Sutro Baths is such a unique and beautiful location. In case you don’t know, this is a historic area. When it opened in 1896, Sutro Baths was the largest indoor swimming pool. During high tide, the water flows directly from the ocean. While being torn down in 1966, a fire destroyed the building. What remains of the site are concrete walls, blocked off stairs and passageways. All which we see today.
 
The concrete walls remain right against the ocean’s edge. These make for a beautiful photo shoot location. It is a very unique location. But it does come with its downsides. Wind is very strong at the Sutro Baths. And you have to climb down lots of stairs to get down there. I do not recommend this location for families with small children. Walking on the top surfaces of the concrete walls could be dangerous for a busy bodied toddler. This location is a beautiful spot for older kids, and maternity photos. Know that you’ll have to climb back up all those steps when you finish the shoot.
 
Pros:
  • Beautiful and unique location
  • Historical Site
  • Good Variety
Cons:
  • Windy
  • Parking can be tricky
  • Potentially unsafe for young children

Great for: Family sessions, maternity sessions,  weekday sessions, if you want a unique backdrop for your photos. 

Not good for: Those who can’t go up and down stairs, people in high heels, toddlers who run around, babies. 

12. The Warming Hut

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The area around the Warming Hut is a great place for family photos. There is a large variety of backdrops for photos in a small spot. There’s the Golden Gate Bridge, the beach, grassy hills, a cool concrete step sculpture, and more.
 
Because it’s by the ocean, this area can also get quite windy. So pack with that in mind. There’s usually (paid) parking available. The Warming Hut sells hot drinks, toys, and books. So if you need a little something to bribe your kid with, this place will help you out.
 
Pros:
  • Beautiful views of the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Good variety
  • Can treat yourself to some hot cocoa after the shoot
Cons:
  • Paid Parking
  • Windy
  • Crowded

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions,  weekday sessions.

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends, those trying to avoid wind.

 

13. Dolores Park

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You either love or hate Dolores Park. And that’s okay. But I’m here to tell you why you might love it for a photoshoot. Dolores Park has a really beautiful and unique view of the city. At the top of the park, you can see San Francisco’s skyline and surrounding neighborhoods. But that’s not all! This park also has some beautiful groomed palm trees, great steps, and lovely grassy areas.
 
And! It also has a wonderful playground! This playground has a mix of modern and classic equipment. There’s large metal slides, swings, and new and modern structures for your kiddo to climb on.
 
This park can get crowded. To avoid the crowds and to find parking, I recommend going to this location early in the morning. And when I say early, I mean 9:00a or earlier.
 
Pros:
  • Beautiful views of the city
  • Good variety
  • Fun playground
Cons:
  • Parking is hard to find especially later in the day
  • Crowded

Great for: Family sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions, toddlers who like to run around.

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends, kids who get easily distracted by playgrounds.

14. Lovers Lane

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If you want to take photos in the Presidio, this is the spot. Lovers Lane is a long and narrow open area surrounded by tall trees. It has a beautiful sculpture of tree trunks running back and forth through the middle of it. The zigzag trunk sculpture is a beautiful unique backdrop for photos.
 
This location also gives kids the space to play and be in nature. There’s plenty of safe things to climb on and flat areas to run around.
 
Pros:
  • Beautiful lighting
  • Tall trees
  • Not windy 
Cons:
  • Parking can be tricky at times

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions, toddlers who like to run around.

Not good for: those who get frustrated when looking for parking.

 

15. Glen Canyon Park

 
Glen Canyon Park is a pretty large park. My favorite spot for photos at this location is on the south end. That’s where there’s a large grassy area, a small playground and the entrance to the wooded trails. It’s a lot of variety without a lot of walking. Interested in photos of your kid playing on at the playground? I like to save those photos for the end of the shoot. Not only is it a good bribe to get them through photos, but they might get all sweaty and disheveled after playing. They may not want to leave after playing.
 
While this park has a lot of variety, it doesn’t have anything that stands out as particularly unique. But if it’s in your neighborhood, and it has the things you need for photos, it’s a great place for you and your family
 
Pros:
  • Easy Parking
  • Good Variety
  • Playground
  • Not windy
Cons:
  • Can get crowded
  • Nothing particularly unique about this location

Great for: Family sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday and weekend sessions, toddlers who like to run around.

Not good for: kids who get easily distracted by playgrounds. 

 

16. Conservatory of Flowers

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This place is well maintained! It’s a beautiful spot for flower lovers. Besides the beautiful flowers in front of the building, there are also some grassy areas, and patches of trees which are great places for photos. The downside is that there isn’t any shade over the flowers. So if your photos are being taken on a sunny day, you might be squinty for your photos or the bright sunlight can cause harsh shadows on your face. Because of that, I recommend scheduling sessions here early in the morning.
 
Parking can be tricky here too. JFK Drive is closed to cars on Sundays. You’ll have to park on Nancy Pelosi
 
Pros:
  • Good Variety
  • Beautiful flowers all year round
Cons:
  • Parking is difficult on weekends
  • JFK Drive is closed to cars on Sundays and Holidays
  • Not a lot of shade

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions, people who love flowers.

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends, midday shoots. 

 

17. Pine Lake

This is a hidden gem tucked into the bottom edge of the Sunset District. Pine Lake is a quiet body of water surrounded by beautiful Eucalyptus trees. It’s near a dog park, so often times you’ll see people walking their pups. I love this location for it’s quietness and the beautiful lake. If you walk past the lake, an open grassy field greets you. There’s a good amount of variety here, and it never seems too crowded.
Street parking is easy at this location. I recommend parking on Wawona at Crest Lake. There’s a slight paved slope that you’ll have to walk down to get to the lake. If you can avoid bringing your stroller to Pine Lake, I’d recommend it.
 
Pros:
  • Easy street parking
  • Not crowded
  • Not wind
Cons:
  • Dog walking area
  • Walk down a slope to get there.


Great for
: Family sessions, weekday and weekend sessions, toddlers who like to run around, sessions with dogs.

Not good for: those who don’t want to walk much during their session.  

 

18. Crissy Field

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This is one iconic spot for San Francisco. It’s a large grassy area with the Golden Gate Bridge prominent in the background. Super iconic. But there’s more than the grassy area. There’s also the beach. Crissy Field has a decent amount of variety, but not a ton. I don’t think I have ever been to Crissy Field and it wasn’t windy. This spot can get very windy, especially when it’s windy throughout the city. So ladies, make sure you bring a hair tie or two.
 
Pros:
  • Easy parking (at Sports Basement)
  • Beautiful view of the Golden Gate Bridge
  • Some Variety 
Cons:
  • Almost always windy
  • Somewhat crowded

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, weekday and weekend sessions, milestone sessions, toddlers who like to run around. 

Not good for: Midday sessions.  

 

19. The Dogpatch

Best Photoshoot Locations in San FranciscoYou might notice that this is the one neighborhood on my list. It has a special place in my heart. I spent a lot of time walking through there while I was working at UCSF photographing newborn babies.
 
This neighborhood has so much charm and uniqueness. There are tall buildings, backdrops filled with cranes, and charming neighborhood streets. I especially love the area around 3rd street between 20th and 22nd.
 
If you need a place to stop before or after your shoot for a treat, go to either Neighbor Bakehouse. The everything croissant is the best! or Mr. And Mrs. Miscellaneous.
 
Pros:
  • Unique urban location
  • Mr. and Mrs. Miscellaneous
  • Good Variety
Cons:
  • Parking can be tricky

Great for: Family sessions, maternity sessions,  weekday and weekend sessions, those looking for an urban setting. 

Not good for: toddlers who like to run around, mini sessions.

 
 

20. Alamo Square Park

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Yes, this is the location with the Full House house. But it’s so much more. This park is newly renovated and is a beautiful spot for family photos. The park itself has a beautiful grassy hill and unique trees. There’s also a small playground if you wanted to get some action shots of your kiddo. And I do recommend getting some photos with the painted ladies in the background.
 
To avoid crowds, it’s best to photograph here early in the morning. As the day goes on, more and more people flock here to take photos of the Painted Ladies. And because of this parking gets more and more limited.
 
Pros:
  • Great view of the Painted Ladies
  • Good variety
  • Recently redone
Cons:
  • Parking can be difficult
  • Crowded, especially infant of the Painted Ladies

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions, toddlers who like to run around.

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds.

 
 

21. Old Speedway Meadow

 
This is a quiet spot on the Park’s west end. I live a half block south of the park on the westside and maybe that’s why this area in the park is one that I love. Old Speedway Meadow is a large meadow, that has a beautiful surrounding area. There are large glorious trees, paths, and a pretty little pond. Besides being a quiet part of the park, there is a small parking lot!
 
One thing to note, they do a good job keeping they part of the park green. And that means that it gets watered. During the week, the grass may be getting watered, or damp from watering. And during the weekend it might be damp as well because the dirt is moist. So make sure you bring a blanket to sit on, and shoes that you are okay wearing while walking in the potentially dewy grass
 
Pros:
  • Super easy Parking
  • Some of variety
  • Not windy
  • Not crowded 
Cons: 
• There’s a lot of grass, which might be damp
 

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday and weekend sessions.

Not good for: people who don’t want to get their shoes wet, if you are ooking for tons of variety.

 
 

22. Lincoln Park Steps

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This location doesn’t have a whole lot of variety, but it is quite stunning. Lincoln Park Steps are beautifully tiled. They are about two flights of stairs tall and around 35 feet wide. On the sides and back of the steps are benches with the same beautiful tiles.
 
The green, yellow and orange tile work is definitely a show stopper. If you are a lover of those colors, and you also love patterns, this spot could be the one for you.
 
Pros:
  • Beautiful tile work
  • Unique location
  • Easy Parking
  • Not crowded
Cons:
  • Lacks variety

Great for: mini sessions.

Not good for: hour long sessions.

 
 

23. Bernal Heights Park

 
Bernal Heights Park has a lot to offer. The most obvious would be its panoramic views of the city. This hilltop park is quite large. It has grassy open areas, and cool trees with large exposed roots. This location is great if you are looking for a great view and a little more.
 
Because of its heights, this location can tend to get windy. Make sure to pack hair ties or clips if you need to pull your hair back.
 
Pros:
  • Beautiful views
  • A fair amount of variety
  • Not very crowded
 
Cons:
  • Windy
  • May have to walk a bit because of parking

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, weekday sessions.

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends, trying to avoid wind. 

 

24. Rincon Park

 
Want to have the Bay Bridge in the backdrop of your family photos? This is the place. The Bay Bridge is nice and close to Rincon Park. And there’s also the Cupid Span sculpture. This small park has some beautiful grassy areas and flowers, but there isn’t a lot of shade. Because of this, I recommend photographing here early in the morning, or closer to sunset. If you choose this location later in the day, you might see the lights on the Bay Bridge illuminated.
 
Pros:
  • The Cupid Span sculpture
  • Great view of the Bay Bridge
Cons:
  • No shaded areas
  • Not a lot of variety

 

Great for: mini sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions, toddlers who like to run around, if you want a mix of urban and nature.

Not good for: midday shoots. 

 

25. Ferry Building

 
This location is quite bustling and very San Francisco. The Ferry Building is an iconic spot. Outside of the building are beautiful columns and architecture. Shops fill the inside (including ones that sell ice cream by the scoop!) and people moving around.
 
The Ferry building is right on the Bay, so there are great views of the Bay Bridge and the water. Because this is a popular destination, I recommend doing photos here as early as possible. The building opens up at 8:00a on Saturday mornings.
 
Pros:
  • Unique location
  • Some Variety
  • Easy to get to on the train
Cons:
  • Crowded on weekends
  • Windy outside
  • Parking can be difficult

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions,  weekday sessions.

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends

 
 

26. Yerba Buena Gardens

 
Live downtown, and want a photo shot location that is a mix of urban and nature? This is a great place. Yerba Buena Gardens has a mix of architecture and grassy areas. Because it’s located downtown, it can be quite bustling. But that can add some charm.
 
The city’s table buildings add shade to this park, so there are great places to photograph at any time of day. Keep in mind that there are sometimes events or concert happening at this park. So make sure you check their calendar to see if there is something planned on the day of your shoot.
 
I recommend parking at the 5th and Mission Garage. It’s a couple of blocks walk to the park from there.
 
Pros:
  • Urban Location
  • Lots of variety
Cons:
  • Paid parking in garages
  • Crowded
  • Sometimes events happen there

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions,  weekday sessions.

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends, toddlers who like to run around. 

 
 

27. Billy Goat Hill

 
This is not a very popular tourist destination, and that’s why I love it. Billy Goat Hill is a small hill with amazing views of San Francisco. It’s located south of Noe Valley and has a rope swing hanging from a tree at the top of the hill.
 
The downtown cityscape isn’t super close to this hill. But you get to see a lot of other details that make San Francisco Beautiful. This small park is a great spot if you love views of the city and don’t love crowds.
 
Pros:
  • Easy Parking
  • Great views
  • Not crowded
Cons:
  • Not a lot of variety
  • Windy

Great for:  mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions.

Not good for: trying to avoid wind, if you want a lot of variety in the background of your photos. 

 
 
 

28. Ocean Beach

Best Photoshoot Locations in San FranciscoNorthern California beaches. They tend to be cold and windy, and Ocean Beach is no exception. There are those glorious warm days that happen a few times per year in the Fall. But for the most part, make sure that you wear layers at this location. And arm yourself with hair ties and clips, because it can get windy.
One cool feature that I really love about this beach as the graffiti on the walls towards the north end.
 
Pros:
  • Not crowded
  • Parking is easy
  • Large beautiful beach
Cons:
  • Windy
  • Cold
  • Not a lot of variety

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday and weekend sessions, toddlers who like to run around.

Not good for: trying to avoid wind.

 

29. Dutch Windmill

This spot can be easily paired with some photos at Ocean Beach. The trees shield the area around the Dutch Windmill so it can feel a lot warmer. When the Tulips are in bloom (June and July) this spot is simply gorgeous! That’s not to say that it’s not worth checking out the rest of the year. The structure of the windmill is beautiful. And the wooded areas of the park around it are lovely places for family photos.
 
Pros:
  • Parking is easy
  • Beautiful Tulips
  • Not windy
Cons:
  • Tulips aren’t blooming all year round
  • Not a lot of variety

Great for: mini sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday and weekend sessions.

 

30. Palace of Fine Arts

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Surprised to see this at the bottom of the list? Well, this is my list and I stand by my decision. The Palace of Fine Arts has it all — a beautiful pond, beautiful architecture, not too windy, beautiful landscaping. And because of this, it brings in way too many people with selfie-sticks. This is the place that everyone goes to takes photos. And that’s why I don’t like it.
Without fail, it’s always crowded. Strangers ask me if they can take a photo for me so I can be in the picture too. Then either that same stranger or others try to “help” by trying to make the kid smile. Maybe it’s just me, but I really don’t think dealing with strangers is ideal for a photo shoot. But, if this location means something to you, I will photograph your family there. Let’s try to do it early in the morning 😉
 
Pros:
  • Beautiful location
  • Lots of variety
Cons:
  • Super crowded with people taking photos
  • Parking can be difficult (tip: I like to park near 3140 Lyon St. There’s usually plenty of street parking and it’s only a few minute walk)
  • There will be strangers in the background of your photos
  • People will stop to try to make your kid smile
  • Strangers will interrupt your shoot

 

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, maternity sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions.

Not good for: trying to avoid crowds on weekends, toddlers who like to run around.

 

BONUS LOCATION: Lafayette Park

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After composing this mega locations list, I was told about this beautiful park.  Instead of reconfiguring everything, Lafayette Park is a bonus location!  
 
This park has beautiful views of the Bay, a fantastic playground and lovely grassy areas.  Parking can be a bit tricky, so make sure you get there early. 
 
Pros:
  • Lots of variety
  • Fun and photogenic playground
  • Beautiful view of the Bay
Cons:
  • Parking is difficult
  • Grassy areas are damp and muddy after it rains. 

Great for: Family sessions, mini sessions, milestone sessions in the first year, weekday sessions.

Not good for: kids who get easily distracted by playgrounds. 

 

So there you have it! My Best Photoshoot Locations in San Francisco.

 
Do you have a location that you love that didn’t make the list?  Let me know in the comments below, or shoot me an email (kimberly@ksienk.com).