Parent and child walking hand in hand down coastal trail overlooking ocean.

 

Locations

 

Not sure where to take your photos? Choosing the perfect location can make a huge difference in the look and feel of your images.

To help you decide, I’ve put together a list of some of my favorite spots that offer beautiful backdrops, great lighting, and beautiful scenery.

 

South Rodeo Beach Trail

Cliffs, trails, ocean, beach

 

Beautiful, bold and 2 locations in one! Located a short drive over the Golden Gate Bridge in the Marin Headlands. Gorgeous cliffs and winding trails with ocean views. And, if you're in the mood for it, a secluded beach a 15 minute hike away.

Peak hours: 4.30-6.30 pm

Busy?: Low crowds

Parking: Battery Alexander Parking (free parking) (not busy)

 

John McLaren Park

Grassy fields, trails, city backdrop

 

Rolling hills and grassy fields - John McLaren Park offers a great space for kids to run around. Located near Crocker-Amazon in the southern-western part of the city.

Peak hours: 4.30-6.30 pm

Busy: Low crowds

Parking: Philosophers Way Trailhead (free parking) (busy)

 

Marshall’s Beach

studio

Beach, Cliffs, Golden Gate Bridge (if not foggy)
White or muted background

 

Beautiful, secluded beach in the Presidio with views of the Golden Gate Bridge (sans fog). Note that this location is a strenuous 15-20 minute hike up/down stairs from the parking lot.

Peak hours: 3.00-6.30 pm

Busy: Low crowds.

Parking: Marshall’s Beach Parking Lot (free parking) (busy)

 

 

Can't decide on a location? Book a studio session instead! Available in my home in the Sunset or at the comfort of your own home or office.


 

Book a session
A child in a yellow cable knit dress sits playfully on a wooden stool.
A young child wearing a yellow knit sweater smiles at the camera.
A child in a blue button-up shirt smiles brightly against a neutral background.
A portrait of someone in a brown sleeveless sweater against a neutral background.
Baby wearing light blue graphic t-shirt sitting on white blanket.

GRANDVIEW PARK

Skyline, City, Park, Sutro Tower

Gorgeous Grandview Park! Best views in the Sunset. A great location for a mini holiday session.

Peak hours: 4.30-6.30 pm

Busy: Medium/large crowds. Note that this location is a 4 minute hike up/down stairs.

Parking: 15th and Noriega (free street parking) (not busy)

A couple stands together on a rocky beach with crashing waves and seabirds flying overhead.
Couple running joyfully along a misty beach shoreline in casual attire.
A flowy floral dress catches the ocean breeze as waves crash against rocky coastal cliffs.
A person in a floral dress stands among ocean waves and rocks during a beach maternity photoshoot.
A couple embraces on a rocky beach at sunset with haystack rock formations in the background.
Group portrait of extended family with children on hilltop overlook.
Family sitting together on wooden bench with city vista in background.
Couple holding hands while hiking up steep trail with city view below.
Child in winter sweater and beanie poses against frosty blue foliage.
Family portrait on rocky overlook with golden sunset lighting behind them.
Couple in coordinated outfits embrace during golden hour on scenic hillside.
Father and child sharing joyful laughter during sunset on grassy hillside overlook.
Family of five poses together on grassy hillside during golden hour sunset.
Three people run together through a sun-drenched grassy hillside at golden hour.
Silhouettes of people walking down a grassy hill at sunset overlooking a suburban landscape.
A family enjoying a scenic hike together along a coastal trail during golden hour.
A lone figure walks on a sandy beach surrounded by towering cliffs and crashing waves at sunset.
Couple in light clothing embracing on coastal path with ocean view.
A pregnant person in a white floral dress poses on a beach with rocky cliffs in the background during sunset.