4 Location Ideas in The Bay Area - Laura Pope - San Jose Lifestyle Photographer

Last year, I wrote a post on locations to use around the Bay Area. I sadly lost the post when I updated my website and changed blogs. Boo! But I'm here to update you!

The beach:

One place I love shooting, but don't get to often is the beach! We're so lucky to have access to an entire coastline here in California, and it's even free to visit and have a session on! Some of my favorites are Natural Bridges, Santa Cruz, Baker Beach, Sutro Bath, Ocean Beach, Pacifica... actually, I take it back. They're all my favorite!

Northern California beaches tend to be chilly and foggy. They're great for people who don't mind wind blown hair or being cold. Family beach sessions can be a bit tricky given the above reasons, but shouldn't be nixed just because of those things! During photo sessions, we embrace the elements and let them paint your story!

Wide angle shot of couple standing at Sutro Baths in San Francisco

Pregnant woman standing at Sutro Baths wearing lace dress

Black and white photo of couple standing at Natural Bridges State Beach in Santa Cruz, Ca

Family walking towards camera at Ocean Beach in San Francisco, Ca

Hands of small girl holding sea shells at beach in Monterey, Ca

The hills:

The rolling golden hills and the oak trees are the essence of Northern California. Depending on the time of year, the hills can be golden yellow, or pale green. I love the look of both! I have a handful of locations that I adore using in San Jose, Cupertino, Los Altos, and Palo Alto. These sessions are great for families with children to who love to run free, sweeping views, and generally any type of portrait session.

Family standing together during golden hour in front of wood fence

Family walking up rolling green hills with oak trees

Family tickling little brother under oak tree in a teepee in Palo Alto

Family walking away from camera with rolling golden hills

Family looking at camera with sunset behind them

Sisters holding hands in field at sunset

San Francisco:

I love shooting in San Francisco! Palace of Fine Arts, Baker Beach, Crissy Field, Golden Gate Park.... You just can't go wrong in the city! Great for couple, maternity, and family photos. Keep in mind that San Francisco can be pretty chilly and windy. We also usually need to work around crowds, but it's always worth it!

Family sitting in front of Golden Gate Bridge

San Francisco Sky Line from Crissy Field

Little girl on Dad's shoulders at University of San Francisco

Family photos at Crissy Field in front of Golden Gate Bridge

Family walking away from camera at Twin Peaks in San Francisco

Family on grass in front of Conservatory of Flowers

Family laughing in front of Conservatory of Flowers

Your home:

This is one that people forget! While we do have some of the most beautiful and photogenic places at our finger tips here in the Bay Area, remember that your home is something to be remembered! At home lifestyle sessions are great for kids who might be overwhelmed in new places, maternity sessions, newborn sessions, or those who just want a snippet of their every day life documented in a beautiful way! I have to say that some of my very favorite pictures of my girls are the ones where we're at home!

Little boy wearing Spiderman mask being tossed in air by his dad

Little girl whispering secret into little brother's ear

Closeup shot of family sitting on porch together

Mom sitting on couch holding her newborn baby

Family standing in front of windows for lifestyle newborn session

Dad walking down long hallway with his newborn in his hands

Jack Russell Terrier meeting baby sister

Two little girls dying Easter eggs while wearing bunny ears

Do any any of these places speak to you? Let's talk about what you want your photos to look like and what specific location you'd like to use! The beach, the hills, your home... let's get to telling your story! Email me at laura@laurapopephotography.com if you'd like to book a maternity, newborn, or family photo shoot!