Wanna hear one of my biggest fears as a Bay Area family photographer? It may not be apparent to casual observers, but it sneaks up on occasion.
The first clue is BAY AREA. Think of the San Francisco landmarks sprinkled along the coast or, rather, the cliff’s edge that one could perilously fall to their death.
Am I being dramatic? Maybe.
As you may have guessed, my fear is heights. If you know me, you’ll see that I am a world-class klutz. (It’s actually an inside joke with my client-families.) My ankle is actually healing from a mishap with the stairs as I speak. A narrow trail along Lands End? No thanks. Or a scenic lookout at the Golden Gate Bridge? Nope. How about the swaying suspension bridge at the Point Bonita lighthouse? Fort Point rooftop? Forget about it. Do you see how this can all play into an outdoor family session? Yep.
But you know who else is as klutzy as I am? Toddlers! So it’s a win-win. It is best to avoid narrow coastal trails and high-suspension bridges altogether. Now, that doesn’t necessarily mean we can’t shoot in those places. It just means we’ll be at a distance from these legendary landmarks but not so close that it would be tempting fate. I’ll carry a long lens. No problemo.
As a San Francisco family photographer, I’ve learned that safety and stunning photos can absolutely go hand in hand. Whether we’re shooting in Golden Gate Park, Crissy Field, or any of the beautiful indoor locations around the city, there are countless ways to capture your family’s story without the vertigo.
The best part? You can devote all your time to what’s most important, which is being present with your kids. I’ll take care of the rest.
So if you’re a family looking for gorgeous Bay Area locations that won’t give anyone (especially your photographer) a heart attack, I’ve got plenty of magical spots in my back pocket for your family to let loose and be yourselves.
