Wanna hear one of my biggest fears for a family photo session in the Bay Area? 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.
My Biggest Fear During Bay Area Family Photo Sessions
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 photo session? Yep.
But you know who else is as klutzy as I am? Toddlers! So it’s a win-win. When it comes to family photo session safety, it’s 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.
Why Heights and Family Photography Don’t Always Mix
Here’s the thing: as a family photographer working in the Bay Area, I’ve learned that safety and stunning photos can absolutely go hand in hand. Whether we’re shooting in Golden Gate Park, Lands End, 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.
The Best Family-Friendly Photo Locations
(That Won’t Give Anyone a Heart Attack)
So if you’re a family looking for gorgeous san francisco family photography 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.
Golden Gate Park Family Photos
Golden Gate Park is an absolute dream for outdoor family photos in the Bay Area. It offers over 1,000 acres of diverse, kid-friendly attractions that feel worlds away from the city (without any dangerous drop-offs, thank goodness). The Botanical Garden is renowned for its incredible diversity and unique, year-round blooms. It also offers a dedicated, hands-on Children’s Garden for kids to actually be kids. And steps away from the gardens is the Music Concourse and the DeYoung Museum, which provide interesting architectural backdrops that little ones can explore. Another favorite spot of mine is Blue Heron Lake (formerly Stow Lake) which features pedal boats, a waterfall, bridges, and the Chinese Pavilion. And don’t get me started on the bison (yes, bison!!!), the Dutch Windmill, Japanese Tea Garden…really, you can’t go wrong.
Baker Beach and the Presidio
The beaches along the San Francisco rugged shoreline give us that iconic Golden Gate Bridge view without requiring anyone to scale any cliffs. The wide-open stretches, the marsh trails, and the grassy fields are perfect for families with little ones who want to run and play. And you know what? Battery Boutelle and Battery Chamberlin nearby offer those stunning bridge peekaboo moments while keeping everyone on solid, safe ground. And Andy Goldsworthy’s Wood Line installation creates the most ethereal, moody backdrop when Karl the Fog rolls in (yes, the fog is so intrinsically woven into our lives that it has an official name).
Urban San Francisco Spots
Sometimes the best family photo sessions happen right in the heart of the city. Potrero Hill gives us those breathtaking skyline views, the Embarcadero offers modern architecture and waterfront walks, and the DeYoung Museum has incredible lines and spaces for artistic family portraits. All firmly planted on firm ground.
How I Choose Safe, Stunning Bay Area Photography Spots
When I’m planning locations for families, I’m always thinking about a few key things: is it safe for toddlers (and klutzy photographers)? Does it offer visual variety? Can we move around comfortably? Will your kids have space to be themselves?
That’s why I love places like Baker Beach (we stick to the wider areas away from the rocky edges), Lands End (we shoot from the safe overlooks, not the narrow trails), and Fort Point (ground level is just as dramatic as the rooftop, I promise).
You can see examples of all these locations in my portfolio, and if you’re trying to decide where your family session should happen, I wrote a whole guide about finding the best photographer for your family that includes tips on choosing locations.
What This Means for Your Family Session
Look, being a slightly accident-prone photographer has actually made me better at my job. I’m hyper-aware of safety (for everyone involved), I choose locations that let families relax and explore without worry, and I’ve gotten really good at finding those magical spots that don’t require anyone to risk life and limb for a great shot.
Because here’s what really matters: your family being together, your kids being themselves, and capturing the authentic moments that happen when everyone feels comfortable and safe. The stunning Bay Area backdrop is just the bonus.
So whether we’re in the misty eucalyptus groves, on an urban street with the city skyline behind you, or watching your kids kick a soccer ball with the Golden Gate Bridge peeking through the trees, I promise we’ll find the perfect spot. One where the only thing you’ll fall for is the photos we create together. (See what I did there?)
Ready to plan your family session at one of these beautiful, safe locations? Let’s chat about what would work best for your crew. I’ll bring my long lens and my well-documented clumsiness—you just bring yourselves.
With love,
Your favorite klutzy family photographer ❤️
(The crutches are new since I wrote this. See? I wasn’t kidding.)
