Bay Area mini sessions are the perfect way to get beautiful, professional family portraits without the commitment of a full photography session, and I’m excited to announce my Fall lineup across some of the most picturesque locations in the San Francisco region! These specially curated sessions offer the perfect opportunity to capture your family’s memories against the backdrop of Northern California’s most stunning landscapes.
What’s Included in Mini Sessions vs. Standard Sessions
My standard photography sessions offer complete flexibility with your choice of location and date, along with a full 45-minute session to capture a variety of poses and settings. Mini sessions, on the other hand, are held on pre-arranged dates at specific Bay Area locations, making them a convenient and affordable option for families with busy schedules who still want gorgeous, professional photographs.
Mini Session Locations Across the Bay Area
Mount Diablo, Contra Costa County
Towering over the East Bay, Mount Diablo offers breathtaking panoramic views and golden hillside backdrops perfect for fall family photos. This Contra Costa County landmark provides stunning vistas of the San Francisco Bay Area, with rolling hills and dramatic skies that create timeless portraits. The mountain’s diverse terrain means we can capture everything from wide landscape shots to intimate family moments among the native oaks and wildflowers.
Lake Temescal, Oakland
Nestled in the Oakland hills, Lake Temescal is a hidden gem for Bay Area photography. This East Bay Regional Park offers serene waterfront views, lush greenery, and dappled sunlight filtering through towering trees. The lake’s peaceful shoreline and surrounding trails provide a natural, relaxed setting for Oakland families seeking beautiful outdoor portraits without traveling far from home.
Cavallo Point, Sausalito
Located at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge in Sausalito, Cavallo Point delivers iconic Marin County views that showcase the best of Bay Area scenery. This historic lodge offers stunning backdrops including the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay, and beautifully landscaped grounds. It’s an unbeatable location for families wanting that quintessential San Francisco Bay Area photograph with world-famous landmarks.
Legion of Honor, San Francisco
The Legion of Honor in San Francisco’s Lincoln Park neighborhood combines classical architecture with spectacular Pacific Ocean views. This elegant museum setting in the Outer Richmond district provides a sophisticated backdrop for family portraits, with neoclassical columns, manicured grounds, and sweeping views of the Golden Gate Bridge and Marin Headlands. It’s perfect for families seeking a more refined, timeless aesthetic for their San Francisco family photos.
Filoli Gardens, Woodside
Filoli Historic House & Garden in Woodside offers 16 acres of spectacular formal gardens on the San Francisco Peninsula. This National Trust historic site features pristine gardens, grand architecture, and picture-perfect landscaping that changes beautifully with each season. From the estate’s formal terraces to intimate garden paths, Filoli provides an elegant, magazine-worthy backdrop for Peninsula families wanting truly special portraits.
UC Berkeley Botanical Garden
The UC Berkeley Botanical Garden showcases over 10,000 plant species across 34 acres in the Berkeley hills. This incredible East Bay location offers diverse settings within one space—from redwood groves to Mediterranean landscapes and Asian-inspired gardens. Berkeley families love this location for its natural beauty, varied backdrops, and the educational element it brings to family photo sessions.
Piedmont Park, Oakland
Piedmont Park offers charming neighborhood beauty in one of Oakland’s most desirable communities. This East Bay location features mature trees, open green spaces, and classic Bay Area residential charm. It’s an ideal spot for Oakland and Piedmont families wanting a relaxed, natural setting close to home with beautiful filtered light and authentic neighborhood character.
Redwood Regional Park, Oakland
The majestic redwood groves in Oakland’s Redwood Regional Park provide an awe-inspiring natural cathedral for family portraits. These towering trees in the Oakland hills create a magical, enchanted forest atmosphere that’s uniquely Northern California. The soft, filtered light through the redwood canopy and the dramatic scale of these ancient trees make for truly memorable East Bay family photos.
Crissy Field Beach, San Francisco
Crissy Field Beach in the Presidio offers quintessential San Francisco waterfront beauty with Golden Gate Bridge views. This popular Marina District location combines sandy beach, grassy fields, and stunning bay views into one accessible package. It’s perfect for San Francisco families who want playful beach photos with iconic Bay Area landmarks, and the flat, open space is ideal for families with young children.
Book Your Bay Area Mini Session Today
Ready to capture your family’s story at one of these incredible San Francisco Bay Area locations? Mini sessions book quickly, so contact me today to reserve your spot. Whether you prefer the mountain views of Mount Diablo, the elegance of Filoli Gardens, or the iconic Golden Gate Bridge backdrop at Crissy Field or Cavallo Point, there’s a perfect location waiting for your family.
Let’s create beautiful memories together in the Bay Area this fall!
