Although I pride myself on being able to take a great shot, no matter where I am, I do see the importance of a good location, especially when kids are involved. One of my many jobs, before becoming a full time professional photographer, was a Location Manager for feature films and television. As a Location Manager, I had to take a lot of things into consideration, before I could add a location to the list of contenders. Thankfully, location scouting is not as complex for a photo shoot, as it is for a film production, but the experience offered up many guidelines that I use everyday when evaluating a location. For the past 13 years, I have been working as professional family photographer in Marin County. Ask anyone who knows me and they will attest to the fact that I am always on the hunt for a new location. Marin County has no shortage of spectacular locations, but an amazing location isn’t necessarily an amazing place for a family photo shoot. Here are the questions I ask myself, when I scout a new location for family sessions:
ACCESS-How long is the drive? How close can you park? Is it stroller friendly?
AGES-Is it safe for all ages?
TIME OF DAY-What is the best time of day to shoot there?
SEASON-What is the best time of year to shoot there?
BACKGROUNDS-Are there a lot of different elements at the location, ie. trees, buildings, open space, paths, view?
Taking each of these above factors into consideration, the following locations are my Top 5 choices.
Fort Baker is just off the 101, in Sausalito, at the foot of the Golden Gate Bridge, Fort Baker is a fantastic place for family photos. There are plenty of places with good light to choose from all day long, but its best closer to sunset. Late afternoon lends to open soft light, with lots of space for the kids to move around. There are big trees, open grass, old buildings with character, rustic warehouses, docks, and, not to be forgotten, majestic The Golden Gate Bridge. The biggest challenge at this location is choosing between so many different and interesting backdrops. Good for all ages. Especially good for new walkers. Much greener and lush in the spring. Still amazing year round.
Olompali State Park is located just north of Novato on 101. This location is fantastic at just about any time of day. There’s a small orchard, a large old barn, a gigantic tree stump, winding paths, tall eucalyptus trees, a small bridge, stone walls, and fields of long grass. The biggest challenge at this location is working around the park hours. They tend to close around 5pm most days. There is also a parking fee. Good for all ages. Especially good for new walkers.
China Camp is located near Peacock Gap in San Rafael. I can’t say enough about this spot. I love shooting here in the late afternoon. Once the site of a thriving Chinese-American fishing village dating back to the late 1800’s, China Camp is now a historic park. There are still some remnants of the old structures, a nice little beach facing east, a eucalyptus grove, vintage signage, old fences and a pier. Most areas are safe for all ages, except the old pier. Best late in the afternoon. Great for all seasons.
Marin Art and Garden Center is located in the middle of Marin County, in Ross, and its a wonderful place for a family photo shoot. The gardens are ever changing with the seasons. Anytime of year is good and I always seem to find new little vignettes each time I shoot there. Its a safe location for all ages, with lots of open grass areas, majestic trees, a fountain, old stone walls and a gazebo. Anytime during the day works well here.
If you have a little one, or even if you don’t, sometimes the best place for a family photo shoot is in your own home. I always love photographing a family in their most familiar environment. Maybe its the documentary side of me coming out, but when I look back on my own photos, those have the most meaning. Shooting at your home also makes it easier to prepare for, at least for Mom. Its not easy putting 5 outfits together that match, but don’t match too much, and also don’t clash with whatever background you have chosen. Coordinating a family’s wardrobe for a family photo shoot at home, means you have your closet with you, and it takes most of the stress out of the process. Another thing to consider is how well your little one is coping with new environments. There was a period from about 14 months to 2, where my daughter just wanted to explore new places and wasn’t interested in cooperating. There was no stopping her. Or you could have the opposite issue, when a child is feeling a little uneasy in the new environment. Holding the photo session at home, takes all the worry factors out of the equation.
Some of the locations on this list have become very popular in the past few years for family photo sessions, but you shouldn’t let that dissuade you. Every photographer has a different style and the locations are so diverse that I could shoot the same family at each location 5 times and come out with a completely different result every shoot. The reality is, photographing young children can be unpredictable. Sometimes its good to go with a sure bet. Each of these locations have spectacular elements that I believe make them the best in the county. Every time I shoot at one of these top five locations, the images are as unique their subjects.
San Francisco Lifestyle Photographer 