The Bunkers at Baker Beach make a fantastic urban backdrop for a photo session.  I love the simple textures and there are several inlets to explore.

Tips:  Since it is at Baker Beach, it can be VERY crowded on weekends.  It's best for a weekday session.  Ideal time of day is late afternoon or an overcast/foggy day.

What can I say, Baker Beach is gorgeous and iconic.  One of my favorite places on the planet. 

Tips: Baker Beach gets VERY crowded on weekends and is best for a weekday session.  The last two hours before sunset are the best time for a session.

Redwood Regional Park is a part of the East Bay Regional Parks District in the San Francisco Bay Area. It is located in the hills east of Oakland.  This is a special spot that reminds me of being in Tahoe.  

Tips: The best time of day for a session here is the late afternoon.  The trail is quite popular and there will be off-leash dogs that may approach.  They usually say hello and move along.

Heather Farm Park is well known for their flower garden but I like it because it has a lovely manicured park area as well as a more natural grass area.  Both make for fantastic backdrops.

Tips:  Dog's must have excellent recall for this location.  The manicured area is next to a parking lot and road and the natural area is near a horse stable.  The best time of day is the late afternoon.

Joaquin Miller Park is a lovely, diverse park located in the hills above Oakland.  It offers a lovely manicured lawn area as well as fantastic stone walls and stairs.

Tips: This location is best in the early morning or late afternoon.  It sits next to a fairly busy road so dogs should have a strong recall or be on leash.

Shell Ridge Open space is classic rolling hills with Oak Trees.  The hills will be green or golden depending on the time of year but always beautiful.   

Tips: The best time of day is the late afternoon.  Dogs can run freely off-leash.

Hands down the most popular spot.  And for good reason!  Crissy Beach and Field is iconic San Franciso.   There is a lawn area and a beach area for a variety of images.

Tips: The best time of day is super early morning (first few hours after sunrise).  The best day to shoot is Saturday morning.  Can be very foggy in Summer, it is SF after all.

Oak Hill Park is a lovely park that has a classic Willow tree that makes a fantastic backdrop for photo sessions.

Tips: The best time of day is late afternoon.  It is located near a road so dog recall must be strong or they should remain on leash.

The Richmond Marina is a new discovery!  I loved it because it is a quiet location with several different areas to wander through (dock, lawn, path).

Heritage Park is a great spot for getting old barn wood texture.  There are a few areas with different textures.

Tips: The best time of day is early morning or late afternoon.  It can get crowded on weekends.  There is a road nearby so dogs should have a strong recall or remain on leash.