Finding the perfect photo location during the fall season for your family photoshoot is not always easy. It helps to scout photo locations ahead of time, and as a photographer, I totally get it. I’ve put in the legwork and I’m excited to share it with you.

Prepare yourself…I’m sharing my best kept fall photo locations in San Francisco Bay Area that my clients and I have fallen in love with. I hope (and believe) that you will fall in love with them too.

You ready?

Let’s get into it then!

Oh, but wait… before you get lost in these 5 family photo location suggestions, I am sneaking some special tips at the end of this list to make sure your planning, outfits, and sessions are top notch, so make sure to read all the way through!

1. San Francisco Botanical Garden at Golden Gate State Park

This is my long-time favorite…and I have a feeling you’re going to become a big fan too. The San Francisco Botanical Garden is so versatile and really has some of the best greenery and plants around. We’re talking 50,000 plants from all over the word spread out throughout the 55-acres of this gorgeous location. There's even a beautiful fish and turtle pond, which is one of my favorite spots in the garden.

2. Legion of Honor

This is part of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, used to be called California Palace of the Legion of Honor. It doubles as a wedding and private event rental space.

It may cost thousands of dollars to have an event here, but you can take advantage of this beautiful location for free! Well, you still have to pay for my session fee. LOL.

This location has two different areas that I love: the beautiful soft cream walls and pillars of the courtyard and the little grove by the golf course. Your fall outfits will stand out and look gorgeous, and yet can still be playful and fun with some pops of color.

3. Cavallo Point

This is where the city meets the Marin coast, Sausalito! And guess what? It definitely doesn’t disappoint. This viewpoint is such a great place to capture the beauty of the Golden Gate Bridge in your photos, well, when Carl the fog doesn’t make an appearance that is. He’s known to make an appearance whenever he wants. But of course, that means you will get the signature look of the Bay Area fog and the Golden Gate Bridge behind you.

See the note at the end of this blog for tips about how to style your family photo outfits, and plan for the weather, especially for Cavallo point.

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4. Lover’s Lane

And as lovers usually are, this one is truly unforgettable! Lover’s lane was found during the 18th century as a shortened pathway for the Spanish soldiers and missionaries. It has quite a bit of character and unique foliage and is best known for being Presidio’s charming eucalyptus forest. There’s even an enchanting bridge you can walk over as you enjoy the views of the wood line.

Very few photo spots will yield a grove as calming as this one. But don’t take my word for it… You’ll have to give it a stroll.

5. Dominican University – Marin

Dominican University is quickly becoming one of my absolute FAVORITE locations, and that’s why I saved it for last. I adore the versatility of this location, and it is definitely Instagram worthy for the millennials in the house. Dominican University has that 18th century charm and gorgeous landscaping that is going to pull natural features into your family photos. And don’t get me started on the changing colors and shades of the leaves if you catch them well into the Autumn transition.

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BONUS tips that will ensure you LOVE your fall family photos:

Discuss color schemes with your photographer, depending on where you’re going you may want to adjust the colors you wear- Solid colors, floral tops/ dresses, knitted sweaters/ vests are great! Clothes and accessories with logos/ graphics are BIG NO NO.
Dress in layers – this makes it much easier to adjust to temperatures because you can lose a layer or two if needed
Bring a jacket even if the weather is predicted to be warm because the Bay Area likes to be cool, and not in the fun way
For locations with the Golden Gate Bridge in the background, be prepared for Carl the fog to visit, you’ll love the photos regardless. Just don’t be dead-set on a clear view because we both know the true San Francisco vibe includes the fog and will look just as gorgeous in photos.

Regardless of where you go, if you choose a place from this list, I know you’re going to love it. These are my tried and true favorites for fall photos, and they will yield such beautiful photos. Best part, they are also beautiful during summer, spring, and winter too!

If you are ready to book your fall family photos, connect with me! I host annual fall mini family, maternity, and couple photo sessions! Head over to my booking page and book now before they are sold out! www.minianna.com/book

Not ready to book? Follow me at Instagram.com/minianna.photo for more studio and outdoor family photo inspo!