Continuing the photography educational series I’m doing, I would like to go into some details about potential engagement session locations within the Bay Area. There are so many great places to consider, so this list is just to get you started:
Ghiradelli Square – This is currently one of my favorite spots for engagement sessions. It has a lot of different looks to it, great brick walls, a long hallway, views of the water, and a very San Francisco feel to it.
Palace of Fine Arts – This is a classic location. The architecture is gorgeous, and you can find views of the bridge, which is great. Kelvin does a particularly outstanding job here.
Baker Beach – This is a great beach location, because you get the water, the bridge if it isn’t too foggy, and then there are some sandy areas and some rocks, which can be used to add visual interest and create some different looks.
Stanford – This location is meaningful for Stanford grads, and it’s a great place to photograph. Always nice lighting, and you can get both casual and formal looks here. Very all around good location. A favorite.
Legion of Honor – another classic San Francisco location, very white though, so the look is a bit more limited.More on the formal side.
Sausalito – Kelvin has done some pretty gorgeous engagement sessions here, there’s the water, a really nice fountain, and city life.
Presidio Park – This is a great little park in the City, and you have some nice features there to work with, including a water pond, some grassy hills, and gorgeous views of the Palace of Fine Arts.
The Presidio – great location for a vintage feel
Half Moon Bay-Half Moon Bay offers a lot of options. There is the charming downtown area, as well as some very scenic bluffs overlooking the ocean. We are not allowed to photograph at the Ritz Carlton Half Moon Bay property, but there are many gorgeous, scenic areas within Half Moon Bay.
Santana Row – I love love love shooting here, the colors and textures are amazing for photography. There is a $100 fee involved for a shooting permit, but it is a fantastic location. Great backdrops.
University Ave, Palo Alto – This is a great location for an engagement session if you want something with a city feeling, but dont want to go to San Francisco.
San Francisco Neighborhoods- Some of the best engagement sessions take place in various neighborhoods in San Francisco. We have done sessions in the financial district, the Castro, Union Square, and the Fillmore. It’s always fun and challenging to capture a couple in their hangout, just enjoying themselves in their natural setting.
Besides location, you should also consider specific activities. We have photographed couples having a drink, salsa dancing, ballroom dancing, with their pets, with their classic car, etc. It makes it really personal when you are able to add that little extra something.
You can search this blog for photo examples from any of these locations as well as others. Hopefully this will give you some ideas and get the creative juices flowing. The Bay Area has so many wonderful locations and backgrounds, it really is a photographer’s dream to work here. If you have hired us for your engagement session, we have lots of great ideas and advice to share with couples planning their session. If you don’t have a location picked out yet, we are happy to help you find the perfect spot. Let me know of other locations you think are great for engagement sessions!
