LOCATION GUIDE
YOUR GUIDE IN DESIGNING FAMILY PHOTOS THAT YOU WILL CHERISH FOREVER
Hello there!
Before I dive deep in sharing all my favorite East Bay locations with you, I have a few things I want you to keep in mind:
If you have a specific location in mind that is not on here--that is totally fine! These are just suggestions! I love using new spots as well, especially if they have sentimental value.
These locations might look different in winter. Keep the season in mind when choosing a location.
These locations are merely the background of your images, your family will be the real focus!
This location guide is not just about choosing what looks prettiest, but also to help inform you how accessible a location is. There is absolutely no shame in choosing a location that is your favorite simply because it is close to home!
Locations are listed in no particular order of significance.
Walnut Creek Open Space
ACCESSIBILITY RATiNG
5 stars! Just steps from a small gravel parking lot.There is an easy to navigate, flat dirt path. Dogs on leash are welcome!
A lovely spot in the open space of Walnut Creek. This location has beautiful backdrops of rolling hills, large boulders, spacious trees. During the summer & fall expect dry, golden grasses and rolling hills. During the winter expect green grasses. It is especially beautiful in the spring with colorful wildflowers dotting the landscape.
It is also a short drive to downtown Walnut Creek where you can celebrate with a meal or snack after your session.
Beautiful in the morning after sunrise or in the evening before sunset, this location is best about 2 hours prior to sunset.
Walnut Creek
Walnut Creek - Heather Farms Park
At the back of Heather Farms park is open parkland with dried grass from late spring-late fall. This location is perfect for including beautiful trees.
This spot is located next to a really fun park that kids of all ages love! It is also a short drive to downtown Walnut Creek where you can celebrate with a meal or snack after your session.
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
4 1/2 stars! Just steps from a small gravel parking lot.There is an easy to navigate gravel path. Dogs on leash are welcome!
Beautiful in the morning after sunrise or in the evening before sunset, this location is best about 2 hours prior to sunset.
Walnut Creek - Heather Farms Park - Rose Garden
One of the most beautiful rose gardens in the Bay Area, this location requires an additional fee of $50 an hour.
This is a great spot for whimsical, romantic photos that go well with my light & airy style. This spot is blooming from mid spring - early fall.
Next to an amazing park and close to downtown.
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
A perfect 5/5! Short walk from a paved parking lot down a ramp. Safe for wagons, wheelchairs, strollers, and all other wheels. Handicap parking available.
This location is best about 2 hours prior to sunset.
Walnut Creek - Borges Ranch
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
A walk from the parking lot, but plenty of paths and handicap parking. Some steeper spots and steps may be required.
Located in Walnut Creek, this location is in the foothills of Mount Diablo. It was an old cattle ranch at one time, so there are a few old buildings and a wooden barn on property.
This location also has beautiful views of rolling hills and open grasslands.
This location requires a session time roughly within a couple hours of sunset.
Lafayette - Reservoir
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
The open grassy area is not too far from the parking lot, with a little bit of a hill. However, the paths down to the docks along the water can be a bit steep and tricky to navigate.
The Lafayette Reservoir is a beautiful location for pictures on the docks down by the lake. It also has a green, open field a short walk from the parking lot.
Note: This spot is beautiful in the fall but the grass can be muddy depending on the recent rainfall.
Beautiful in the morning after sunrise or in the evening before sunset, this location is best about 1-2 hours prior to sunset.
Benicia - Camel Barn Museum
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
This place often closes early in the afternoon, so we might need to park outside the gate and walk down to the gardens. It is a two minute stroll.
A classic favorite of mine within a 5-10 minute drive of the studio. Perfect for those sessions that include studio portraits.
The garden is beautiful from spring-fall. The garden is small & usually empty, so little ones can explore without going too far.
Beautiful in the evening before sunset, this location is best about 2-3 hours prior to sunset.
Benicia - Marina
With green lawn and white trellis pergolas, the Benicia marina maintains a manicured look.
Rows of boats make for a beautiful marine backdrop.
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
This location is great one-two hours before sunset.
Benicia - 9th Street Beach
Located in downtown Benicia, the 9th Street beach provides a great view of the bay.
How much room we have at this location depends on the tide. It is really important to take pictures here 30-45 minutes before sunset so that the reflection on the water isn't too harsh.
This can be a great second location option!
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
Parking lot nearby. However, it is a semi-steep, somewhat bumpy concrete path down to the beach. Could be difficult for those who have trouble walking.
This Location is best in the 45 minutes before sunset!
Benicia - 9th Street Rocks/Cliffs
Located in downtown Benicia, the 9th Street rocks/cliffs are right next to the parking lot. The 9th St Beach is located here as well.
It is best to take pictures here 30-45 minutes before sunset so that the reflection on the water isn't too harsh & the light is golden.
Can be windy but it is beautiful!
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
This Location is best in the 45 minutes before sunset!
Benicia - Main Street
Located at the foot of Main St in Benicia is a lovely walkway behind Bella Sienna restaurant. It gives great views of the water and the bridge.
Can be windy but it is beautiful!
This Location is best in the 45 minutes before sunset!
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
Benicia - State Park
Located in Benicia, the state park has a car fee of $6 to enter. It has pretty open spots as well as a waterfront path.
The walkway is a rock path, which might not be easy for those with mobility concerns.
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
This Location is best in the 45 minutes before sunset!
Martinez - Waterfront
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
This spot requires walking a distance from the parking lot. Most spots are within a 10-15 minute walk. The gravel walkway is completely flat and we take pictures as we go until we reach the waterfront.
In downtown Martinez, you will find the open wetlands of the Martinez waterfront. This spot is perfect for those open, light filled images. There are lots of reeds. The coloring tends towards yellows and browns, which makes it a popular fall photography location.
I really love taking pictures down at the water just after the sun sets over the hills.
Beautiful in the morning after sunrise or in the evening before sunset, this location is best about 1-2 hours prior to sunset.
Martinez - Briones Regional Park
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
This spot requires a short walk on a dirt trail from a flat parking area.
Briones Regional Park in Martinez is an absolutely beautiful nature area with rolling hills and pretty trees. I especially love the large meadow that is near the parking lot.
Beautiful in the morning after sunrise or in the evening before sunset, this location is best about 1-2 hours prior to sunset.
Martinez - John Muir House
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
This spot requires walking a short distance from the parking lot through the ranger station/museum and up a small hill.
The John Muir House is located in Martinez off of Highway 4. It has a few groves of small trees that are perfect for taking pictures of little ones. There is a little wooden bridge and a small white barn (shed).
This spot is only open from 10 am - 5 pm.
This location is unique during spring when the apple trees are in bloom!
Martinez - Hidden Lakes Park
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
This spot requires parking in a lot and walking for a few minutes on a flat gravel/dirt path down to the pond.
This is a go to spot, even in winter. Many of the reeds and bushes around the pond are beautiful all year round. However the open areas with grassy hills and oak trees are most beautiful in the spring-fall.
The direction the sun rises makes this my absolute favorite spot for morning pictures! This can be great for those with early risers. The golden hour is perfect here around an hour after sunrise.
My favorite spot for morning sessions an hour after sunrise - it is absolutely beautiful!
Beautiful in the evening about 2 hours before sunset.
Vallejo - Glen Cove Marina & Waterfront
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
If you like a tailored look, the marina is a great option! The well kept grass is always green and the boats are always beautiful in the background!
The waterfront is a 3 minute drive and offers an open grassy field with the straights in the background.
Beautiful in the morning 1 hour after sunrise or in the evening 2 hours before sunset.
The marina has handicap parking and ramps to get down by the boats. The waterfront is a short, flat walk on a gravel path from the parking lot.
Vallejo - Mare Island
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
Many old industrial buildings are located right off the roads. You just stop and pull over whenever there is a building that interests you. It makes accessibility pretty easy.
This location is great for an industrial look. The island once housed the Mare Island Naval Shipyard, so it is full of really cool, old buildings.
If you are looking for variety, this island also has a commanders' row of houses which offer pretty green grasses set against old white mansions.
This Location is best in the late afternoon! 2 hours before sunset is best.
Pinole - Point Pinole
A lovely location near the bay. Open fields and rolling hills with green or golden grasses. A row of tall eucalyptus trees adds a unique backdrop.
This Location is best in the late afternoon! 2 hours before sunset is best.
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
This location requires a walk from the parking lot up and over a hill to access the photo spots. Not wheelchair accessible.
Oakland - Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park
ACCESSIBILITY RATING
This location requires a walk from the parking lot up. Wheelchair accessible
Beautiful green trees all year round. This can be a great location for winter sessions.
The top photo is a lookout spot about 5 minutes outside of the park that can offer an epic setting with a totally different look.
This Location is best 3 hours before sunset on a sunny day. And it‘s best midday if it is overcast.
bay area locations
These are some of my favorite locations from around the Bay Area. These locations require a travel fee since they are over 20 miles from the studio.
San Jose
Palo Alto
The San Jose Rose Garden is a beautiful garden full of roses.
The Arizona Cactus Garden is located on the campus of Stanford University. It is a beautiful garden full of desert flora & colors.
SEASONAL LOCATIONS
Even though we live in California, some spots look VERY different throughout the year. These locations all offer something special that only happens once a year!
Spring
White almond blossoms (located in Winters) and pink cherry blossoms (San Ramon) happen typically in mid-February - early March.
Lupine flowers pop up in late March - early April.
California poppies can be from mid March - early May.
Summer
Lavender fields in Vacaville blooms in June.
Sunflowers bloom in mid-late August and can add a fun pop of summer to your photos. Sunflower option is available in Winters.
Fall
The Markham Nature Park in Concord is absolutely stunning during the fall season. It offers such an array of vibrantly colored trees.
While choosing a location is fun, it does not dictate how great your images will turn out. With the right light, I love to make any location, on any day look amazing. This guide was simply made to help educate you in choosing a location that works best for your family!
Thank you so much for your support of my small business! I cannot wait to photograph your family!
Best,
Kelly
You are always welcome to reach out to me!
kellyoroscophotography@gmail.com
707-4005571
