13 East Bay Photography Locations For Family Photos
Quick Links
Looking for the best Bay Area photography locations for your family photos? As an East Bay family photographer, I’ve had the chance to explore and photograph families at so many beautiful spots throughout the area! From towering redwood forests and colorful gardens to waterfront views, rolling hills, and even a cozy indoor studio, there are plenty of wonderful options.
I’ve put together 13 of my favorite locations across Berkeley, Oakland, Piedmont, Walnut Creek, and beyond. Whether you have little ones who love to run and explore or you’re hoping for a more relaxed setting, I hope this guide helps you find a spot that feels right for your family!
Last updated: October 2026. This guide includes new locations, updated photos, and helpful tips for planning your East Bay family session.
Redwood Forests & Wooded Parks
If you love towering redwoods and wooded trails, these East Bay parks are some of my favorite spots for family photos! They’re especially great for families with kids who enjoy exploring and spending time outdoors.
Tilden Nature Area: Jewel Lake & Lone Oak (Berkeley)
Tilden Regional Park is one of my favorite East Bay photography locations for families who love spending time outdoors! Located in the Berkeley Hills, this beautiful park has wooded trails, open grassy areas, towering oak trees, and plenty of space for kids to explore.
Jewel Lake is a great option if you’re drawn to a more wooded setting. The trails wind through the trees, with a wooden boardwalk leading toward the lake. I just love photographing families here in the fall, when kids can play in the leaves, explore the paths, and enjoy being outside together.
Lone Oak is another beautiful area I’ve photographed, with tall grasses, oak trees, and natural landscapes. During one of my maternity and family sessions here, we spent time exploring the trails and a small creek. It was such a fun setting for capturing candid moments with their four-year-old daughter!
If you’re visiting Tilden Nature Area, you’ll also find Little Farm nearby, where kids can see cows, goats, sheep, and other animals. Just keep in mind that animal feeding is no longer permitted.
Note about dogs: While certain areas of Tilden Regional Park allow dogs, they’re not permitted within Tilden Nature Area, including Jewel Lake. If you’re hoping to include your furry friend, be sure to check the park’s current dog regulations before planning your session.
See More Real Sessions at Tilden Park:
East Bay Maternity & Family Pictures at Tilden Regional Park (Lone Oak Trail)
Extended Family Pictures at Tilden Park in Berkeley (Jewel Lake)
A Sweet Mother & Daughter Fall Session In California’s Berkeley Tilden Park (Jewel Lake)
Redwood Regional Park & Joaquin Miller Park (Oakland)
If you love towering redwood trees and a peaceful forest setting, Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park and Joaquin Miller Park are two beautiful East Bay locations for family photos! Both are tucked into the Oakland Hills, not far from the city, and have some gorgeous redwood groves to explore.
I love photographing families in the redwood groves at Joaquin Miller Park. The soft forest floor is great for little ones who are still learning to walk, while older kids can run around and explore. During one of my sessions here, we even came across a little treehouse made from sticks! The fog and sunlight filtering through the trees also made for some really beautiful photos.
Nearby Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park is another beautiful option, with tall coast redwoods, shaded trails, and beautiful wooded areas. There’s even a children’s play structure along Stream Trail, which can be a fun stop for families with young kids.
Both parks are great choices if you want your family photos to feel relaxed and a little adventurous. And if you’re hoping to include your dog, Joaquin Miller Park allows leashed dogs on its trails!
See a Real Family Session at Joaquin Miller Park:
A Redwood Oakland Park Foggy Family Session
John Hinkel Park (Berkeley)
Another one of my favorite East Bay photography locations is John Hinkel Park, a little hidden gem in the North Berkeley Hills! This beautiful park has oak groves, wooded trails, grassy areas, and a nature-based playground.
One of its most unique features is the historic outdoor amphitheater, surrounded by oak trees, ivy, and stone terraces. It’s hosted theater, music, dance, and community events since the 1930s! You’ll also find wooden bridges, hillside paths, and a small creek. I especially love photographing families here in the fall, with colorful leaves on the ground and sunlight filtering through the trees.
The updated playground is another favorite for families with young kids. It has natural wood climbing structures, swings, and slides that blend into the wooded surroundings. You can see more in this helpful John Hinkel Park Playground Guide by 510 Families.
There’s some interesting history here, too! John Hinkel donated the land to Berkeley in 1918, and the park was once used by the Boy Scouts. Unfortunately, the historic redwood clubhouse was later damaged by fire. You can learn more through the Berkeley Architectural Heritage Association.
I’ve photographed several families here and love capturing the candid moments as kids play and explore. During a recent fall session, two brothers played on the swings and collected little orange flowers. We also captured some photos on 35mm film, which looked beautiful with the fall colors!
One thing to keep in mind: Parking is limited, so I recommend arriving a little early.
See More Real Family Sessions at John Hinkel Park:
Fall Family Photos at John Hinkel Park in Berkeley, CA
East Bay Family Photos at John Hinkel Park
Gardens & Green Spaces
Some of my favorite Bay Area photography locations are filled with colorful flowers, lush greenery, and beautiful garden paths! From botanical gardens to neighborhood parks with grassy lawns and playgrounds, these spots are perfect for families who enjoy a mix of nature and playtime.
Dracena Park (Piedmont)
Dracena Quarry Park in Piedmont, CA, is such a beautiful spot for outdoor family photos and maternity sessions! This eight-acre neighborhood park was once a rock quarry and has the perfect mix of redwood trees, open grassy areas, and shaded walking paths.
One of the things I love about Dracena Park is how much there is for kids to do. There’s a playground with climbing structures, swings, a sand area, and even a slide built into a grassy hillside! You’ll also find rocky hillsides, a small redwood grove, and open lawns where little ones have room to run around and explore. The park even has designated dog trails if you’re hoping to bring yours along.
I photographed a maternity session here with a family I’ve had the pleasure of working with several times. We chose Dracena Park so their daughter could run around and play while we captured photos of their growing family. The grandparents joined us for some photos, too! It’s such a great option for families with young kids, especially if you want a session that feels relaxed and gives everyone a chance to enjoy being outdoors together.
See a Real Session at Dracena Quarry Park:
Outdoor Bay Area Maternity Session in Dracena Park
Codornices Park & Berkeley Rose Garden (Berkeley)
Codornices Park and the Berkeley Rose Garden are right next to each other and are two more of my favorite East Bay photography locations for families! Located in the Berkeley Hills, these neighboring parks have such a beautiful mix of scenery. You’ll find colorful roses, towering redwoods, oak trees, creeks, and beautiful views of the San Francisco Bay.
The Berkeley Rose Garden is especially beautiful with its terraced rose beds, winding pathways, and views of the Golden Gate Bridge. There are around 1,500 rose bushes here, with blooms typically at their best from mid-May through September. It’s a great option if you love flowers and greenery for your family or maternity photos.
Just across the street, Codornices Park has grassy lawns, wooded trails, coastal redwoods, bay laurel trees, and coast live oaks. There’s also plenty for kids to enjoy, including playground structures and the famous concrete slide! You can even walk through a tunnel beneath Euclid Avenue that connects the two parks, making it easy to explore both during your session.
I’ve photographed both family and maternity sessions here, including a sweet fall family session where we started among the roses before exploring the trees at Codornices Park. During another maternity session, we brought the couple’s dog along for photos at Codornices Park before heading over to the Rose Garden. I love that these neighboring locations offer such a nice mix of flowers, wooded paths, and space for little ones to play!
See More Real Sessions at Codornices Park & Berkeley Rose Garden:
Joyful East Bay Maternity Photography in Berkeley
A Family Session at Codornices Park & Berkeley Rose Garden
Piedmont Community Hall & Park (Piedmont)
Piedmont Park and the surrounding Piedmont Community Hall grounds are some of my favorite East Bay locations for family photos! Located in the heart of Piedmont, this beautiful park has redwood groves, large grassy lawns, gardens, and plenty of space for kids to play and explore.
You’ll also find a historic Japanese Tea House, the beautiful Exedra Plaza fountain, and winding trails lined with towering redwood trees. There’s even a wooded path along Bushy Dell Creek and a large oak tree near the playground where kids can climb and play. With swings, a sand area, and playground structures nearby, there’s plenty to keep little ones entertained!
One of my favorite things about Piedmont Park is how easy it is to let kids be themselves here. I’ve photographed several families exploring the grounds, climbing trees, and enjoying lots of snuggles together. During one of my sessions, two sisters picked dandelions, ran through the grass, and even stopped to read books with their parents on a park bench. We had such beautiful golden-hour light, too!
This is a beautiful location for families who want a mix of natural portraits, playful moments, and photos that capture their connection. It’s especially great for younger kids who love to move around and explore.
See More Real Family Sessions at Piedmont Park:
Outdoor Piedmont Park Family Photos
Fall Family Photos at Piedmont Park in the East Bay of California
Heather Farm Park (Walnut Creek)
Heather Farm Park in Walnut Creek is another beautiful East Bay location for family photos, especially if you love greenery, open spaces, and a park with lots for kids to enjoy! This 102-acre park has grassy lawns, mature trees, walking paths, a nature lake, and a fishing pond.
One of the prettiest features is the garden area, with landscaped greenery and colorful flowers that change throughout the seasons. There are also open lawns and natural areas that are perfect for family portraits. Whether you’re hoping for some photos cuddled up together under the trees or more playful photos with your little ones, Heather Farm has plenty of beautiful outdoor scenery.
It’s also a wonderful park for families with young children! There’s an all-abilities playground, picnic areas, and paths for walking and biking. I really love locations where kids can enjoy themselves and we can capture those little interactions along the way.
If you’re considering family photos in Walnut Creek, Heather Farm is definitely a location worth checking out! Just keep in mind that the formal gardens may have separate photography guidelines from the rest of the park.
UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley (Berkeley)
The UC Botanical Garden at Berkeley is such a beautiful East Bay location for family photos, especially if you love lush greenery, colorful flowers, and peaceful garden settings! Tucked into Strawberry Canyon in the Berkeley Hills, this 34-acre garden is home to more than 10,000 kinds of plants from around the world.
There are so many beautiful areas to explore, from towering trees and winding paths to seasonal flowers and garden landscapes. One interesting spot is the Japanese Pool, surrounded by greenery, with a waterfall and traditional Japanese garden features. The garden also has plants from California, Asia, the Mediterranean, and several other regions, so there’s always something interesting to discover.
I’ve loved photographing families here, especially while exploring the wooded paths, flowering plants, and water features. During one family session, we captured some sweet moments between a mother and daughter along the garden trails, along with portraits surrounded by beautiful greenery.
One thing to keep in mind is that admission is required, and the garden has specific photography guidelines. Professional photography requires advance approval, so we’ll want to make sure everything is arranged before your session.
Blake Garden (Kensington)
Blake Garden is one of my favorite East Bay locations for family photos, especially if you love colorful gardens and lots of greenery! This beautiful 10-acre garden is part of UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design and is tucked away in Kensington.
Throughout the property, you’ll find towering redwoods, flowering gardens, winding paths, a creek, and a lovely reflection pool. There’s also the historic Blake House and beautiful views overlooking the San Francisco Bay. I love the mix of natural and landscaped areas here, especially for families who want a garden setting for their photos.
I’ve photographed several mother-and-child sessions here, including a sweet three-generation family session with a grandmother visiting! Little ones love exploring the winding paths and tunnel made of reeds. I’ve also photographed families here on both digital and 35mm film, capturing the colorful flowers and greenery throughout the property.
A few things to know before your session: Blake Garden is open to the public Tuesday through Friday, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., making it best for families with weekday flexibility. The property also has some steep paths, so comfortable walking shoes are a good idea. The historic Blake House is currently being considered for demolition, which could eventually affect parts of the property. I recommend checking the garden’s official website for current hours and updates before planning your visit.
See Real Family Sessions at Blake Garden:
Blake Garden UC Berkeley Family Sessions
Waterfront Views & Rolling Hills
If you love open landscapes, waterfront views, and beautiful rolling hills, these East Bay locations are worth exploring! From the San Francisco Bay shoreline to scenic reservoirs and hillside trails, there are some gorgeous spots for outdoor family photos.
The Albany Bulb (Albany)
The Albany Bulb is one of my favorite outdoor East Bay photography locations for families who love a little adventure! Located along the San Francisco Bay in Albany, this eclectic waterfront park is known for its beautiful skyline views, dog-friendly trails, beach area, and unique outdoor art sculptures.
There’s such a beautiful mix of scenery here, including eucalyptus trees, boulders, wildflowers, sandy shoreline, and colorful sculptures tucked throughout the park. You can also enjoy views of San Francisco and the Bay while exploring the winding trails. I love that kids have room to run, climb rocks, and play while we capture some candid family moments!
I’ve photographed everything from playful sessions with young kids to three-generation family photos here. During one session, two brothers had the best time kicking a soccer ball, watching birds, and playing along the beach. It’s also been such a great spot for photographing grandparents, parents, and little ones together.
Albany Bulb is dog-friendly, too, if you’re hoping to include yours! Just keep in mind that some paths are rocky and uneven, so comfortable shoes are a good idea. It can also get windy along the waterfront, so I always recommend bringing an extra layer.
See More Real Family Sessions at Albany Bulb:
A Playful Family Session at The Albany Bulb
Three Generation Family Session at Albany Bulb
Lafayette Reservoir (Lafayette)
If you love beautiful waterfront views and rolling hills, Lafayette Reservoir is another great option for East Bay family photos! Located in Lafayette, this scenic recreation area has oak-covered hillsides, wooded areas, open spaces, and view that overlook the water.
The reservoir has a paved 2.7-mile Lakeside Nature Trail, along with an unpaved Rim Trail that winds through the surrounding hills. You don’t have to hike the entire trail to enjoy the scenery, either! There are beautiful spots along the shoreline and walking paths where families can slow down and enjoy being outside.
I love this type of location for families who enjoy walking and exploring together. There’s also a playground (including a “tot-lot”) near the East Lawn, which is great if you have little ones who need a little playtime before or after their photos.
Lafayette Reservoir is dog-friendly, too, as long as your dog stays on a leash. Just keep in mind that parking is paid, and some of the hillside trails are steeper than the paved lakeside path. I recommend checking the current park information before your visit, especially for any temporary trail closures.
Sibley Regional Park (Oakland)
If you’re looking for an East Bay photography location with rolling hills, beautiful views, and plenty of opportunities for adventure, Sibley Volcanic Regional Preserve in the Oakland Hills is a wonderful choice! This park has scenic hiking trails, wooded areas, open hillsides, and views of the San Francisco Bay to the west and Mount Diablo to the east. On foggy days, you can even watch the fog rolling in across the hills and toward the Golden Gate Bridge!
One of the things I love about Sibley is getting to explore the trails with families. During one of my sessions here, we spent lots of time hiking, enjoying the views, and letting their eight-year-old son explore with the family dog. The rolling hills are especially beautiful and green in the spring after the rain!
There’s also some fascinating history here. Sibley is home to Round Top, the remains of a volcano from around 10 million years ago! Families can explore the park’s volcanic features along the trails or follow the self-guided volcano tour to learn more.
Sibley is dog-friendly and has designated bike-friendly trails, too. Just keep in mind that some paths are rocky, uneven, and hilly. I recommend comfortable walking shoes and a little extra time for exploring, especially if you’re bringing young kids.
See a Real Family Session at Sibley Regional Park:
Adventurous Oakland CA Family Photos at Sibley Regional Park
Indoor Family Photography in the East Bay
Not all Bay Area photography locations have to be outdoors! If you’re looking for a comfortable indoor setting, especially during the rainy season, a light-filled studio can be a wonderful option for your family photos.
Not sure whether you’d prefer an indoor or outdoor setting? I’ve also shared the pros and cons of indoor vs. outdoor family sessions to help you decide!
Light-Filled Photography Studio (Emeryville)
While I absolutely love outdoor family sessions, sometimes an indoor studio is just what you’re looking for! A light-filled photography studio in Emeryville is a great option for indoor East Bay family photos, especially during the colder, rainier months when the weather can be unpredictable.
I’ve photographed several families at Clove + Whole Studio in Emeryville, and I love its large windows, beautiful natural light, and clean, minimal interiors. We can keep things simple with a white backdrop or use the window light for more relaxed, candid portraits. It’s also a great option for maternity photos, mother-daughter sessions, and extended family portraits!
During one of my studio sessions, I photographed three generations of women together. I’ve also photographed families with young kids, including a sweet family of three whose one-year-old had so much fun playing with bubbles! I love that studio sessions can still feel playful and personal, with plenty of opportunities for movement and natural interactions.
Another thing I enjoy about studio photography is getting creative with both digital and 35mm film. And since we’re indoors, we don’t have to worry about rain, wind, or cold weather interrupting our photos. Studio sessions do depend on availability, so we can chat about indoor options when planning your family session.
See More Real Studio Sessions in the East Bay:
Studio Photo Sessions in The East Bay
Family Studio Portraits at Clove + Whole Studio
Which East Bay Area Photography Location Is Right for You?
There are so many beautiful Bay Area photography locations to choose from, and it really comes down to what feels right for your family. Whether you love exploring redwood forests, spending time by the water, or wandering through colorful gardens, there’s a location for just about everyone.
Still exploring locations beyond the East Bay? I’ve also put together a guide to my favorite San Francisco family photo locations, with more beautiful spots to consider for your session!
And if you’re still not sure which spot to choose, I’d love to help you find a location that fits your family and the kind of photos you’re hoping for! If you’re looking for an East Bay family photographer, you can learn a little more about me below.
Meet Laura, Your East Bay Family Photographer
Hello! I’m Laura, a dedicated East Bay family photographer based in Berkeley, CA, capturing magical moments throughout the Bay Area. I’ve been passionate about photography for as long as I can remember, but the pandemic inspired me to fully commit to my dream. Spoiler alert: it was the best decision ever! Now, I’ve established a business that brings me immense joy and allows me to photograph incredible families all around the Bay.
As a mom, I understand the importance of preserving these fleeting moments. We’re talking about creating photos that become treasured family heirlooms, cherished for generations. So, let’s create some unforgettable memories together!
Looking for a East Bay family photographer? You can learn more about me here. If you think I’d make a perfect match for your family, then inquire with me! Until then, check out more family sessions on the blog and get inspired for your session!
