I love photographing clients over time so I can witness how children grow and evolve. I was super excited to photograph this family for a second year and see how their little one went from a crawling baby to a wobbling toddler. We held the session at the hidden gem of a park, beloved by Berkeley dwellers known as John Hinkel Park.

An outdoor amphitheater and stage with oak groves and ivy provide a beautiful backdrop for community gatherings, live music and dance, and live theater since the 1940s. The park also boasts a newly renovated playground with natural wood structures that blend nicely with the lovely natural surroundings. We had a fun time exploring among the oak trees and capturing their fall family photos in the soft morning light of fall in the Bay Area.

Exploring John Hinkel Park For Fall Family Photos

John Hinkel Park is technically a Berkeley landmark. It’s located off Arlington Avenue in North Berkeley. It offers a beautiful small creek that runs through it and there’s beautiful paths and trees surrounding the park. In 1918, John Hinkel himself gave it to the city, hence the name John Hinkel Park. The park was used by Boy Scouts and there’s actually a Boy Scouts clubhouse still standing to this day, which is pretty unique! Before gifting it to the city John actually built the rustic redwood clubhouse, stone fireplace, playground, and pathways. You can learn more about the parks unique history here!

The history behind this nature based park makes it not only fun to explore, but perfect for fall family photos as well. John Hinkel Park is known as a “secret spot” and was actually highlighted on a East Bay family website known as 510 Families that also shows updated photos of the playground which you can see here!

Let’s Explore the Park Together and Capture Your Family Session Next!

Feeling inspired to plan for your own fall family photos or family session at John Hinkel Park? I would love to capture your family here next, or at another beautiful location in the East Bay! Looking for more location ideas? Check out my “Top 8 East Bay Area Photography Locations For Family Photos“! In the meantime you can learn more about me here. If I sound like the right Bay Area family photographer for you, then inquire with me here!

Laura Jaeger Photography | Bay Area Family Photographer

Come see more from this beautiful family’s fall family photos in John Hinkel Park below!