East Bay Family Photos at John Hinkel Park
There’s just something especially sweet about East Bay family photos in the fall, when the light turns golden and the hillsides are full of color. For this family session, we spent the afternoon exploring John Hinkel Park in North Berkeley. The boys had lots of fun exploring beneath the oak trees while I documented the little in-between moments that make this season of life feel so full.
As an East Bay family photographer, I love locations like this because kids have room to play and be themselves. That space always leads to the most candid and colorful photos. It’s also one of the reasons John Hinkel Park is featured on my ‘Favorite East Bay Area Photography Locations For Family Photos‘
Candid East Bay Family Photos at John Hinkel Park
We truly had the prettiest fall light for their East Bay family photos at John Hinkel Park. The sun filtered through the oak trees in a beautiful golden way. It really gave the whole session that soft late-fall feeling. They also did such a beautiful job dressing for the location. K’s deep green dress, C’s earthy button-up, and the boys’ rust, cream, and muted green tones all felt perfectly at home among the trees and fallen leaves.
We started with photos under the trees, giving the boys space to ease into the session. Everyone interacted naturally as a family, which led to hand-holding, little snuggles, playful expressions, and plenty of movement. Those are always the moments I love most when photographing families with young kids.
The bright orange flowers ended up being such a sweet natural prop, too. They added the perfect touch of color and gave the boys something simple and fun to hold onto while we photographed them together.
After portraits beneath the trees, we spent time around the playground where the boys could swing, climb, and play. This is one of the many reasons I love John Hinkel Park as an East Bay family photographer. It gives families the best mix of beautiful backdrops and room for kids to explore, which helps create photos that feel relaxed, playful, and true to this season of life.
A Few Moments Caught on 35mm Film
A few of my favorite images from this session were photographed on 35mm film, which felt especially fitting for John Hinkel Park. I loved the late fall light and warm color throughout the park that gave these frames such a nostalgic feel.
For these East Bay family photos, film added more to the story. The golden light felt softer, the colors felt richer, and the candid moments had that imperfect feeling that makes family photos feel even more true to the day.
Planning Your Own East Bay Family Photos?
I always love photographing families at John Hinkel Park. The oak trees, hillside paths, open spaces, and playground give families so much room to move and explore. It also helps everyone settle into the session naturally. It’s such a beautiful spot for East Bay family photos. It works especially well if you want a mix of portraits, playful candids, and a location that feels relaxed for young kids.
If you’re looking for an East Bay family photographer with a candid, true-to-color, and easygoing approach, I’d love to hear from you! You can learn more about me on my about page. If I sound like the photographer for your family, you can inquire with me on my contact page.
Until then, you can see more family sessions, location ideas, and helpful resources on the blog.
Kind Words From This Family:
“Laura, we’re blown away by the photos! You are a magician for capturing so many sweet moments of our family. Thank you for sending SO MANY selects. We’re going to have a hard time choosing what photos to use for our holiday card. Looking forward to working with you again ;)”
