Battery To The Beach At Sunset

Experience No. 01 • Marin • Part of the Inspiration Series

Family of three walking down sloping path on sweeping golden Marin Headlands.
Parents and toddler in sunset light at the beach look and point towards a heron at the water's edge.
Family of three embrace and look towards a fading sunset over the flanks of Mt. Tamalpais.
  • Family of three walking down sloping path on sweeping golden Marin Headlands.
  • Parents and toddler in sunset light at the beach look and point towards a heron at the water's edge.
  • Family of three embrace and look towards a fading sunset over the flanks of Mt. Tamalpais.

This is all about contrast and elemental connection.

Walk through history and concrete at Battery Alexander, under expansive skies set against the headlands, then down to the intimate cove of South Rodeo Beach.

The emerald of coastal scrub against an aqua sky. The shimmering sun against the dark ochre cliffs. Sunset against the blue of the Pacific. In a single photo session you might see coyotes, pelicans, a sea otter, dolphins.

The Basics

  • Location: Battery Alexander & South Rodeo Beach, Marin Headlands
  • Duration: 120 min
  • Effort: 5 – Moderate
  • Suggested Medium: Film
  • Best For: Family, Couples, Seniors
  • Logistics: Highly Condition Dependent, Safety Concerns
  • Cost: $1,475
  • Parking Info
Check Availability

The Session

Meet at the Battery Alexander parking area, then explore the crumbling ruins of a beautiful old battery.

From there, make your way down a maintained trail through coastal scrub to a small flight of stairs. Below is South Rodeo Beach — aka secret Rodeo Beach.

Play at the water’s edge until the sun gets low, then head back up to catch the final glow from the cliff top.

Photographer

DAVID ENLOE
(HE, HIM)

Easygoing, grounded.

David crafts experiences rooted in presence and quality time with your people.

More about David

Field Notes

✎ Ancestral foraging grounds of the Coast Miwok

✎ Spot a coyote and a whale for bonus points

✎ Battery Alexander was deactivated in 1943 during WWII

✎ Challenge: fly a kite from the top of Battery Alexander

Close-up of folded knitted sweaters on rustic wood, showcasing texture and warmth.

Come Prepared

This is a large parking lot with lots of space. We’ll meet there.

Open in Google Maps →

Don’t forget your kids or your partner. Beyond the obvious, here’s what’s worth throwing in the car for this one.

Layers
Water
Snacks
Towels
Extra socks
Sandals for afterward

A straw bag and towel on white sand beach, perfect for a relaxing day outdoors.

Location Specifics

Terrain

Walk: 1.0 mi RT | 220 ft gain | dirt trail + sand + stairs

Restrooms

At the Battery Alexander parking area.

Dog friendly?

Off leash on the beach — may be limiting around the battery.

Parking

At the Battery Alexander parking area.

Accessibility

Not suited for wheelchairs or strollers — uneven terrain, stairs, and soft sand throughout.

Make it a day

✓ Driver’s Market, Sausalito (20 min) for the coveted Double Eight buffalo milk soft serve. Call (415) 729-9582 to ensure availability.


✓ Fish restaurant (20 min) in Sausalito offers dockside dining that’s great for families. Family favorite – clam pasta.


✓ On the way home, stop at Battery Spencer (10 min) for an incredible view of the lighted Golden Gate Bridge.

Check Availability

Questions. Answered

These experiences are built around real conditions — tides, light, flower blooms, coastal weather. A little fog or wind is often part of what makes them feel alive. Unless your experience includes Sunshine Insurance, we’re going to lean into what Mother Earth sends our way.

If conditions look truly unworkable or unsafe — typically a rain forecast of 30% or greater, or any weather warning — I’ll cancel and issue a full refund so you can book another date.

Depending on my availability and the realities of that particular experience, a reschedule may be offered.

If you need to move your session to a new date, a rebooking fee of 20% of the total session fee applies. Any payments already made can be credited toward an available session within six months of the original date.

If you cancel without rescheduling, payments already made are non-refundable.

If illness or something unexpected comes up, get in touch. I’ll always aim to handle things fairly and thoughtfully.

Each experience is thoughtfully paired with the medium, so check the top of the page to find out which one applies here.

Film is slower and more intentional. I take fewer frames and commit to the moment. The results tend to have a softer, more timeless look, with natural grain and texture. You may see a frame that’s slightly soft or imperfect in a way that feels human. That character is part of what people love about film.

Digital gives me the freedom to shoot a lot. That means I can work quickly with moving kids, handle low light, and deliver sharp photos in a wide range of conditions. It also gives me the luxury of finding the best split-second moment during editing.

If you want clean, sharp, and technically consistent, digital is the better fit. If you want something tactile, nostalgic, and emotionally textured, film is the one.

Photos for digital sessions are delivered within 4 weeks. If you purchase Rush Delivery, they are delivered within 7 days (sometimes less, ask for current availability).

Please allow up to 8 weeks for the delivery of videos and analog film photos.

Not every experience includes Sunshine Insurance — check The Basics section at the top of the page to see if it’s part of yours.

Typically, I don’t reschedule for fog or overcast — coastal weather is part of the experience. Sunshine Insurance changes that. If your session includes it, you can reschedule up to twice at no additional cost if conditions aren’t cooperating.

Let’s pick a date

Battery to Beach sessions are offered on select evenings, timed carefully around sunset.

Ready? Choose a date below and you’ll receive a booking file by email — agreement and invoice together. Your spot is confirmed once the retainer is paid.

***Selected dates are held for 24 hours pending completion of the booking file.

Deliverables

  • Session Length: 120 min
  • 75+ digital images
  • (or) 40+ film scans
  • Immediate family + 2 extended members included
  • Print release
  • Shareable online gallery available for 30 days
  • Cost: $1,475
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