Inspired

Sunset in the Marin Hills

Family of four walk holding hands across golden field in sunset light.
Silhouette of parents spinning kids against colorful sunset sky.
  • Family of four walk holding hands across golden field in sunset light.
  • Silhouette of parents spinning kids against colorful sunset sky.

Classic California hills set against the iconic Mt. Tamalpais skyline.

Iconic panoramas no matter which direction you look – to the south, you can see the Golden Gate Bridge and San Francisco. To the east, Mount Diablo.

This is all about celebrating Marin and how lucky we are to all this place home!

📆 Often available: all seasons, weekday afternoons

The Basics

  • Ring Mountain (Marin, CA)
  • Duration: 1 hour
  • Effort: Easy
  • Medium: Digital Photo
  • Focus: Wide, environmental, movement
  • Best For: Family, Couples, Seniors
  • Sunshine Insurance!
  • Cost: $975
Check Availability

The Session

Quick & fun session that’s all about celebrating sunset and this incredible space.

Expect photos full of movement, dynamic light, and connection.

Don’t expect lots of close, camera-aware portraits.

The Gallery

  • 1 hour session
  • 40+ hand edited photos
  • Professional, shareable gallery
  • 20% off prints
  • Sunshine Insurance included!

*If you’d like more time for camera-aware portraits, you can add 30 minutes and we’ll stop in a shaded oak grotto with soft, even light.

Field Notes

🌅 Ancestral lands of the Coast Miwok

🦅 Great place to see hawks, falcons, and kites

🪨 Geologically unique “exotic” boulders scattered about

🪁 Great place to fly a kite!

Your photographer

DAVID ENLOE (HE, HIM)

Easygoing, grounded.

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

More about David

Timeline

00:00 – 00:15

Walk to hilltop

We’ll chat and get comfortable, snapping a few movement photos along the way.

Mom runs towards sun light alongside two sons and husband.
Mom holding toddler in field with iconic Mt. Tamalpais skyline behind.

00:15 – 00:45

Sunset with Mt. Tam

We’ll walk easy trails through rolling hills, with the iconic Mt. Tam profile illuminated by the setting sun. This is a good place to hold hands, pick up kids, embrace.

00:45 – 1:00

Blue hour

The light just after sunset is unique and great for a few portraits or to catch a glimpse of the moon. We’ll snap a few as we walk back to the car.

+ 30 minutes

Portrait Add On

There’s a shaded grove up oak trees that has great soft light for more traditional portraits. Add 30 minutes at booking and we’ll stop their on our way up the hill.

Location Specifics

Sunset Light

Timing is everything. Plan extra time for Tiburon traffic so we don’t lose precious daylight

Terrain

Walk: ~0.5 mi RT | ~150 ft gain | dirt road & trails

Weather

Relatively sunny, exposed to wind. Click here for local forecast

Restrooms

No restrooms available. Plan ahead!

Dog Friendly?

Dogs are allowed on leash.

+ Sunshine Insurance

We need sunshine for that sunset! Cancel or reschedule for no additional cost.

Check Availability

Questions. Answered

Yes, this is a great spot for young kids. We’re on dirt roads and trails, but they are well maintained and we don’t have far to go. There are very few edges or drops. And they love wandering through the tall grass!

This session is all about the sunset, which is why my popular Sunshine Insurance is included.

If typical Bay Area fog is in the forecast, Plan A is a pivot to Mt. Tam to get above the clouds.

But for high overcast, you can reschedule twice, free of charge. If rain is forecast, you’ll always have the option to choose another date.

Imagine you’ve got friends in town and you’re taking them out for a favorite sunset walk before heading to Hook Fish for dinner. Choose clothing that’s comfortable enough to move in and makes you feel confident.

Texture photographs beautifully in the hills, especially as the light changes near sunset. Accessories add depth, and patterns can work well in moderation. Think chunky sweaters, shawls or scarves, a flowing patterned dress on mom or one of the kids. Guys tend to look great in jeans or chinos, sturdy boots, and a neutral shirt.

The Marin hills are usually warm and earthy, with golden grass and bare earth most of the year, and lush green tones after a rainy winter. Ground your outfits in colors that echo the landscape: creams, tans, olive, rust, ochre, and muted yellows.

Blues can work especially well here, offering contrast against the hills and sky. Stick with darker or dusty blues unless you really want to stand out. I also love using kids as a place for contrast — lighter tops, subtle patterns, or a pop of color can be great for drawing the eye.

nspiration Sessions thoughtfully pair the location with the medium, so check the top of the page to find out whether this session is captured on film or digital.

Film is slower and more intentional, and the end result is less about technical perfection and more about feeling. I take fewer frames and commit to the moment. The photographs tend to have a softer, more timeless look, often with natural grain and texture. You may see a few frames that are slightly soft or imperfect in a way that feels human. That character is part of what people love about film.

Digital photography gives me the freedom to take a lot of images. 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 selecting the “best” split-second moments during editing.

If you want the cleanest, sharpest, most technically consistent images, digital is the better fit. If you want something more tactile, nostalgic, and emotionally textured, film is magic.

While limited, I’ve never had a hard time finding a spot. My favorite trailhead has easy street parking in the big roundabout at the end of the road.

Photos for most 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 6 weeks for delivery of videos and analog film photos.

Make it a day

Turn this session into the start or end of a memorable outing with these nearby suggestions.

✓

Rustic Bakery in Larkspur (5 mi). Quick pastries or sandwiches before heading up the hill.

✓

Hook Fish Co at Tam Junction (5 mi). Fast but delicious sustainable fish options. Mostly outdoor. Busy on weekends.

✓

The Spinnaker restaurant (10 mi). A over-the-water spot for a drink after golden hour.

Let’s pick a date!

These sessions are offered on select evenings and timed carefully around sunset light.

After choosing your date, you’ll receive a booking file (agreement + invoice) by email. Your reservation is confirmed once the 50% retainer is paid.

Selected dates are held for 24 hours pending completion.

Show Available Dates 🗓️