This was my third year photographing this family, and they suggested McLaren Park. This was my first session at McLaren, and I was thoroughly impressed!
I’ll be honest, colleagues have mentioned safety concerns in the area, but we didn’t encounter anything worrisome during our photo session. But please be cautious, especially if you find yourself in an area without other people around.
What I loved about McLaren was the wide variety of environments in such a small space. There’s a substantial redwood grove, multiple eucalyptus stands, a pond where dogs can swim, the Jerry Garcia Amphitheater, as well as open-sky golden grass fields. There’s even a city skyline view! Where else can you get all of this in a 10 minute radius?
Another unique thing about McLaren is its location on the East Side of San Francisco. This day was super foggy and windy at the coast (I had just come from Ocean Beach) and we were getting plenty of sunshine and shelter from the wind at McLaren. We were actually right on the edge of the fog, which created a unique ambiance…very San Francisco!
This is a great place for kids as it’s interactive. Their daughter was having a blast eating blackberries, walking the labyrinth, and climbing trees. Boredom wasn’t an issue. We parked at the Redwood Playground & Picnic Area and walked uphill from there.
If you are looking for an easy photo session location on the east side of San Francisco, I’d consider McLaren Park!
I’m David, and I photograph Bay Area families that are super proud of where they live. My easygoing presence puts everyone at ease, and I focus on candid emotion and moments of connection. No posing, no stress.
