Top 5 Spots to Take Portraits in the Bay Area
San Jose Photographer Jen Vazquez ranks her favorite 5 locations to take portraits
Bernal Ranch / Bernal Historic Park is location at 372 Manila Dr. Jose 95119 in south San Jose near the hills off Bernal and Cottle Avenue. You will love this location because it has a white barn, grass, yellow poppies, trees, hiking trails and a wood fence. There is also chicken coups and old farming equipment. It’s located in a residential area and parking is free. There is no bathroom available.
Elizabeth Gamble Gardens is located in Old Palo Alto at 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto 94301. This is one of my most favorite locations. It’s an historic property that has year-round beauty. It has two-and-a-half acres including a rose garden, cutting garden, formal herb garden, wisteria garden, and an allée. There is free parking but it is a small lot. Parking on the street around the property is available. The bathrooms are not open on the weekends.
Edenvale Garden Park is located in south San Jose off Lean and Blossom Hill at 200 Edenvale Ave, San Jose 95136. It’s quite easy to get to and includes a basketball, volleyball, and tennis court, playground ages 2-5 and another 5-12 with a climbing wall. There are mexican tile stage and stairs, as well as wooden fence, and dirt walk ways. Parking is free and plentiful. There are bathrooms.
Oak Meadow Park is located next to Vasona Park at 200 Blossom Hill Rd, Los Gatos 95032. This is the side of Vasona where there are train rides. I love this location because you can photograph multiple backgrounds or looks in a very small area. This makes it my go to spot for maternity shoots so mommy doesn’t tire out. There is a dirt hill with trees, grass area, gazebo, yellow wall, green wall, playgrounds and bathrooms. You can have multiple different backgrounds within 20-30 steps. Parking is $6 a day. It’s a very small parking lot. Come early or late to be able to park.
Martial Cottle Park is located in south San Jose of Snell and Branham at 5283 Snell Ave, San Jose 95136. It’s the park across the street from Safeway. While it’s a new location, it’s one of my most favorite because there is a large tree with white fence and hill with steps of lawn. It is a ranch style look that is gorgeous! There are bathrooms and plenty of parking. It does cost $6 a day.
I’d love to work with you on a maternity shoot, engagement shoot, family, or senior portrait. And, I’d love to create unique and friendly corporate headshot or dating shots. Contact me to schedule your shoot!
