Top 5 Spots to Take Portraits in the Bay Area

Hi there — I’m Jen Vazquez a wedding, branding, and portrait photographer.  I’ve photographed in so many places and thought I’d compile a list of locations I love to photograph at in one blog post.  This way my clients, and potential clients, can see places that are great to get family portraits, maternity sessions, branding sessions, engagement sessions, and so many more portraits type of photos. Enjoy!

Bernal Ranch / Bernal Historic Park

Located at 372 Manila Dr. Jose 95119 in south San Jose near the hills of 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

Located in Old Palo Alto at 1431 Waverley St, Palo Alto 94301.  This is one of my most favorite locations.  It’s a 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.

Hidden Valley Park

Located at 3455 Bonita Vista Dr., Santa Rosa, CA 95404.  It’s in the middle of a neighborhood so there isn’t a parking lot.  You just park on the street.  There is a park for kids to play on. There is a large grass area (like more than a football field), super tall trees, and back to the right of the playground is a semi-hidden area with stunningly gorgeous light in the late afternoon/evening time.

Almaden Quicksilver County Park

This is a huge park that can be accessed from all over.  I like to go to 21785 Almaden Rd, San Jose, CA 95120 – there are trees and a big field, plus little nooks with pretty light.  There are a ton of hiking trails for the adventurous.  There are public bathrooms.

Martial Cottle Park

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 newer location, it’s one of my most favorite because there is a large tree with a white fence and a 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.  

Need Portraits?

If you are wanting to plan some portraits for your family, engagement, or branding, I’d love to work with you!  I’d love to chat!

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