Best Locations for Photoshoots in Sonoma County
Whether you are a Photographer looking for new places to take photos, or a family looking for a Guide to Sonoma County, I hope this blog inspires you, speaks to you, and opens your eyes to all this beautiful county has to offer. Living in Sonoma County 95% of my life has allowed me to explore most of its cities & towns. From rolling hills, to crashing waves, fields of wildflowers and historic buildings, we have it all here. Below you’ll find a list of some of my favorite places, what I love most about them, and even the challenges they bring. I hope this helps you pick the right spot to record a beautiful chapter of your family love story. Let’s make some memories together!
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Bodega Bay, California
From Dillon beach to Salmon Creek, Goats Rock and more, the California coastline north of San Francisco has so many beautiful locations, I couldn’t possibly pick a favorite! I believe the beach offers the perfect landscape for candid family photography, romantic couples portraits, and the room to just breathe. No matter which beach you visit in Bodega Bay, you can always find a quite corner to capture beautiful photos.
Pro tip: Choose your outfit and either bring layers or a second outfit option. Our beaches can read one way in the weather report and be entirely different when you get there! No matter if its foggy or a bright sunny day, Bodega Bay will not disappoint!
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Crane Creek Regional Park, Rohnert Park California
Hands down one of the most popular location for photoshoots, Crane creek offers stunning views and an easy hike as you make your way through the rolling hills of Sonoma County. You’ll find beautiful oak trees, tall grass that illluminate’s with the sun, and a city view once you reach the peak of mountain. The park is also dog friendly, which means its a great place to include your pet for your family photoshoot! Make sure to bring your wallet, because Crane Creek is a Regional Park, you are permitted to pay a small fee for parking.
Pro tip: Bring tick repellant during peak seasons (winter-spring), as the tall brush attracts these unfortunate insects. Also, avoid weekends and golden hour if you can! Being such a popular location, it can often be riddled with other photographers taking up the best spots in the park!
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Helen Putnam Regional Park, Petaluma California
Steep hills lead you to one of the best views that Sonoma County has to offer. Helen Putnam is so high up, that the picturesque rolling hills, never seem to end. Sunsets here NEVER disappoint, no matter what the weather may be. Dogs are allowed, and there is a parking fee if you park in the main entrance. If you time it right, this Regional park gets an abundance of wildflowers, including the California Poppy.
Pro tip: Park off of Windsor Drive on the East side of the park, and you’ll find a bunch of free parking, with a little less of a steep incline up the hill. But don’t get me wrong, its still a trek!
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Jack London State Park, Glen Ellen California
If you want the perfect mixture of nature and old architecture, look no further than Jack London. This California State Park is a small trek from Hwy 101, but it is so worth the drive. You’ll be nestled in a canyon, surrounded by trees, vineyards, beautiful hiking trails and ruins from the 1900s. I wish I could describe the beauty that is, Jack London State Park, but you have to witness it yourself.
Pro tip: When you get to the pay booth, turn RIGHT into the parking lot and you’ll find my favorite part of the park for photography. The trees are amazing, and it will lead you to Jack London’s Cottage and famous archway.
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Tolay Lake Regional Park, Petaluma California
What used to be the stomping grounds for pumpkin patch fun and hay bale rides when I was a kid in the 90s, is now home to old barns, farm animals, and hiking trails. Tolay Lake gives off that true “Petaluma Country” vibe, and if you’re looking for a quite, casual and beautiful location, this is it! Dont be fooled however, there is no lake anymore. Dogs are welcome, and once again because its a Regional park, you’ll have to pay for parking.
Pro tip: Book your session in late summer- fall, and the tree row will be full of beautiful leaves and allow for the perfect framing on your subject.
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The Redwoods
Whether you go to Armstrong Redwoods, Riverfront Regional Park or Grove of Old Trees, you’ll find yourself surrounded by some of the tallest, oldest trees in Northern California. Its hard to explain the beauty of these locations until you are breathing amongst the trees. I know for myself, they bring peace with every breath, and seem to breathe renewed energy & life into me every time I visit. Due to challenging lighting conditions, I prefer to shoot slower paced sessions like Maternity photoshoots in these locations. However, I openly accept all Photography challenges and have captured many different families in the woods.
Pro tip: Book your sessions earlier than normal. Sunshine is better than no sun at all, and the light peaking through the Redwoods is some of the most beautiful filtered light that your camera can capture!
