One of the questions I hear most often is, "Where should we take our photos?"


The truth is, the best location isn't always the most popular one. It's the place that helps tell your story. Whether you're celebrating a graduation, documenting your family, or capturing a milestone, the right location can make all the difference.


Here are some of my favorite places to photograph throughout the East Bay.

 

Crab Cove & Alameda Beach



 

A young Black woman sits cross-legged on a tree-lined park path, wearing a pink outfit, surrounded by lush green foliage.
A smiling woman in a yellow floral outfit and hat poses on a sunny beach with blue water in the background.
Elegant woman with long dark hair poses on a sunny beach wearing a white scarf, with buildings visible behind her.
Young boy in a black Savage graphic tee stands in a sunny green field with yellow wildflowers and trees.

Crab Cove and Alameda Beach are my most requested locations, and for good reason.


The shoreline offers beautiful sunset views, soft sandy beaches, open space for movement, and a peaceful atmosphere that helps clients relax in front of the camera. I love that we can create a variety of looks without having to travel far.


This location is perfect for:


Family Sessions


Senior & Graduation Photos


Maternity Sessions


Milestone Portraits


Why I Love It


The light here is incredible, especially during golden hour. The water reflects the sunset beautifully, creating warm tones and timeless images that never go out of style





 

UC Berkeley Campus

 

A smiling couple sits together on a bench, sharing a warm moment, the man in a polo shirt and woman in a striped dress.
A loving couple sharing an intimate moment, smiling and leaning heads together outdoors in casual striped attire.
A smiling young couple in matching striped shirts sitting together outdoors in a sunny park setting.
A pregnant couple sits on outdoor steps, the woman in a striped dress cradling her belly while her partner holds her hand.

UC Berkeley offers a completely different look from the beach.


Between the historic architecture, beautiful walkways, and iconic campus scenery, this location feels classic, polished, and sophisticated.


Perfect For


Graduates


Seniors


Personal Branding Sessions


Professional Portraits


Why I Love It


There are endless opportunities for variety in a small area. Every corner seems to offer a new backdrop and a new story.

 

Morcom Rose Garden

 

A couple in wedding attire poses in a lush garden, the groom in a navy suit embracing the bride in a white gown.
Woman in orange dress and duster coat sitting on stone steps surrounded by lush greenery.
A woman in black smiles warmly at a curly-haired child in white, sitting together outdoors near a stone wall.
Young girl in striped blue dress holding pink Easter basket, wearing yellow flower hair accessories on stone steps.

When the roses are in bloom, this location feels like stepping into a fairytale.


The gardens create a soft, romantic atmosphere filled with beautiful colors and elegant textures.


Perfect For


Family Sessions


Maternity Sessions


Couples


Milestone Portraits


Why I Love It


The garden creates a timeless and elegant look while still feeling natural and relaxed.



 

Hayward Japanese Gardens

 

Happy young girl holding a large red number 4 balloon, celebrating her 4th birthday outdoors.
Joyful young girl with pigtails leaning on a moss-covered rock, smiling outdoors in a lush green setting.
Young Black girl with braided hair and hair accessories wearing a black horse graphic shirt outdoors.
Young girl in red skirt and black top makes peace sign on wooden bridge in a lush garden park.

Tucked away in the heart of Hayward, the Japanese Gardens offer one of the most peaceful and unique photography locations in the East Bay.


With its traditional Japanese landscaping, koi ponds, wooden bridges, stone pathways, and carefully maintained greenery, this location feels like a hidden escape from the busy city.


Perfect For


Family Sessions


Maternity Sessions


Graduation Photos


Branding Sessions


Milestone Portraits


Why I Love It


What makes this location special is its sense of calm. Every corner offers beautiful details and natural framing that create elegant and timeless portraits. The gardens provide a stunning backdrop year-round, making it a great option regardless of the season.


I especially love how the bridges, pathways, and surrounding greenery add depth and storytelling to each image. Whether you're looking for a serene nature setting or a more refined garden aesthetic, the Hayward Japanese Gardens offer something truly unique.

 

Sycamore Valley Park & Danville Open Space

 

Young girl in yellow varsity jacket and jeans sits smiling by a serene pond in a sunny park.
Young woman in orange varsity jacket and ripped jeans posing confidently by a scenic pond in a park.
A woman in an orange dress walks with three young children on green grass near a fountain in a sunny park.
A woman and young girl in matching orange dresses pose together on green grass in a sunny park.

If you’re looking for wide-open landscapes, rolling hills, and a natural California backdrop, Sycamore Valley Park and the surrounding Danville Open Space are some of my favorite hidden gems in the East Bay.


This location offers beautiful walking trails, golden grass fields, oak trees, and stunning views that create a warm and timeless look in photographs. The scenery changes with the seasons, making it a versatile location throughout the year.


Perfect For


* Family Sessions

* Senior & Graduation Photos

* Maternity Sessions

* Engagement Sessions

* Lifestyle Portraits


Why I Love It


There’s something special about the simplicity of this location. The open space allows clients to move naturally, creating authentic moments and genuine connection. During golden hour, the hills glow with beautiful warm light that adds depth and softness to every image.


I love this location because it feels peaceful, uncrowded, and uniquely East Bay. Whether we’re capturing a family walking together along the trail or a graduate celebrating a milestone, the landscape provides a stunning backdrop without distracting from the people in the photo.

 

Choosing the Right Location

 

The location you choose becomes part of your story.


Years from now, you may not remember every detail of the day, but you'll remember how it felt. The breeze coming off the water. The excitement of graduation. The laughter shared with family.


That's why I love helping clients find the perfect setting for their session.


Because photography isn't just about beautiful locations.


It's about preserving the moments that happen there.


Until next time,


— Kindra

The Shy Photographer

KLES Photography