East Bay Redwoods Photography Sessions | Oakland, CA

Why families love this spot (and why I do too)

As a Walnut Creek family photographer and fellow mom, I know what it’s like trying to find the perfect spot that feels safe, scenic, and still works with the nap and snack schedules we all live by. We all want beautiful light, but without messing up bedtime. We want the kids to have room to run, but not so much that we’re panicking every time they take off down a trail. The Redwoods have become one of my top-requested locations precisely because they tick every box. For families that like twice yearly photos, redwoods in the fall and wildflowers in the spring is a perfect combination!

This space lets kids be themselves – curious, wiggly, and uninhibited – while still feeling like you stepped inside a storybook. My sessions here are playful and relaxed, and even grandparents with walkers can join along, which makes it perfect for extended family sessions too.

Let’s dig into why these beautiful trees are the quiet MVP of East Bay photography locations.

The redwood forests are a gem of a location for many situations:

• Maternity Sessions
• Extended Family Sessions
• Families who need flexible (morning / afternoon) start times
• Families with special mobility needs

4 Reasons the Redwoods Are a Dream for Family Photos

1. Lighting That Works with Your Kids’ Schedule

Most family photographers rely heavily on golden hour timing—that last hour before sunset—for the dreamiest light. But if your kids are anything like mine, you’re usually either brushing teeth or reading bedtime stories around 7:30 p.m., not wrangling outfits and snacks for a photo session.

That’s why I love the Redwoods so much. The way light filters through the trees means we don’t have to chase that tiny golden hour window. I can do morning sessions when toddlers are bright-eyed and well-fed or afternoon sessions that wrap before dinner. Depending on the season, we can find a time that genuinely works for your family’s rhythm without sacrificing beautiful light.

2. Safe Trails and Easy Access for Everyone

The Redwood spot I often use near Oakland is flat, close to parking, and full of wide, stroller-friendly trails. There are no steep drop-offs or rocky hikes to navigate. Kids can run ahead safely, and grandparents can join us without concern about tricky footing or long walks.

I’ve even taken my own grandma here – she uses a walker and still enjoyed the trails with her great-granddaughters. When I say it’s accessible, I truly mean it.

3. Built-In Games and Exploration

Sessions here are not about posing stiffly on a log. I bring binoculars for exploring, a magnifying glass for curious little hands, and even a cozy blanket when it’s chilly. We play hide and seek behind the trees, pretend we’re forest animals, and look for birds in the canopy. I use playful prompts like “Can you find the tallest tree?” or “Let’s stomp like dinosaurs!” to keep engagement high and meltdowns low.

Some of my favorite candid photos come from these playful moments – the kind where your child forgets the camera is even there and just beams up at you mid-game.

4. It Feels Like a Fairytale Year-Round

People often think this location leans more “fall vibes” with its evergreen trees and cozy forest feel, but spring sessions here are stunning too. All you need is the right wardrobe.

Think flowy dresses in soft neutrals or pastels, or contrasting earthy colors like mustard yellow or warm rust tones. I always suggest skipping navy since it blends too easily into the forest shadows and can lose the vibrancy in your images. I’m happy to help you style your family so you shine against the forest background, not blend into it.

This stunning redwood grove has become a favorite for big families! There is so much space for extra large groups and it’s incredibly for everyone to get from the parking lot to the session location.

Bonus! It’s Dog Friendly!

If you haven’t been convinced already to give this East Bay gem a try, then one final benefit is that it’s a very dog friendly location! It’s one of my go to recommendations when a family asks about bringing a pet to their photoshoot.

Why this matters: Capturing connection in a calm, kid-friendly space

When choosing where to take family photos, it’s not just about the backdrop – it’s about how the space makes your family feel. The forest seems to work a little magic on everyone: less pressure, more fun, and room to be yourselves. That authenticity is what brings your images to life.

The laugh your toddler gives while searching for squirrels, the way the sunlight flares around your daughter’s hair as she checks out her reflection in the magnifying glass, the comfortable way you lean into your partner as you watch it all unfold – these are the moments we’re trying to remember. Real, imperfect, joy-filled.

Ready to book your Redwood photo session?

If you’re a mom looking for photos that feel like your family – goofy, grounded, beautiful, and totally unposed – I’d love to take you to the Redwoods with me.

You can browse more redwood magic below and contact me when you’re ready to start planning!

Let’s make memories among the trees.