David Enloe

I recently had a family photo session client suggest Tunnel Tops and the Outpost Playground for their session location. I was a bit wary of the playground vibes, but Outpost blew me away with the driftwood feel and the incredibly thoughtful design and aesthetic. As my baby daughter gets a little older you can bet we'll be frequenting this place.

A bit mis-labeled on the map, this is actually Crissy Field West Beach. But hey, the view of the Golden Gate Bridge can't be beat! This beach is also just downright beautiful, and because it is dog friendly I often recommend it for my photo session clients with pets. Both sunrise and sunset are gorgeous, though it is most peaceful early in the day. The farther you walk to the east, the more alone you will find yourself!

This is my favorite place in the Botanical Gardens. Thick redwood grove with dense ground cover. Quiet and ethereal with shafts of sunlight splitting the shade on a sunny day. As a photographer in San Francisco this is where I go when I am looking for that deep California redwood vibe without leaving the city. The paths are well maintained and there are a few benches for sitting.

A raised platform in the middle of a beautiful lily pond. What a magical place! I love photographing my clients here because of the perfect composition and framing. I also love the light on the Moon Viewing platform – misty and soft in the fog, diffuse but warm on a sunny day.

This place is ridiculously cool. Spots like these always leave me asking "do I actually live here!?" Mile Rock is close enough that you can get there on a morning run or an evening dog walk, but just far enough to reduce the crowd factor. That said, it is busy on weekends! Tides are also a huge factor, like the difference between almost no beach and tons of beach, so it's worth figuring out how to read tide tables! As a session photographer I often suggest that families with dogs consider Mile Rock on weekday mornings, when there are rarely more than a few other people on the beach. And dogs are allowed off-leash!