A Family Photoshoot at Kohl Mansion Burlingame

Kohl Mansion Burlingame is one of my favorite local gems on the San Francisco Peninsula for family photography. With its elegant architecture, open lawns, and dreamy rose garden, it’s a go-to spot for capturing those joyful, real-life moments we all want to remember.

Recently, I photographed this sweet family of five here — and the energy was contagious. Between the laughs, hugs, and jumping, we had nonstop fun from start to finish.

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Why Kohl Mansion Burlingame Is Ideal for Families

When I think about my favorite locations for family photos, Kohl Mansion Burlingame is always at the top of the list — and for good reason. With its wide open lawns, peaceful atmosphere, and elegant historic touches, it checks all the boxes. There’s plenty of room for kids to run, jump, and roll around in the grass (because let’s be honest — not every child wants to stand still and smile). But beyond the space, these are my top reasons this place is a total gem.

Historic Charm

The mansion’s beautiful brick architecture adds a timeless, romantic feel to your photos. Combined with the blooming rose garden, it feels like stepping into a storybook setting. Whether you’re sitting on a bench or strolling past ivy-covered walls, the backdrop is elegant without being overly formal — perfect for relaxed family portraits with a touch of grandeur.

Spacious Grounds

There’s plenty of room for kids to run, jump, and roll around on the grass—perfect for little ones who’d rather play than pose. And the big water fountain? It sprays just enough mist to feel magical, and kids are totally obsessed. It’s always a hit!

Gorgeous Light

From golden hour to dappled shade, this spot has ideal lighting for natural, glowy photos.
In particular, the way the sun sets across the front lawn—filtering through the tall trees —creates a stunning variety of photo opportunities. Whether your family is standing, sitting, or lying in the grass, the golden hour light here is nothing short of magical. It gives your photos that warm, soft glow everyone loves.

Laidback Vibes

The manicured grounds make it easy to get a mix of polished and candid shots all in one location. Even better — it’s usually low traffic, so we often have the space mostly to ourselves. That means no dodging crowds or waiting for a photo spot to clear. Kids can run, laugh, explore, and just be themselves without the pressure of an audience. It makes the whole experience more relaxed for families and gives us even more opportunities to capture natural, joy-filled moments.

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Real Moments, Real Joy

This session had me smiling from start to finish. With three children all exactly two years apart — and in perfect height order! — this family brought the kind of joy and energy that makes my photographer heart so happy. It’s such a fleeting stage of life, when kids are still small enough to play, hug, and laugh without holding back — and big enough to nail those creative, playful poses. From the stacked lineup shot to the full-family group hug, these images are such a fun, artistic reminder of how magical this age can be.

One of my favorite moments? The entire family leaping off the edge of the fountain — mid-air, laughing, arms outstretched. Perfection!

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How to Plan a Family Session at Kohl Mansion Burlingame

Here’s how to keep your shoot easy and enjoyable:

Outfits

Wear what makes you and your kids feel most comfortable and confident—that’s the secret to letting their personalities shine. Coordinating colors and styles (without going too matchy-matchy) helps pull everything together. Think soft tones, natural textures, or a fun pop of color that reflects your family’s vibe.

Timing

Golden hour is always ideal for that soft, dreamy light—but I’m totally flexible if we need to shoot earlier. Thankfully, Kohl Mansion has plenty of beautifully shaded spots that still make for stunning photos any time of day.

Snacks & Breaks

It’s always a good idea for the whole family to eat before the shoot—kids (and adults!) are usually much happier with full bellies. If your child normally naps, try to stick to that routine before our shoot —it can make a big difference. During the session, we’ll keep things playful and low-key. We’ll explore, take breaks, and follow your kids’ lead to keep them engaged and having fun.

Want outfit inspo? Check out H&M’s kid section or Old Navy’s family styles for budget-friendly finds. Need glam inspo? Anthropologie has stunning dress options for moms.

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Booking Your Family Session at Kohl Mansion Burlingame

If you’re dreaming of timeless family photos that feel relaxed and real, Kohl Mansion Burlingame might be the perfect spot. Whether your kids want to sprint through the rose garden paths or snuggle up on a bench in your lap, I’m here to help you capture every moment—joyful, chaotic, and beautifully yours.

Let’s create something beautiful together — no stress, no pressure, just you and your crew being yourselves.

I’d love to hear from you!

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