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Bay Area Mini Sessions 2025

Bay Area Mini Sessions 2025 Location Guide + What You Need to Know

Mini Sessions 2025 are officially here, and I couldn’t be more excited! It’s that time again filled with cozy sweaters, golden light, and the laughter of kids running through crunchy fall leaves.

Whether you’re dreaming of that perfect holiday card photo, updating family portraits, or simply freezing this fleeting season, mini sessions are the perfect blend of convenience and beauty. They’re quick, fun, and laidback. Just what every busy parent needs! And yes, I promise, I’ll pose and guide you and your family the whole way through.

Mini Session 2025 Locations

This year, I’ve handpicked top dreamy Bay Area spots that are tried-and-true favorites. Each location is full of natural beauty, perfect for families, couples, or maternity moments and easy parking!

Millbrae Meadows (Millbrae)

Millbrae Meadows Park is one of my favorite spots for family sessions. The wide grassy meadow surrounded by trees and gentle hills creates a beautiful natural backdrop that looks stunning year-round. The open space allows kids to run and play freely, which makes for the most genuine smiles and laughter. With a playground nearby, stroller-friendly paths, and easy parking right by the park, it is as convenient as it is scenic. The light here is soft and golden in the late afternoon, giving your photos a warm and timeless feel, perfect for families who want images that feel natural, relaxed, and full of joy.

Family portrait at Millbrae Meadows Park surrounded by lush greenery, a favorite Bay Area Mini Session 2025 location – Ellobelle Photography
Millbrae Meadows Park Family Session

Washington Park (Burlingame)

This garden-style park has such a sweet, timeless feel. Think giant lavender plants, a decorative wooden bench, rose garden, and plenty of greenery all around. It’s calm, charming, and so easy for families with young kids. Parking is convenient, and a short 5-10 minute walk to the park. The pathways are stroller-friendly. This spot has a picturesque, playful vibe. Pets are welcome on a leash, making this a great spot for the whole family.

Family hugging during Bay Area Mini Sessions at Washington Park, Burlingame – Ellobelle Photography
Washington Park, Burlingame Family Photoshoot

Leo Ryan Park (Foster City)

This park is all about golden sunsets reflecting on calm waters. The park has a lagoon, a wooden deck, and gardens that glow beautifully during golden hour. Parking is easy, and it’s a short 2-minute walk to the photo area. The park is stroller-friendly, pet-friendly (on leash), and great for kids to run around a little before or after photos. It’s peaceful and scenic, with warm, glowing light that makes every photo feel dreamy. A perfect choice if you love peaceful water views, unique succulents, and the chance to spot a flock of geese gliding across the lagoon.

Joyful family walking by the waterfront during a Bay Area mini session – Ellobelle Photography
Leo Ryan Park, Foster City Couples Photoshoot

Laurelwood Park (San Mateo)

This tranquil park in San Mateo feels like a hidden gem where families can slow down and connect. You’ll find scenic nature trails, shady tree groves, and open grassy areas with soft golden light that filters perfectly through the branches, an ideal backdrop for relaxed, natural family photos. Parking is easy with free street parking, and it is just a short, stroller friendly walk into the park. Pets on leashes are welcome, and little ones love exploring the trails and wide open spaces. It is calm, timeless, and beautiful for every age, making it a spot families return to again and again.

Photo collages of Family smiling together during Bay Area Mini session 2025 at Laurelwood Park San Mateo – Ellobelle Photography
Laurelwood Park, San Mateo Family Portrait

Redwood Grove (Los Altos)

This location feels like stepping into a secret enchanted forest. Towering redwoods surround a charming wooden boardwalk, with soft light filtering through the trees — perfect for relaxed, natural family photos. Parking is simple with free street parking and just a short 5-minute walk to the grove. The shaded paths are stroller-friendly. Pets are welcome on a leash, and kids love exploring the boardwalk. It’s calm, timeless, and beautiful for all ages.

Family walking hand in hand through the Redwood Grove Nature Preserve, Los Altos – Ellobelle Photography
Redwood Grove, Los Altos Family Session

Mori Point Beach (Pacifica)

If your family loves the ocean, this spot is stunning. We’ll be on the bluffs overlooking the Pacific, with golden light spilling across the cliffs and waves crashing below. It’s a dramatic, adventurous backdrop with invigorating ocean air and panoramic views. Free street parking is available, and it’s just a quick 2-minute walk to the bluff. Trails are easy but not stroller-friendly, so little ones should be ready to walk or be carried. Dogs on leashes are welcome. It can get windy and chilly. This location is best for families who enjoy a little adventure and love the beauty of the coast.

Family smiling on rocks at Mori Point Beach, Pacifica during Bay Area Mini Sessions – Ellobelle Photography
Mori Point Beach Pacifica Maternity Photoshoot

FAQs About Bay Area Mini Sessions 2025

How do I prepare my kids?

On Photoshoot day:

  • Naps
  • Low key morning and afternoon routine
  • Snacks and water before photoshoots

Don’t stress about perfection, I’ll capture the giggles, hugs, and even the silly faces. Click to read my Tips for Family Photos with Toddlers guide.

What should we wear?

I’ve created a Fall Family Outfit Guide with Amazon boards so you can mix, match, and shop quickly. Think timeless neutrals with pops of color, cozy but stylish.

What if it rains?

Welcome to Bay Area weather! I always have a backup plan and will communicate reschedules early.

Click here to read more Frequently Asked Questions here where I cover all the most common questions and walk you through what to expect.

How to Book Bay Area Mini Sessions 2025

Early access for mini session bookings opens for my VIP email list before they are shared anywhere else. If you’re not already on it, join now so you don’t miss out. As a VIP, you’ll get early access to the best dates, times, and locations before they’re released to the public.




Let’s Capture Your 2025 Memories

Family photos don’t have to be stressful. With my Bay Area mini sessions, you’ll get relaxed, heartfelt images that feel like you. Laughing, hugging, tickling, kissing. You bring the love, I’ll bring the camera.

These sessions are perfect for busy families who want beautiful, natural moments without the fuss. Held in scenic locations all over the San Francisco Peninsula, they’re short, sweet, and full of joy.

Join my VIP email list to be the first to know when bookings open. I can’t wait to see your family in front of my lens this fall.

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About Me • About Me • About Me •

Photographer. Artist. Wife. MOm. world traveler.

Hi, I'm
Ellen

I’m a lifestyle and natural light photographer in the San Francisco Bay Area based in San Mateo County.
I specialize in family, newborn, and maternity sessions that take place at home or outdoors, capturing genuine joy, connection, and beautifully candid moments.
Along with photography, I also offer cinematic highlight films to bring your family's story to life in motion.
My sessions are fun, easy, and professional. I'll guide you and your family with simple prompts and natural posing, so you can enjoy being together while I document the love and energy that make your family unique.

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