The 10 Best Family Photoshoot Ideas Near San Francisco

Looking for exceptional family photoshoot ideas near San Francisco that will make you and your clients proud? When you picture San Francisco, you probably immediately think of the Golden Gate Bridge. And it’s true — this landmark is pretty majestic. There are a number of obvious locations like these to take family portraits, but there are also plenty of properties that make excellent backdrops for family photoshoots.

And that’s where Peerspace comes in! As the largest online marketplace for hourly venue rentals, we make it easy to book hidden gem spaces in cities across the globe. We have hundreds of stunning spots in San Francisco alone, all owned by locals who strive to make your time in their spaces perfect. In this list of the 10 best family photoshoot ideas near San Francisco, we’ll try to cover both: gorgeous public spaces and under-the-radar professional venues available through Peerspace. Let’s hop to it!

1. Capture dreamy portraits at a Mission Loft studio

The Mission District loft is bathed in natural light and makes an excellent setting for family portraits. An open floor plan gives you plenty of space to work, and modern furniture and natural decorations set the loft apart from other venues. Bring your own lights and reflectors if the natural light is not bright enough. This studio has plenty of space for family members to spread out when you’re doing individual portraits.

Another perk that comes with using Peerspace? You can read genuine reviews from past renters before deciding if you want to rent a space or not! And this Mission loft has hundreds of raves to comb through. Like this one: “The place is simply amazing, it is very cozy, stylish, modern. The atmosphere is very peaceful and happy. Communication with Michael and Lauren was very pleasant and simple, received fast responses from both of them. This place is a perfect spot for a photo shoot with a good light and decor.Would definitely book this place again and strongly recommend it.”

2. Pose on Grant Avenue

Located in Chinatown, Grant Avenue is a historic street in San Francisco and runs from downtown to Pier 39. There are plenty of settings along Grant that make great photo backdrops. Take a walk with your clients down the street, and use the myriad of buildings and urban settings as your backdrop. This is a great part of the city to fully explore your creativity while doing some outdoor photography. Relax, soak in the energy of the neighborhood, and let spontaneity play its role in producing some memorable images.

Need a private space nearby that just happens to be aesthetically gorgeous? Then check out this modern and lush interior space in the heart of Chinatown. It’s an open and airy venue with high ceilings, hardwood floors, black and white walls, and a beautiful flower mural!

Family big on the trends? Then they’ll love these Instagrammable places in San Francisco!

3. Book this sun-filled, naturally lit studio

This spacious loft has plenty of natural light, thanks to walls of large windows. The space is a blank canvas for your photography needs, with lots of room to spread out. No lighting equipment is provided, so bring your own gear if you’ll need it.

“The space was amazing! I reserved the space for a photoshoot. Great light, great location,” shares a Peerspace reviewer, “The space was clean and as advertised – will absolutely book again. I had a few questions as I was booking, and John got back to me quickly.”

4. Take photos at this bright, spacious studio with gear

This fully-equipped Mission District studio is an excellent space to do portrait work with families. The venue is bright, clean, and open, so it’s a good choice if you’re trying to avoid cramped quarters. Minimalist furniture makes for a great, distraction-free set for your images. The studio also offers you access to a huge range of professional equipment, like lights and backdrops.

If you look through the Peerspace reviews, many boast about the helpful host as much as the gorgeous studio itself! Here is an example of what we mean: “William was a great host! His studio is spacious and well set up, and he has all the equipment you could possibly need. He took the time to walk me through the space and gear and help me get set up before shooting. The photos came out great and we would absolutely come back!”

5. Make magic at this sophisticated modern craftsman

We’re loving the idea of family photoshoot ideas near San Francisco taking place at this lux modern craftsman home in Oakland. It is both chic and quirky, with a contemporary neutral palette accented by pops of accent color throughout the home. You can take beautiful portraits in the front room or action shots of your family cooking together in the stunning kitchen. There is so much photoshoot gold here that you can dream up ideas for days!

“Catherine’s home was beautiful! She was very communicative and easy to work with,” shares a Peerspace reviewe, “We were able to use her home for a catalog photoshoot and are very happy with how everything turned out.”

6. Plan portraits at this Potrero Hill studio

An open floor plan and brightly lit interior make this modern space stand out as a great choice for portraits. White walls reflect a lot of light, and contemporary furniture looks tasteful in images. Lighting equipment is available and blackout curtains let you take full advantage of it. There’s also a small outdoor patio that may make a good additional backdrop, but the interior is where this space really shines.

In the words of an executive producer who filmed a production here: “5-star all the way. Amazing host. Beautiful space. Plenty of parking and an easy load in. Definitely booking again for any of our film or photo needs.”

7. Have fun exploring this historic Victorian home

If your family consists of quirky, fun-loving characters, then prepare to meet your match in this one-of-a-kind Liberty Hill Victorian home. It’s an architect’s home and office filled with custom pieces and mid-century finds. This special home is sure to delight the family members and inspire some amazing creativity.

A Peerspace reviewer who booked this home for a photoshoot shares: “Anand’s space made for a fabulous venue for my photoshoot, very clean, full of art but not cluttered. Good light throughout. The attic bedroom was a unique and photogenic setting and the living room front bay windows also provided a softer filtered light through the foliage.”

Want to keep it al fresco? Then you need to see our dreamy outdoor photoshoot locations near San Francisco!

8. Keep it classic at the White Swan Library

Planning a shoot for a family of well-read sophisticates? Then you’re going to love this classic library at the White Swan in Lower Nob Hill. It boasts a working fireplace, a huge glass-front bookcase with warm lighting, and colorful sofas. Have the family curl up by the fire reading stories together for a sweet family portrait moment.

9. Impress your clients at this professional photo studio

This is a professional studio setup catered around a large, white infinity backdrop, perfect for working with larger families. Lighting equipment is available at the venue to take full advantage of the studio, so this is a good option if you don’t have a personal light kit yet. If you need a space to shoot traditional family portraits, then this is an option worth considering.

10. Keep it classy at the Golden Gate Bridge

The Golden Gate Bridge deserves a mention because it’s one of the first features of San Francisco that people envision when thinking about the city. It makes an iconic backdrop for any outdoor family photoshoot and always looks good in images — so long as the weather is good. Plan your shoots around optimal light, shooting in the morning or the early evening.

Does your family want a private Bridge backdrop? Then take them to this custom-designed indoor-outdoor space in Telegraph Hill. It’s a chic and colorful space with unbelievable Bridge and Bay views.

Family photoshoot ideas near San Francisco

The high energy and constant motion of San Francisco make it a great city to work in, and everywhere you look there are beautiful places to inspire family photoshoot ideas. When working with families, you need to consider the aesthetics of the space, as well as its accessibility to groups.

Hopefully, this list has inspired you to go out and explore, knowing that Peerspace can help you find great places to fill with love, laughter, and wonderful art.

Find photoshoot locations in San Francisco on Peerspace