Family

Some locations surprise you. The redwood grove at UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is one of them.

I brought this sweet family of four here on a beautiful afternoon and by the end of the session we had worked our way through the grove, navigated the opinions of a very spirited two and a half year old, and ended up at the Japanese Pool watching newts with two children who were completely captivated. It was one of those sessions that reminds you why location matters — and why the unexpected moments are always the best ones.

Family of four Berkeley Family Session

Two kids — a two and a half year old with a very clear sense of what they did and did not want to do, and a six month old who was along for the ride in the most easygoing way possible. The parents were playful, patient, and game for anything — exactly the kind of family that makes a session feel fun rather than pressured.

The two and a half year old took a little convincing at the start. Snacks helped. Little games helped. Gentle play and not making a big deal of the camera helped most of all. By the time we were moving through the grove they had completely forgotten I was there — which is exactly when the best photos happen. You would never know from the images that there was any convincing involved at all. That’s always the goal.

The six month old was an absolute dream — and possibly the smiliest, most expressive baby I have photographed in a long time. He lit up constantly, grinning at everything and everyone with a joy that was completely infectious. Happy to be held and carried through the trees, happy to watch his older sibling, happy about everything. Those smiles made my job feel almost unfair.

The Redwood Grove at UC Berkeley Botanical Garden

Let me tell you about this location because it deserves more attention than it gets.

The redwood grove at Berkeley Botanical Garden is genuinely dreamy. The trees create a canopy of soft filtered light that is unlike anything else in the East Bay — dappled, cool, and incredibly beautiful to photograph in. The path through the grove is well maintained and there’s enough open space within it to move freely, play, and let kids explore without feeling cramped.

The grove is more expansive than people expect — there’s real space to move, play, and explore within it. There is even a beautiful amphitheater tucked within the trees that some couples choose for intimate weddings. It has a genuinely magical quality — the kind of place that feels set apart from the rest of the world in the best possible way.A few practical things worth knowing if you’re considering this location:

The grove is accessed separately from the main gardens — it’s across the street near the parking lot, and you’ll need to get the entry code from the admissions gate when you arrive. It’s a simple step but worth knowing in advance so you’re not caught off guard. The path is not stroller friendly, so plan to babywear or carry little ones if needed.

One important timing note — the redwood grove closes one hour before the main gardens. If you’re planning a session here, make sure you arrive with enough time to make the most of it before the grove closes. I always recommend checking current hours when you book so there are no surprises on the day.

This location is particularly wonderful in the early part of the year — late winter and early spring — when the main gardens aren’t yet in full bloom. The redwoods are beautiful year round and offer a completely different aesthetic from the open outdoor sessions most families default to. If you love the idea of a more forested, intimate feel for your session, this is worth considering.

The Japanese Pool — and the Newts

At the end of our session I brought the family to the Japanese Pool in the main gardens. And that’s where the afternoon truly peaked.

The newts were there — as they reliably are in the early months of the year — and both kids were absolutely transfixed. The two and a half year old who had needed convincing at the start of the session was now completely absorbed, crouching at the edge of the pool, pointing and narrating every newt movement with great authority. The six month old watched with wide eyes and that enormous smile from a parent’s arms.

It was one of those unexpected moments that you can’t plan and can’t manufacture — and it gave us some of the most joyful, genuine images of the whole session.

If you’re visiting Berkeley Botanical Garden with young kids, especially in January through March, I highly recommend building the Japanese Pool into your visit. The newts are reliably present and reliably magical for small children. Consider yourself warned that leaving may be a challenge.

Berkeley Botanical Garden for Family Photography

UC Berkeley Botanical Garden is one of the most varied and beautiful locations in the East Bay for family sessions — and it’s genuinely underused by photographers. The redwood grove offers something completely different from the open outdoor sessions most families do, and the main gardens provide incredible variety depending on the season and what’s in bloom.

For families who want something a little unexpected — something that feels less like a typical family photo location and more like a real place you actually went together — this is it. The kids get to actually experience something. The parents get to be present in a place that’s genuinely interesting. And the photos reflect all of that.

I serve families throughout the East Bay and greater Bay Area. If you’re based in Berkeley, Oakland, Alameda, or anywhere in the Bay Area and looking for something a little different for your family session, I’d love to work with you. You can read more about family sessions on my family photography page or explore additional family sessions at Rodeo Beach and in Piedmont.

Ready to Book Your Bay Area Family Session?

If you’re looking for a Bay Area family photographer who knows the best locations — including the hidden ones — I’d love to meet your family. Get in touch here to check availability.

BERKELEY FAMILY PHOTOGRAPHY

Rebecca Pattison Photography specializes in newborn, maternity and family photography in the San Francisco Bay Area. I believe in creating a fun, relaxed photography experience that celebrates families just as they are. By capturing both spontaneous connection and timeless portraits, I preserve the fleeting beauty of childhood so families can revisit these moments for a lifetime.

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