When I first started photographing at Baker Beach over a year ago, I thought I was just getting a pretty view of the bridge. But the more I worked there, the more I fell in love with its unpredictability.

Some days, the light is soft and diffused, wrapping you in a gentle haze. Other days, the fog rolls in dramatically, turning every frame into something cinematic. The wind plays with hair and clothing in the most gorgeous way, adding movement and life to every image.

I’ve photographed couples here who danced barefoot in the tide, families who played tag in the sand, and parents who simply stood still, soaking in the moment while their kids drew hearts near the shoreline. Every session feels different, yet the magic is always there.

Baker Beach is not your postcard-perfect, always-sunny shoreline — and that’s exactly why it’s so special.

It’s romantic in the truest sense of the word: dramatic skies, shifting light, and the kind of atmosphere that makes you want to hold your loved ones closer. The muted colors of sand, water, and sky make any outfit pop, from jewel-toned dresses to cozy neutral knits.

The setting naturally encourages connection. When you’re walking along the waterline or laughing as the waves rush in, you forget about posing and start being — and that’s when the most beautiful images happen.

While Baker Beach is stunning year-round, there’s something about early September that feels extra dreamy. The crowds thin out after summer, the light gets a little softer, and the weather often gives us a perfect mix of fog and golden glow.

Late afternoon and early evening are my go-to times for shooting here. The light wraps gently around you, and the bridge in the background becomes a soft, iconic silhouette.

Pro tip: embrace the elements. The wind and fog aren’t obstacles — they’re part of what makes the photos timeless.

One of my favorite couples’ sessions here ended with the two of them dancing in the shallows, shoes abandoned on the sand. The wife’s hair was wild in the wind, his shirt sleeves were rolled up, and every frame looked like a still from a romantic film.

Another time, I worked with a family of five — three young kids — and instead of trying to keep them perfectly posed, we let them play. They ran along the water, wrote their names in the sand, and ended up in a giant group hug. Those are the images that still make me smile years later.

It’s these unplanned moments that turn a session into a memory.