Natalie and Miguel traveled up from Southern California to take photos around San Francisco and have a babymoon adventure! Natalie is also a photographer in addition to being a model and actress so she had some creative concepts in mind when planning their photoshoot. She wanted it to have a whimsical, creative, colorful, Alice in Wonderland feel! They also brought along a bunch of fun props like butterflies, sunglasses, a giant flower, books (Alice in Wonderland, of course), and a stuffed rabbit with a pocket watch that referenced the theme. SO fun!
I LOVE when my clients bring props because it gives me so many more ideas and inspiration, plus it gives them something to do with their hands, because people are often more comfortable in front of the camera when they have something to do and aren’t paying as much attention to the fact that they’re being photographed. Of course, that wasn’t a problem for these two with a modeling background! But I think the details and close ups really add a feeling to the gallery and make the photos unique and memorable. Don’t you agree?!
Here’s a special fact about their flower props: I made the bouquet and pocket boutonniere! I often bring along flowers that match the feeling of a wedding or photoshoot so I can use them in my detail photos and flatlays (weddings), but this was the first time I put together a bouquet and boutonniere! I was planning to just grab a few blooms to use casually, but ended up feeling inspired at my local flower shop (Flowers by Myrna in the Montclair Village in Oakland) and just went with it! 😁 How did I do?
The California Academy of Sciences and Conservatory of Flowers (both in Golden Gate Park) were the backdrop for this whimsical photoshoot! We use the outside entrance area of the Cal Academy, and both the outside and inside of the Conservatory of Flowers. Fun fact: you can take non-commercial photos like we did inside the Conservatory of Flowers for just the cost of admission! They do have strict rules about not touching any plants and not blocking any walkways, but otherwise you can explore and take photos there! I highly recommend going early in the morning on a weekday because it can get crowded and tight in the narrow pathways. There’s one room at the far end that is brighter and has more space and fun hanging ferns. I highly recommend taking photos there!
If you’re interested in learning more about how I choose my photo backdrops check out this blog post all about location scouting! If you want to skip the work of doing your own scouting, make sure to grab my Location Guides with all my favorite photo spots in the San Francisco Bay Area!
Peek at some of my favorite photos from Natalie and Miguel’s whimsical maternity photoshoot below! (The last few are my absolute faves!)
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