Whether you’re traveling from out of town visiting the area for the first time, or you’re a local who has lived here your whole life Sonoma County has absolutely incredible views and picturesque locations for your next photoshoot. Here are the top five locations that I recommend as a photographer who is born and raised here in Sonoma County…
1. Armstrong Woods
If you’re in search of lush greenery in a forest of redwood trees, this is the spot for you! Located in Guerneville, this location offers a glimpse of sunshine peeking through the thick redwood forest. This is a California State Park, so there is a small parking fee required and on weekends it can get VERY busy. However, once you find parking the park itself is huge and offers plenty of space along pathways & open areas. Due to the amount of shade from the redwood trees it gets darker much faster here than any other location. My recommendation would be to plan your session for a weekday between 10am-1pm if you can for the smallest crowds & best lighting.
2. Crane Creek Regional Park
This location is in Rohnert Park and offers amazing hilltop views & open fields that are showered with sunshine all day long. There’s a good chance you’ll see other photographers here since it is such a popular location, but don’t worry there’s plenty of room for everyone as long as you’re able to snag a parking spot. There is a required parking fee to support the regional parks. My top recommendation for this location would be to plan for golden hour on a weekday since the parking fills up quite fast on the weekends.
3. Downtown Petaluma
This is a completely different vibe compared our first two locations. Downtown Petaluma offers a quaint and almost vintage look. You can stop in to one of the local ice cream shops and capture a fun couple’s date night or family night out, or you could go with the more professional/business downtown look. The possibilities are truly endless to how creative you could get! It also offers graffiti alleyways that add a fun pop of color. Parking is free on the streets and/or in the parking garages.
4. Castillo di Amorosa
This location is for you if you want something over the top exciting! This is a winery with an extravagant castle and a hilltop view. Castillo requires a tasting reservation for everyone in your group in order to enter the property/take any photos there. Due to the nature of it being a winery it may not be the most kid friendly spot. They close around the same time that all wineries do (typically between 4pm-6pm) so keep that in mind. The castle and views are so worth it! My recommendation for this location would be to go during their open hours on a weekday to avoid the crowds (and enjoy a tasting while you’re there!)
5. Studio Seven
If you’re in search of an indoor studio, Studio Seven would be a wonderful option for you! There are two different locations that they offer – one in Santa Rosa and one in Lakeport. You can visit their website and Instagram page to check their availability.
As with any photo session (professional or not), remember when you visit these locations to leave no trace, respect their rules and guidelines, and be considerate of others around you. Parking fees, rules/requirements and permits are always subject to change at any of these locations. If there are any updates, I will do my best to update this article. However, I always recommend a quick Google search or phone call to double check the latest updates on the location you choose. If you’re in search of a photographer, feel free to reach out to me through my website. I would love to work with you!
I hope you enjoyed this article and I can’t wait to see you on the next one!
