Why Legacy Photos Are the Ultimate Gift to Your Family
Family photography is always special, but there’s something truly timeless about legacy photos. These sessions bring together multiple generations of your family — grandparents, parents, siblings, grandkids, and everyone in between. They’re not just pictures for today; they’re heirloom pieces that will be passed down and cherished for decades to come.
Think about the photos you treasure most. Chances are, they’re the ones that show more than just a face, they tell a story. Legacy photos do exactly that.
These are the portraits you’ll hang on the wall and look back on 10, 20, even 30 years from now, pointing out family members to your children and grandchildren: “This was your great-grandma. This is the uncle who always told the best jokes. These are the cousins you grew up with.”
Legacy photos capture the people who make up your history, all in one frame. They become family treasures that spark connection and storytelling for generations.
When to Book a Legacy Session
I recommend booking legacy sessions in the early fall, starting as soon as August. Not only is the light gorgeous during this time of year, but it also gives you plenty of time to print and frame your images before the holidays. Legacy photos make meaningful gifts for parents, grandparents, or anyone who would love an heirloom piece to display in their home.
The Best Family Groupings to Capture
I’ve photographed large families for years, and one of my favorite parts of legacy sessions is finding unique ways to celebrate your connections. These aren’t 60 minutes of just one big group shot, we break it up into smaller combinations so every bond gets the spotlight.
Some of my favorites:
- Each family unit: A quick set with you, your partner, and kids.
- Grandparents with all the grandkids: Always a favorite, especially with a mix of ages from teens to babies.
- Adult sibling portraits: When was the last time you had a photo with just your brothers and sisters?
- Couples within the family: Every married couple deserves their moment.
- Grandparents with their grown children: A beautiful nod to how it all began.
- Grandparents solo portraits: Because they’re beautiful at every stage of life, and these portraits matter.
Every family is unique, and I’ll help you decide which groupings mean the most. We’ll plan it all ahead of time so you don’t have to stress on session day.
The Best Bay Area Locations for Legacy Photos
One of the joys of living in the San Francisco Bay Area is that there’s no shortage of beautiful places for family photos. For legacy sessions, I look for spots that:
- Have wide-open spaces to fit large groups comfortably
- Are accessible for all ages and abilities
- Offer golden, glowing sunset light
Here are a few of my favorite locations for Legacy Photos:
A San Francisco Beach
A beach sunset is easily one of the most magical settings for a session. Sand, rocks, and the Golden Gate Bridge in the background? Iconic. The beach is versatile — we can do standing poses, sitting moments, and there’s always space for movement and play. That said, I like to be mindful of how little ones respond. The wind, the sound of crashing waves, and all that sand can sometimes overwhelm toddlers. If your crew is beach-loving, though, it’s hard to beat this backdrop.
The Botanical Gardens
There is truly no bad angle in the botanical gardens. Every path leads to something beautiful — lush greenery, seasonal blooms, colorful trees. It’s an easy place to navigate with strollers, grandparents, and everyone in between thanks to the paved walkways and open space. Plus, with the gardens shifting throughout the year, you’ll see rich fall colors or fresh spring florals depending on when you go. It’s dreamy, peaceful, and full of texture.
A Forest in the City
A forest session… in the city? Yes, really. There are a few hidden gems around San Francisco that give full-on redwoods energy without leaving town. These spots are peaceful, shaded, and make such a beautiful backdrop — especially for legacy sessions. There’s something timeless about towering trees and filtered golden light that makes the photos feel grounded and meaningful for years to come.
You’ll Never Regret Photos With Your Parents
It’s easy to put off photos, especially when coordinating busy schedules. But the truth is, time moves quickly, and the chance to get everyone together in one frame is rare. Legacy photos are a gift you give both to your family now and to future generations. They tell the story of where you come from, and they’ll only grow more meaningful as the years go by.
Ready to create heirloom portraits your family will treasure for decades? Reach out today to start planning your Bay Area legacy session.
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