Best Locations for Outdoor Event Photography
FiDi Corridor
Ideal for working professionals, this alleyway in the Financial District offers flattering lighting that makes subjects "pop" against the darker backdrop. Best for afternoon sessions, but available in the morning too. Parking's a cinch at St Mary's Square Garage, just a three-block stroll away.
St Mary's Square
A hit among photographers, this popular spot is surrounded by modern office buildings, creating unique backdrops for a sleek, professional feel. It's perfect for early morning shoots when the lighting and backdrops are at their prime. Easily accessible with public parking right below the park.
Lover's Lane Presidio
If nature's your vibe, Lover's Lane Presidio is where you want to be. With trails and trees in the background, it's fantastic for those wanting to emphasize a natural aesthetic. This spot is available both mornings and late afternoons. Heads up: a bit of hiking involved, so wear comfy shoes! Park at Ligget Circle, just a few steps away.
San Francisco City Hall
A majestic location that showcases beautiful backdrops of city hall, rows of trees, and stone office buildings. This spot is great for those in government, non-profits, or law. Be mindful, though, it's off-limits in late November and December due to the seasonal ice skating rink. For parking, there's a garage directly under the plaza.
Custom Location
Got a specific place in mind? A custom location shoot can accommodate. Whether it's at a home, office, or event venue, this option allows flexibility. Note: Locations more than 40 minutes away from the studio might include additional travel fees.

Logistics and Accessibility
Let's start with FiDi Corridor. This spot is incredibly convenient for working professionals who find themselves in the area already. The afternoon typically offers the best lighting, casting a soft glow that flatters subjects while the alleyway behind stays darker, making the subjects pop. As for parking, St Mary's Square Garage is a reliable and nearby option, just a three-block walk away.
Over at St Mary's Square, you'll find ample parking directly below the park, making it easily accessible for those with hefty gear or early call times. The best lighting occurs in the morning, giving the setting a unique and fresh look perfect for capturing sleek, modern backdrops.
Then there's Lover's Lane Presidio, which is perfect if you're aiming for a natural, serene vibe in your photos. Here, a bit of pre-planning is necessary as there's some hiking involved. But don't worry, as comfortable parking is close by at Ligget Circle, just a short walk to the picturesque trails and tree-lined paths. This spot shines both in the mornings and late afternoons, so plan accordingly to capture the best light and avoid the mid-day harsh sunlight.
San Francisco City Hall never fails to impress with its majestic setting, featuring long rows of trees and attractive stone office buildings. It's particularly ideal for those connected to government, non-profits, or law sectors. Just keep in mind that during late November through December, the area installs an ice skating rink, making photography in this location impossible. For parking, there's a garage directly underneath the plaza, offering both convenience and security.
If you're thinking about a custom location, this option offers unparalleled flexibility, allowing you to choose a spot that perfectly aligns with your vision. Whether it's your home, office, or a unique event venue, these customized shoots can give you the creative freedom needed to meet your project's requirements. However, be prepared for potential added travel fees if locations require more than a 40-minute commute from the studio, and check for any required specific times of day to accommodate the best shooting conditions.

Photography Services and Packages
San Francisco offers an array of professional photography services to meet varied needs, ensuring high-quality results across different genres. Whether you're seeking real estate shots, professional headshots, or coverage for your corporate events, the city's vibrant photography scene has you covered.
Starting with Drew Bird Photography, this team takes pride in its ability to scale to meet the needs of any event, from intimate company retreats to expansive international conferences. Known for their journalistic style, they capture authentic moments that propel your brand's story. Drew Bird's team offers same-day image delivery—a valuable feature for sharing real-time updates on social media and with press outlets.1 On the customization front, planning meetings and site visits are included to ensure every shot aligns with your vision. They cover a range of events, like major corporate conferences or casual company gatherings, offering flexible rates and instant access to professionally edited images.
For those interested in real estate photography, product shots, or professional headshots, Slava Blazer Photography excels in capturing the essence of their subjects. The team's exceptional skill in easing clients into comfortable poses results in outstanding images that capture personalities in the best light. Their clientele includes top-tier corporations such as Google, LinkedIn, and Salesforce,2 showcasing their talent and reliability. Whether you need captivating real estate photos that highlight property details or professional headshots that convey confidence and professionalism, Slava Blazer Photography offers a range of customized packages. They even extend their services to include actor headshots and modeling portfolios, making them versatile in addressing diverse client needs.
For corporate event photography, Rebecca Wilkowski Photography is a sought-after choice in the San Francisco Bay Area. With a client roster featuring Fortune 500 companies and government organizations, this studio specializes in capturing the buzz and energy of events, ensuring every photo reflects the event's ambiance and detail. Rebecca Wilkowski Photography offers flexible packages to accommodate events of various scales, whether it's a small gathering or a large corporate gala. Services include full-day and hourly coverage, along with options for editorial, branding, and environmental portraits.3
Special Events and Cultural Impact
Special events in San Francisco offer rich, diverse experiences and provide unique opportunities for capturing culturally significant moments through the lens. Events like 'A Photo Night in Japantown' and the Selena Tribute Cruise play a vital role in highlighting the city's vibrant cultural tapestry and its dynamic community spirit.
One standout event, 'A Photo Night in Japantown', is a celebration of photographic talent and community bonding. It's a fantastic opportunity for photographers to showcase their work in a bustling environment filled with energy and creativity. The loosely themed exhibition facilitates capturing a variety of shots, ranging from intimate portraits to candid moments of art enthusiasts interacting with the displays. The backdrop of Japantown, with its historic streets and modern touches, offers a unique blend of old and new, making each photo tell a powerful story of cultural preservation amidst urban evolution.4
For instance, inside Coldwater, a streetwear boutique central to the local arts community, photographers can snap portraits in a live photo space or capture the vibrant activities of the day. With photographers like Knowbody setting up live photo booths and taking portraits against custom backdrops, this event is a goldmine for capturing the essence of San Jose's lowrider culture and local artistic talent.
In contrast, the Selena Tribute Cruise radiates a different kind of cultural warmth and solidarity. Honoring Selena Quintanilla-Pérez, the "queen of Tejano music," this event is rooted deeply in the Mexican-American community and celebrates her immense contribution to music and culture. The cruise, organized by the San Francisco Lowrider Council, offers countless photo opportunities—from the intricate details of the lowriders to the heartfelt expressions of the fans celebrating Selena's legacy.
Photographers have the chance to capture vivid images of custom lowriders cruising down Mission Street, adorned with touching tributes to Selena. Shots of the cars glinting under the San Francisco sun, the joyful crowds, and the shared moments of community remembrance and celebration provide a visual feast that encapsulates the event's cultural and emotional depth. The tribute aligns with other significant community events such as La Bendicion,5 enhancing the narrative of unity and cultural pride.
These events reflect the diverse cultural mosaic that defines San Francisco. They provide photographers with distinctive opportunities to capture a spectrum of images—from the creative hustle of art exhibitions to the commemorative festivities of a tribute cruise. Their contributions to the city's cultural fabric are profound, fostering community connections and celebrating heritage through immersive, vibrant experiences.

- Bird D. Corporate Event Photography Services. Drew Bird Photography. Accessed March 14, 2023.
- Blazer S. Client List. Slava Blazer Photography. Accessed March 14, 2023.
- Wilkowski R. Photography Services. Rebecca Wilkowski Photography. Accessed March 14, 2023.
- Chiu B. A Photo Night in Japantown. SFGate. September 12, 2022.
- Hernandez S. Cruise honors Selena, Lowrider culture in San Francisco. The San Francisco Chronicle. April 18, 2022.








