Sunset Family Photos at the Stanford Cactus Garden | Bay Area Newborn & Family Photographer Cindy Tucey


Session Type: Family 

Location: Cactus Garden, Palo Alto, California


There is something magical about photographing families in the golden light of a Palo Alto sunset — and this session with a wonderful family of three energetic boys was no exception. The Arizona Cactus Garden at Stanford is one of my favorite spots for its textures, warm tones, and the way the sun glows through the desert plants in late afternoon. It’s the perfect backdrop for families who love a natural, relaxed setting.


For this session, we captured a blend of classic looking-at-the-camera portraits (perfect for their Christmas card!) and plenty of playful, personality-filled lifestyle photos. The boys were full of energy — running, joking, climbing — and I loved documenting the way they interacted with each other. Their parents embraced the fun, and the result was a gallery filled with laughter, movement, and those candid in-between moments that truly reflect this stage of life.


As the sun dipped lower, the light turned soft and golden, wrapping around the desert plants and giving everything a beautiful warm glow. The boys slowed down just enough for a few sweet snuggles and sibling portraits, and it was one of my favorite parts of the evening. Sessions like this remind me why I love photographing families: the mix of connection, personality, and natural beauty all coming together in a way that feels both joyful and timeless.


More from this Palo Alto family session coming soon—it was so hard to choose my favorites among so many wonderful moments-I can’t wait to share the full gallery...

A family walks together through a desert botanical garden path lined with tall cacti at sunset in Palo Alto
A mom and child have a tender hug while at their family photoshoot in the Bay Area
A family of 5 poses for the camera during a Bay Area sunset
Family holds baby in the air during their family photo session as their older children look on
Three boys pose at their family photo session in the Bay Area
Two boys pose in front of a tree in the Bay Area during their family photography session in Palo Alto
A baby smiles at the camera while his mom holds him from behind
Parents hold their baby while the older siblings run around them at their family photoshoot at the cactus garden in Palo Alto
A child laughs as his older brother tells him a funny secret during their photoshoot in the Bay Area
A boy smiles while posing in a tree
A boy poses in front of a tall cactus
Bay Area dad holds his son who smiles while resting his head on his shoulder
A family of five walks in a cactus garden during their Bay Area family photoshoot