Family portraits at the Felton Covered Bridge are a great option for families who love a rustic backdrop and a simple, relaxed session. The bridge gives your pictures a distinctive setting without needing to walk through a large park. Plus, there is a playground nearby for a little fun afterward! Here are a few tips to help you plan your session.
Schedule a 30 Minute Session for Family Portraits at the Felton Covered Bridge
The Felton Covered Bridge is a smaller location with limited background options. For most immediate families, I recommend scheduling a 30-minute session. This gives us time to photograph everyone together, capture smaller combinations, and include playful moments with the children.
Although we will have fewer backgrounds than at a larger park, we can still create variety. Changing the angle, moving closer for a portrait, or having your family walk together can give each image a different feel.
A shorter session can also work well for young children. We can keep things moving and capture their personalities while they are still having fun. You can learn more about my 30-minute family portrait sessions when deciding which option fits your family.
Explore a Few Nearby Backgrounds
When planning family portraits at the Felton Covered Bridge, think beyond one picture inside the bridge. The entrance, wooden structure, and surrounding outdoor areas offer a few opportunities to change the backdrop. Depending on the light, we can move between these spots without spending much of the session walking.
Another nearby option to consider is the Covered Bridge Equestrian Center. If access and photography are permitted, the areas around the center can add variety to your portraits.
The center does not appear to have set visiting hours. It appears to be open on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Sundays, but those days should be treated as tentative rather than a guaranteed visitor schedule. Check ahead before making it part of your plans. We can keep the bridge as our main location and consider the equestrian center an extra option if available.
Save the Playground for After Your Session
If you have small children, one of the perks of this location is the small playground at Felton Covered Bridge County Park. Saving playtime until after the session gives them something exciting to look forward to. parks.santacruzcountyca.gov
Before arriving, you might say, “We are going to take some fun pictures together, and then we can play at the playground!” This can be a positive incentive for cooperating during the session.
However, I recommend keeping the mood light. Children do not need to hold a perfect smile for every picture. Hugs, giggles, and silly interactions often make the best portraits. The goal is to make family portraits at the Felton Covered Bridge feel like a fun outing.
Consider the Bridge for Extended Family Portraits
I would also consider this location for large group portraits with extended family. The bridge can provide a cohesive backdrop for a picture of everyone together, followed by smaller groups with grandparents, siblings, and individual households.
For a larger group, send your photographer a list of the combinations you would like beforehand. Start with the full family, then work through the smaller groups. My tips for extended family portraits can help you prepare.
While 30 minutes is my recommendation for most immediate families here, a large group may need more time. The number of combinations matters more than the number of backgrounds. We should also plan around other visitors so the bridge remains easy to pass through.
Keep the Covered Bridge in Mind for Rainy Days
Family portraits at the Felton Covered Bridge can also be an option when rain is in the forecast. Because the bridge is covered, we can photograph inside even while it is actively raining.
We may have fewer options outside, but the wooden interior can still give your portraits a warm, rustic feel. Bring umbrellas for the walk from your car and shoes that are comfortable on wet surfaces.
As long as the bridge is open and conditions are suitable, a little rain does not have to mean canceling your session!
If you are considering family portraits at the Felton Covered Bridge, contact me to plan your session. We can discuss your family, the groupings you want, and the best session length for your plans.
