About Oakland
The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco is one of the seven wonders of the modern world, but have you ever wondered what’s on the other side of it? That would be Oakland, California. Although it may not receive the same level of hype that San Francisco does, this city by the bay has many of the same features.
Oakland has some amazing Victorian architecture, delicious restaurants, and a thriving art scene. The city is also known as a port city for the boats and shipping that comes in and out of its ports every day. One other claim to fame: it’s also the birthplace of Kamala Harris, current vice president of the United States.
Photo Shoot Options in Oakland
The architecture, parks, and boutique shopping lend themselves to photo shoot venues in Oakland. Indeed, the city’s charm, mixed with the workman-like attitude of the ports and manufacturing areas gives it a mix of everything a photographer needs for a successful photo shoot. The service industry in Oakland has enlarged to meet all the needs that businesses and residents have.
- Catering
It’s always easier to finish a photo shoot when no one is hungry, or worse yet, “hangry.” Enter catering. Luckily, Oakland, California is known for its catering options, and everything from a light breakfast to a themed dinner is available. One of their specialties is Chinese food, and there are plenty of options to choose from in the Chinatown district.
- Furniture Rentals
There is no shortage of furniture rental options in Oakland, CA since it’s a port city that welcomes shipments from all types of industries every day. The items needed for a photo shoot, whether it’s a homey living room set, a modern office, or some accessories can be rented from one of the many companies in the city.
- Transportation
The 1906 earthquake in San Francisco sent a lot of residents fleeing across the bridge into Oakland. The city responded by adding more infrastructure in the form of ports, roads, and railways. Since it is such a thriving port city, you know there are many routes in and out for all the cargo and transportation companies to serve everyone else.
Photo Shoot Companies in Oakland
One of the things we like best is the vast number of choices involved with photo shoot venues in Oakland. They make it possible to truly tailor your photo shoot to the theme you are working within and the personal preferences of your actors and crew.
- Carrie Dove Catering
Comfort and elegance meet with Carrie Dove Catering. They offer a variety of menus and options for corporate and private events, including venues and weddings. They source seasonal ingredients from the Bay area, making fresh and unique food that incorporates flavors from around the world.
- The Wild Ones
What’s not to love with a name like The Wild Ones Rentals. This husband-and-wife dynamic duo has design expertise, years of experience, and a sense of fun. They provide furniture rentals in a variety of styles, from mid-century modern to the bohemian flare. They also understand that not every photo shoot needs to be on the wild side, and easily work with the needs of their clients.
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- Pacific Town Car
Pacific Town Car offers private transportation for corporate, executive, and personal travel. They have a fleet of sedans and limos that service Oakland, CA – as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles. They solve the logistics of any photo shoot as all the equipment and people arrive where they need to be.
Pros and Cons of Photo Shoots in Oakland
Each of the unique characteristics of Oakland that are advantages can weave themselves into making a better photo shoot. The disadvantages are being addressed where possible, making Oakland a continuously appealing option for a photo shoot.
Advantages
- Sophisticated restaurants and bars
Oakland burst onto the tourism scene (and the top ten lists) in 2012 and has maintained its reputation, partly because of the sophisticated restaurants and bars in the city. The upscale and hip locations are “the place to be,” and tourists may come to the area for other attractions, but they keep coming back for the culinary scene.
- Mediterranean climate
You know that a city that consistently ranks an 8.7 out of 10 on the best weather charts in the country has something going for it. Oakland has a Mediterranean climate; the weather is comfortable year-round. It’s sunny with limited precipitation, and this makes planning a photo shoot easier. Subtract bad weather as a variable you need to plan for.
- Proximity
Oakland is right in the middle of all the action. It’s easily accessible from San Francisco and Berkeley, and the infrastructure makes it easy to travel in and out of the city. The thriving business economy and cultural areas offer access to everything that’s needed for a photo shoot.
Disadvantages
- Summer heat
Oakland’s temperature usually doesn’t go above 85 degrees Fahrenheit in the summer, but when it does, it can get really hot. The highest recorded temperature was 109 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep in mind, these are usually short heat waves that are replaced by the Mediterranean climate everyone enjoys.
- High crime
Oakland has a bad reputation for being a tough city. The crime rate is high in Oakland, CA and unfortunately, has not improved a lot, therefore earning this reputation. Although measures are in place to improve public safety, there is still work to be done. Take necessary precautions, as you would anywhere else, to stay safe.
- Taxland
Taxes are higher in Oakland than in other cities in California. While most charge 7.5% for sales tax, Oakland is 9.5%, which means anything you purchase for your photo shoot will cost you a little bit more in Oakland than it would have somewhere else. Work these figures into your budget before you arrive.
Famous Locations in Oakland
- Knowland State Arboretum and Park
The Joseph Knowland State Arboretum and Park are over 200 acres of wildflowers, trails, native plants, and beautiful views. The park is in Grass Valley, an Oakland neighborhood, and is owned and managed by the city. Joseph Knowland was the longtime commissioner of the California State Park Commission.
- Jack London Square
Jack London Square is a vibrant area on the waterfront that has entertainment, restaurants, hotels, stores, and of course, the cabin from Klondike where Jack London lived (it was relocated to Oakland). Amtrak and the San Francisco Bay ferry both stop in Jack London Square, making it easy to stop in for a visit.
- Oakland Museum of California
The Oakland Museum of California believes in belonging together and does that by bringing the community art, science, and history. The museum offers education, community events, and immersive exhibits that allow visitors to deeply explore topics.
