When the weather changes and the holidays are near, I always feel like this is the perfect time to give thanks. Gratitude is one of the most beneficial states we can be in. It allows us to see the beauty all around us and it causes us to spread that joy and appreciation to others.

While recently entertaining my cousin from Canada, it struck me once again how amazing San Francisco is! As a natural portrait photographer, I have the privilege of spending time with my clients outside, often surrounded by the beauty this city offers. The Bay Area really has a seemingly endless supply of fun and interesting things to do and see. For fun and natural online dating photos I often meet my clients at Yerba Buena Gardens or Alamo Square, and for business headshots we sometimes go to the financial district with more modern and clean backgrounds.

One of the places my cousin and I visited is now at the top of my list! It was a location that, for me, truly inspired a state of gratitude. The Conservatory of Flowers is a great place to spend some time if you want to add a little natural wonder into your life. If you’ve ever visited Golden Gate Park you’ve most likely seen the Conservatory of Flowers, but going inside is a real treat.

Whether it’s for a date or catching up with an old friend or to just practice your iPhone photo skills, the Conservatory of Flowers is a magical place.  The warm and humid tropical air makes me feel like I’m on vacation in my own town.

So as holiday stress might be starting to ramp up, it’s a perfect place to stop and smell, or in my case, photograph the flowers!

You will have to take a slightly extended lunch or leave work a bit early as the last entry is at 4pm (Tuesday – Sunday). And, it’s only $5 if you bring your SF-based ID. Enjoy!