BERNAL HEIGHTS

We met Kirsten and Ryan in San Francisco, where we walked around their favorite neighborhoods. Kirsten is one of those kind, joyous types that greets every dog that walks by, and she’s really open and grounded-so naturally dogs love her. The homes on this street, were stacked together with different textures, succulent gardens, and numerous pets peering out their windows. These framed glimpses offer a view as to what life is like in this unique city. My imagination stirred and I allowed my mind to wander, and as we meandered through the streets. I observed that everything was manicured, even the smallest corners decorated with flower gardens. They’ve managed to squeeze every inch out of their hills. The resident’s seem to have maximized their little slivers of the city, overflowing their corners with life. The roads are famous for ebbing and flowing in steep waves, so a stroll is really more of a hike. A city hike.

We decided to get a bird’s eye view of the city by heading to Bernal Heights, one of Kirsten and Ryan’s favorite spots. This hilltop, grassy reserve has a beautiful backdrop of the city’s skyline and views of the bay. But what it really offers is an escape from the city, a peaceful summit, an open area to really breathe and decompress. Allowing you to return to nature and spend time, up, up and away. Giving its visitors space and a perspective. A trouvaille indeed. It was such a needed reset after all the exploration and stimulus of the city. Kirsten and Ryan’s calm, comfortable energy made this session one for the archives. They felt so welcoming, like old friends, and I’m so appreciative that we shared Bernal Heights together all those years ago.