LOS ANGELES AREA PHOTO LOCATIONS
Below are some of my favorite locations across the city. Please note that I can do my best to offer guidance on when is the best time for each location but weather is always a factor (personally I love overcast soft light!) and foliage varies in different parts of the year. I look forward to finding your perfect location!
Temescal Gateway Park
Good for morning or late afternoon but better for late afternoon. Variety of foliage and walking/seated photo opportunities. Parking right next to most photo spots, limited walking needed. Parking fee of $12
15601 Sunset Blvd, Pacific Palisades, CA 90272
Angeles Crest
Breathtaking vistas and unique foliage line the 2 going up into Angeles Crest National Forest. Easiest to meet at the bottom of the mountain in La Cañada Flintridge and drive up in one vehicle (due to Covid-19/social distancing, I would drive separately and indicate where to pull over). Photo opportunities no further than 30 minutes up the mountain but plenty as close as 15.
4490 Cornishon Ave, La Cañada Flintridge, CA 91011
Eaton Canyon Nature Center
Lots of locations right off of the parking lot - great for maternity sessions for this reason. Best in late afternoon close to sunset.
1750 N Altadena Dr, Pasadena, CA 91107
Franklin Canyon Park
Park that is north of Beverly Hills with various foliage, a lake, easy free parking, and a turtle pond to take the kids after the shoot. Note that the north entrance is closed for road repairs, so the only entrance in is from the city. Can work all morning and afternoon/evening. Worth the drive!
Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
Beautiful park with epic views of the city. Better for sunset time/last light. Parking is right there at the top and easy walking trails. Parking is $2/hour or $6/day. Option to add additional Culver City city spots and end here.
6300 Hetzler Rd, Culver City, CA 90232
Venice Beach
Mornings on/under the pier and in the canals. Also some walking street options nearby.
LADOT Lot 731, 2108 Pacific Ave, Venice, CA 90291
North Atwater Village
Pretty options in a park and by the river - never crowded. Free parking right next to photo locations
North Atwater Park, 3900 Chevy Chase Dr, Los Angeles, CA 90039
Leo Carrillo Beach
Located in Malibu, this beach offers trails on the bluff along with beautiful little beach coves. Parking is available on the PCH or in the parking lot of the campground. Early morning works here but sunset is ideal.
Leo Carillo State Campground and Beach
Willow Springs Park
This is a small, yet beautiful park in Long Beach close to the 405 with lots of options for backgrounds. This is an option if you would like a mini session as it is close to my home. Easy, free parking - works best in the mid to late afternoon.
Hopkins Wilderness Park
Located in Redondo Beach, this sweet little park provides a lush nature scene for photos. There is a parking lot for easy access. Best for afternoon shoots as it closes before sunset.
1102 Camino Real, Redondo Beach, CA 90277
Runyon Canyon Park
Located at the bottom of the park (google Runyon Canyon Yoga). This park is small but can provide some variety. Street parking is limited in surrounding neighborhood.
1998 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046
Rat Beach - Palos Verdes
Stands for Right After Torrence, this beach is hidden away in north Palos Verdes a bit south from Redondo. Plenty of parking options and works best about 3 hours before sunset
