MY FAVORITE SHOOTING LOCATIONS
(IN NO PARTICULAR ORDER)
So you want to book a shoot with me but you have no idea where you want to shoot? Not familiar with the Malibu area? Have no fear! Just scroll through this library of shoots, organized by location. Click on the images to take you to more photos of each shoot. Please also be aware that I shoot at way more locations than just these. These are just a few of my favorites. If you want to try out a new spot, just let me know and we'll make it happen together.
EL MATADOR STATE BEACH
Okay I lied. There is a particular order, with my most favoritest spot first. El Matador is hands down one of the greatest photography beaches on the planet, and it's right in our backyard. I've shot maternity sessions here, elopements, engagements, senior portraits, anniversary sessions, and a TON of family photo sessions. This beach is legendary.
Okay now for the bad news: El Matador does require walking down steep stairs from the cliffs above (i.e. not stroller friendly). Also this beach is NOT dog friendly. Directions to El Matador State Beach >>
Okay now for the bad news: El Matador does require walking down steep stairs from the cliffs above (i.e. not stroller friendly). Also this beach is NOT dog friendly. Directions to El Matador State Beach >>
LEO CARRILLO STATE BEACH
Wowza! Just a couple minutes north of El Matador, Leo Carrillo is its own kinda wonderful. With smaller (but more) rocks, lots of trails and coves, and fewer people (and also seems to be more dog-friendly), this beach is a great alternative to the sometimes crowded El Matador. Directions to Leo Carrillo State Beach >>
POINT DUME, POINT DUME COVE, AND/OR POINT DUME STATE BEACH
With sweeping (and breezy) views of the Pacific Ocean from the top, two beaches below (the sandy Point Dume State Beach and the rocky, cliff-rimmed Point Dume Cove), and winding trails in between, Point Dume is a versatile setting for a variety of moods and needs. Some of the more epic shots do require either hiking to the top or taking steep stairs down to the cove (and back up afterward). Definitely not stroller or high-heel friendly but so, so worth it. There are two options for places to park, so let's coordinate so we can find one another.
Directions to park at Point Dume State Beach >> | Directions to Point Dume Cove parking >>
Directions to park at Point Dume State Beach >> | Directions to Point Dume Cove parking >>
THE ADAMSON HOUSE
Colors and textures for days. The Adamson House is a historic estate nestled in the heart of Malibu, between the pier and the lagoon. I love the Adamson House for senior portraits because there are so many awesome colors, textures, and backdrops in a concentrated area. Ocean views? Check. Vintage tile detailing? Check. Grassy lawn? Check.
ZUMA CANYON
Hiking trails, lush oak trees, grassy meadows, rolling canyons, fall colors (in the right season), epic afternoon light. As far as canyon setting go, this one is a can't miss. Woolsey Fire Disclaimer: this whole canyon burned to ash in November 2018. The grass and brush are growing back nicely, but the trees will take years to return.
Directions to Zuma Canyon Trailhead and parking lot >>
Directions to Zuma Canyon Trailhead and parking lot >>
MALIBU CREEK STATE PARK
With miles of trails and knockout meadow vistas, this state park nestled in Malibu canyon is perfect for hiking lovebirds.
DE ANZA PARK
Here's one for the Calabasas and Agoura Hills crowd: Juan Bautista de Anza Park. With easy parking, bathrooms for changing, a dirt road for walking, deciduous trees for strolling, and a short trail up a steep hillside for epic canyon views, this park has it all (except the ocean, but hey... not everyone loves the ocean).
CHARMLEE PARK
If you're up for a short hike on dirt trails, you will be greeted by grassy meadows that are green in Feb/March/April and golden the rest of the year, cool boulder outcroppings dotted along open meadowlands, and sweeping ocean views.
THIS MAGICAL HILLSIDE ON
CORRAL CANYON
CORRAL CANYON
I seem to do a lot of maternity shoots here, but that's probably because it's super convenient to get to and there's never anyone around. The golden (or green, depending on the season) hillside, canyon views, and high ocean vistas make this one a winner.
Please note: there is literally no parking lot for this location, just pulling off the road, so if you want to shoot here, I recommend meeting me at the bottom of the canyon and we'll carpool up. Also, it's wild. Do wear shoes, maybe bring a blanket for sitting on, and be prepared to knock through the weeds.
Please note: there is literally no parking lot for this location, just pulling off the road, so if you want to shoot here, I recommend meeting me at the bottom of the canyon and we'll carpool up. Also, it's wild. Do wear shoes, maybe bring a blanket for sitting on, and be prepared to knock through the weeds.
THE SANTA MONICA PIER
For LA people who love the ocean but might not want to get salty and sandy.... the Santa Monica Pier is the perfect mix of urban and beachy. And if you think it's pretty during the day, just wait until the sun sets.
YOUR HOUSE
Yep, you totally read that right. A family portrait session in the comfort of your home is a fantastic way to capture the sweetness of all the moments you cherish right now. Want to have a tea party? Pillow fight? Read in bed? Bake some cookies? Jump in the pool? All of the above? A session at home follows the same timeframe as an out-in-the-wild photo session, only no one has to put their shoes on and leave the house. Score!
LOOKING FOR SOMETHING A LITTLE DIFFERENT? CHOOSE YOUR OWN ADVENTURE
The locations you see below are a little off the beaten path, but that makes the photos here particularly special. If you want to try a shoot at one of these or any other location you have in mind, just let me know!
