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COASTAL LOS ANGELES AND VENTURA COUNTY LOCATIONS
The locations listed below are locations in California where I shoot regularly and am familiar with in terms of parking, lighting, and the best backdrops. These are beaches, hiking trails, canyons, overlooks, and even a couple hotels.
Don't see what you're looking for? We can schedule a session anywhere you like! I love getting creative with locations and settings. Travel fees may apply, depending on my drive time. Click on the images to take you to complete galleries of each shoot, plus details. |
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Emma Wood State Beach
VENTURA, CA
Ventura Botanical Gardens
VENTURA, CA
Ventura Pier
VENTURA, CA
Leo Carrillo State Beach in Malibu, CA
Wowza! On the north end of Malibu, Leo Carrillo is its own kind of wonderful. With textured rocks, crashing waves, winding trails, and hidden coves, this beach is like a mini soCal Big Sur, but without the crowds or the busy highway. Extra bonus points: Leo Carrillo is dog friendly (woohoo!) Directions to Leo Carrillo State Beach >>
El Matador State Beach in Malibu, CA
Possibly one of the most popular photography beaches in southern California and for good reason—it is pure magic. Dramatic cliffs drop to crashing waves below on a narrow band of sand dotted with megalithic rock formations.
Please note: some aspects of this beach render it challenging. The walk down to the sand involves two flights of stairs. It is not dog-friendly. It is essentially inaccessible at high tide (above +6 feet). It is very popular, which means we will definitely see other people both enjoying the beach and having photoshoots of their own. If you are shy in front of the camera and don't want total strangers watching you, this is not the beach for you.
Please note: some aspects of this beach render it challenging. The walk down to the sand involves two flights of stairs. It is not dog-friendly. It is essentially inaccessible at high tide (above +6 feet). It is very popular, which means we will definitely see other people both enjoying the beach and having photoshoots of their own. If you are shy in front of the camera and don't want total strangers watching you, this is not the beach for you.
Broad Beach in Malibu, CA
Most days this is a fairly nondescript beach in Malibu, facing west. But if you time it just right around wintertime when the sunsets get particularly beautiful AND there's a low tide at sunset, Broad Beach turns into a shiny mirror of sand and dreamily reflects the magnificent sunset sky.
Point Dume State Beach in Malibu, CA
OPTIONS FOR POINT DUME COVE, CLIFFTOP, AND/OR STATE BEACH
Love that blue horizon? Point Dume is your place! 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 clifftop parking >>
Directions to park at Point Dume State Beach >> | Directions to Point Dume Cove clifftop parking >>
Paradise Cove in Malibu, CA
A kid-friendly mini-beach with gently lapping water, a protective cliff, and a fishing pier. Bonus: grab bites at the Paradise Cove Beach Cafe afterwards! Parking options: convenient paid parking lot or free parking on Pacific Coast Highway with a short walk.
Pepperdine University in Malibu, CA
Shhh! This beautiful ridge above Pepperdine is hidden in plain view! Even though it's super easy to get to AND the coastline views are stunning, there are never people here, because the trailhead is on campus at Pepperdine. But I work for Pepperdine so it's all good! This ridge is ideal for the graduating Pepperdine senior (grad or undergrad) who wants a few great shots of campus and the coastline. It's also great for families with little kids because the hike is quite short and there are great views the whole way, so short legs won't get tuckered out.
Calamigos Ranch in Malibu, CA
Calamigos Ranch is a popular wedding venue in Malibu, and for good reason—it is an oasis of calm and oak-forested beauty just minutes from the Malibu coast. In addition to their weddings and events, Calamigos also owns and operates the Calamigos Guest Ranch, a luxury hotel on the premises.
Please note: Calamigos Ranch is a private property and only guests staying at the guest ranch or under contract for a wedding are allowed to take pictures on the property. If you are planning a stay at the Calamigos Guest Ranch, give me a shout to schedule your family photo session OR if you are planning your wedding at Calamigos Ranch, let's shoot your engagement photos there too!
Please note: Calamigos Ranch is a private property and only guests staying at the guest ranch or under contract for a wedding are allowed to take pictures on the property. If you are planning a stay at the Calamigos Guest Ranch, give me a shout to schedule your family photo session OR if you are planning your wedding at Calamigos Ranch, let's shoot your engagement photos there too!
The Adamson House in Malibu, CA
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. Mid-century tile detailing? Check. Year-round grassy lawn? Check.
Malibu Creek State Park in Malibu, CA
With miles of trails and tranquil meadows dotted with oak trees, this state park nestled in Malibu canyon is perfect for hiking lovebirds (and families, and solo adventurers!).
Pros: there are MANY awesome spots (in fact the sessions featured below take place in different locations) so if you like the look of this area, let's jump on the phone and talk details. Many of the locations have easy (some paid, some not) parking lots close to the trailhead. Acres of open space means you'll have the place all to yourself (no random strangers walking through your background).
Cons: no ocean views and during the hot summer months you might get dry grass stuck in your shoes.
Pros: there are MANY awesome spots (in fact the sessions featured below take place in different locations) so if you like the look of this area, let's jump on the phone and talk details. Many of the locations have easy (some paid, some not) parking lots close to the trailhead. Acres of open space means you'll have the place all to yourself (no random strangers walking through your background).
Cons: no ocean views and during the hot summer months you might get dry grass stuck in your shoes.
Zuma Canyon in Malibu, CA
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. The great thing about Zuma Canyon is that beautiful backdrops are accessible just a stone's throw from the parking lot, so if someone in your group is wearing uncomfy shoes, or you've got kiddos with short little legs, this location is ideal for setting up your shots with ease. Directions to Zuma Canyon Trailhead and parking lot >>
Westlake Village Inn in Westlake Village, CA
In addition to being a wonderful hotel for out of town visitors looking for comfort away from the beach, the Westlake Village Inn's spacious property is filled with beautiful walkways, cultivated rose gardens, and cool shaded oases that serve as ideal photo ops at any hour of the day. Whether getting ready for a wedding or staging a family (or individual) portrait session, the Westlake Village Inn is a beautiful place for photos.
Charmlee Wilderness Park in Malibu, CA
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, majestic boulder outcroppings dotted along open meadowlands, and sweeping ocean views.
THIS MAGICAL HILLSIDE ON
Corral Canyon in Malibu, CA
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. It changes based on the year. 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. It changes based on the year. Do wear shoes, maybe bring a blanket for sitting on, and be prepared to knock through the weeds.
The Santa Monica Pier in Santa Monica, CA
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 Home!
ANYWHERE, USA
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? Bake some cookies? Incorporate literally ALL your pets? 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 there's no driving and parking anywhere, wardrobe changes are a cinch, and no one has to put their shoes on. Win!
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? Bake some cookies? Incorporate literally ALL your pets? 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 there's no driving and parking anywhere, wardrobe changes are a cinch, and no one has to put their shoes on. Win!
Looking for something a little different?
Let's have an adventure.
I love getting off the beaten path. The locations you see below are a little bit of everything! Browse through and see what inspires you. I specialize in finding good light, flattering angles, and inspiring backdrops in even the most unexpected places. Please note: A travel fee may apply if it's far from where I live. Please inquire for details.
