FEATURED LOCATIONS
The locations listed below are spots where I shoot regularly and am familiar with in terms of logistics. 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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LEO CARRILLO STATE BEACH
MALIBU, CA
Wowza! On the north end of Malibu, Leo Carrillo is its own kinda wonderful. With textured rocks, crashing waves, winding trails, and hidden coves, this beach is a beautiful natural backdrop for your photo session. Extra bonus points: Leo Carrillo is dog friendly (woohoo!) Directions to Leo Carrillo State Beach >>
Wowza! On the north end of Malibu, Leo Carrillo is its own kinda wonderful. With textured rocks, crashing waves, winding trails, and hidden coves, this beach is a beautiful natural backdrop for your photo session. Extra bonus points: Leo Carrillo is dog friendly (woohoo!) Directions to Leo Carrillo State Beach >>
POINT DUME
OPTIONS FOR POINT DUME COVE, CLIFFTOP, AND/OR STATE BEACH
MALIBU, CA
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 >>
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 >>
PEPPERDINE UNIVERSITY
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's 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.
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's 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.
THE ADAMSON HOUSE
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.
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
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.
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.
ZUMA CANYON
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 >>
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
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.
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.
DE ANZA PARK
AGOURA HILLS, CA
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).
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).
TUNA CANYON
TOPANGA, CA
If you drive waaaaay up a windy road in Topanga Canyon, you will eventually happen upon Tuna Canyon Trailhead, and this beautiful playground filled with sweeping coastline views to the west. Cons? Windy road and limited parking. Pros? Not many people around, unreal views.
If you drive waaaaay up a windy road in Topanga Canyon, you will eventually happen upon Tuna Canyon Trailhead, and this beautiful playground filled with sweeping coastline views to the west. Cons? Windy road and limited parking. Pros? Not many people around, unreal views.
CHARMLEE WILDERNESS PARK
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.
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
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. Do wear shoes, maybe bring a blanket for sitting on, and be prepared to knock through the weeds.
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.
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? 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 wardrobe changes are a cinch, and no one has to put their shoes on and leave the house. Score!
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 wardrobe changes are a cinch, and 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 bit of everything! Browse through and see what inspires you. I'm always game for a repeat or a new spot to explore. A travel fee may apply. Please inquire for details.
READY TO PLAN YOUR SESSION? NEED SOME STYLING POINTERS?
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