There are dozens of beautiful photography locations to shoot my family and maternity sessions. I can understand why some reason photographers act like territorial surfers and have their “hidden spots” they won’t share. I don’t feel quite so secretive of my locations. I have had great photo shoots in local playgrounds, backyards, hiking trails, and all kids of other places. As someone who loves to do photography outside, you learn to be flexible and make the most of every location and situation.
Below is a list of most popular photo locations. These blog posts should help you make a great decision on where you would like to have your photos taken. I’ve included lots of photos so you can see what the different shoot types and different shoot locations look like.
Malaga Cove Plaza
The Beach by Malaga Cove
The Christmas Tree Location
Ernie Howlett Park
South Coast Botanic Garden
These are just a few spots I’ve used that I find have a lot of variety and natural beauty. Below are some of the other areas I love to take photos in. Contact me with any questions you have. I’m happy to help.
Los Angeles County (South Bay)
Palos Verdes Peninsula
Malaga Cove Library Palos Verdes, Ca
One of the best hidden spots on the peninsula! Great colors and textures, and wild peacocks too! This site has incredible scenery, especially midday and during “The Golden Hour“, however at some points in the year marine layer/fog/clouds start to give us a problem. There are many alternate spots in and around the library as well, giving us some flexibility.
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St Francis Episcopal Church Palos Verdes, Ca
Great textures and colors with beautiful landscaping. Trails and the cliffs are nearby, as well as Malaga Cove and the Library.
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Terranea Palos Verdes, Ca
An incredible location with trails, cliffs, beautiful landscaping… Terranea is truly a wonderful place to take pictures, and the outdoor setting works great for family photography as well as maternity photography sessions. There are also several options very close and open to the public like the Trump National Golf Course, Point Fermin, and Point Vicente Lighthouse.
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San Pedro
San Pedro is typically East Facing, and on a slope to the beach. It has some valleys and hillcrests so getting enough natural light in your shoot if it is in a valley can be a problem. With newborns, unless it is warm, and shaded, outdoor sessions are hard on the little one. Look around your home on prior to the shoot at the same time of day. Look where the light is at, and the general “feel” of your setup if we are doing an in home session. Don’t be intimidated, we can make a lot of things work! Contact me if you have any questions!
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Point Fermin Park in San Pedro
This is from the city of San Pedro website describing the history of the park. Who knew San Pedro was so significant back in 1793?
“Point Fermin Park consists of 37 landscaped acres of tree-shaded lawns, sheltered pergolas, colorful gardens and a promenade along the edge of the palisade. The vantage point atop the rugged bluffs affords a breathtaking view of the coast toward Santa Catalina Island. You may even be able to spot playful dolphin and harbor seals from the cliffs. There are picnic areas, a playground and a small amphitheater. Two trails west of the area lead to the beach and tide pools below.
This scenic park is the southernmost point in Los Angeles. The area was given it’s name by the British explorer George Vancouver, who visited here in 1793 and decided to thank Father Fermin Francisco de Lasuen for his hospitality at the mission in Carmel. Point Fermin Park is one of the few places on the peninsula where Monarch butterflies spend their winters. This lovely park provides spectacular views of the coast and Channel Islands and is a perfect site for picnics or a leisurely stroll. To the left of the park entrance is colorful Walker’s Cafe which is frequently used as a movie location. Among the tall palms you will spot the Point Fermin Lighthouse.”
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Beach Cities
Manhattan Beach, Ca
Manhattan Beach is a GREAT location for almost any photography shoot I can imagine. The beach is fantastic, the green belt is wonderful, and there are tons of great parks. The weather is great almost all the time. This is the quintessential “So Cal” beach city for sure!
I found out something very odd researching this wonderful place. According to the Wikipedia entry:
“The land in Manhattan Beach was formerly sand dunes. During the 1920s and 1930s, builders leveled uneven sandy sites and some excess sand was sold and shipped to Waikiki, Hawaii to convert their reef and rock beach into a sandy beach. The sand was also used to build the Los Angeles Coliseum and portions of the Pacific Coast Highway.”
How wild is that? Sending sand to Hawaii?
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Redondo Beach
Here is a bit of history about Redondo Beach from Wikipedia.
“The Chowigna Indians used the site of today’s “Wilderness Park” in Redondo Beach, California as a lookout place.[14] The wetlands located at the site of today’s AES power plant in Redondo Beach were a source of foods including halibut, lobster, and sea bass, and also of salt.[15] In the 1700s, the Chowigna bartered salt from the old Redondo Salt Lake, “a spring-fed salt lake about 200 yards wide and 600 yards long situated about 200 yards from the ocean”, with other tribes.[16] Their village by the lake was called “Onoova-nga”, or “Place of Salt.” The Chowigna were relocated to missions in 1854, when Manuel Dominguez sold 215 acres of Rancho San Pedro, including the lake, to Henry Allanson and William Johnson for the Pacific Salt Works.[11][16][17]“
Redondo Beach has wonderful sandy beaches, but you also have Riviera Village, wonderful parks, and some historic elements which provides many options.
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El Matador beach in Malbu
“Located between Leo Carrillo and Point Dume State Beaches, Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach is made up of a number of cove or cliff-foot strands known as “pocket beaches” along the west end of the city of Malibu.
There are signs on Pacific Coast Highway with the names of the beaches: El Pescador, La Piedra and El Matador. Each of these three small beaches are a jewel unto themselves. These beaches can be crowded during the summer, however during the off season, they offer a perfect opportunity to experience solitude at its finest.”
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Orange County
Laguna Hills, Ca
Beautiful South Orange County with all the classic elements like parks, beaches (40 miles!), lots of hiking trails, harbors and marinas, and great landscaping all over.