Laguna Beach


Laguna Beach is renowned for its artist community and stunning coastal views. The beaches here, such as Main Beach, Thousand Steps Beach, and Crystal Cove State Park, offer a mix of rocky cliffs, tide pools, and sandy coves. The vibrant marine life and colorful sunsets provide endless inspiration. The charming downtown area, with its galleries and boutiques, adds an artistic flair to your photo sessions.

A family walks together along the beach at sunset with cliffs in the background.
A family poses together at sunset with palm trees in the background.
Two people explore beneath large eroded cliffs on a sandy beach with palm trees above.
A family poses on rocky coastal formations during golden hour at the beach.
A couple in white outfits sits together on coastal rocks at the beach during golden hour.
A family in coordinated white outfits poses on a beach with rocky cliffs and palm trees.
A family plays together on a scenic beach with coastal cliffs in the background.

Griffith Observatory


Griffith Observatory is a fantastic spot for capturing breathtaking views of Los Angeles. Situated on the south-facing slope of Mount Hollywood, it offers panoramic vistas of the city, the Hollywood sign, and the surrounding mountains. The observatory's Art Deco architecture adds a touch of elegance and historical charm to your photos. Sunset and nighttime shoots can yield stunning images with the city lights twinkling in the background.

A couple standing in an elegant white archway with Mediterranean architectural details.
A couple walking up a trail towards the Griffith Observatory in matching white outfits.
A couple in casual summer outfits posing against a decorated mint green door.
A couple in formal attire posing in front of the Griffith Observatory at golden hour.
A couple stands on a white architectural balcony overlooking a distant cityscape.
A couple in formal wear holding hands during sunset on a hilltop path.
Two people take photos from a white balcony with mountain views in the background.
A couple enjoying the view of mountains from an observation deck during sunset.
A couple sharing an intimate moment outside the Griffith Observatory entrance at dusk.

Malibu Beaches


Malibu is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in Southern California. Locations like El Matador State Beach, Zuma Beach, and Leo Carrillo State Beach offer diverse settings, from dramatic cliffs and rock formations to sandy shores and tide pools. The coastal scenery, combined with the soft light of sunrise or sunset, makes for magical beach portraits and landscapes.

Couple stands beneath a natural rock arch formation on a sandy beach at sunset.
Happy couple walking and laughing together on beach with rocky cliffs at sunset.
Two people sitting together on a cliff overlooking the blue ocean waves.
A romantic couple sits together on coastal rocks during golden hour sunset by the ocean.
Couple embraces on sandy beach with dramatic coastal rock formations at sunset.
Couple stands on dramatic oceanside cliff with waves crashing below during sunset.
Romantic moment captured on coastal cliffs during golden hour sunset.

Huntington Beach


Huntington Beach, known as "Surf City USA," is a paradise for beach and surf photography. The long pier extending into the ocean is an iconic landmark, ideal for dramatic sunset shots. The beach's lively surf culture provides dynamic action scenes of surfers riding the waves. The annual US Open of Surfing also offers a unique opportunity to capture exciting sporting events and the vibrant atmosphere. Additionally, the nearby Bolsa Chica Ecological Reserve offers beautiful natural landscapes and wildlife photography opportunities.

Family in coordinated white outfits posing on beach with pier in background.
A family walks together along a sunny beach shoreline.
Family playing in ocean waves during sunset beach photoshoot.
A vintage red convertible parked along a palm tree-lined street during sunset.
Family holds hands under a beach pier during golden hour photography session.
Family sharing a moment together on sunny beach with pier in background.

Manhattan Beach


Manhattan Beach offers a quintessential Southern California beach experience with its wide sandy shores, iconic pier, and vibrant beach town atmosphere. The Manhattan Beach Pier, with its aquarium and stunning ocean views, serves as a fantastic focal point for photos. The Strand, a popular pedestrian path, is perfect for capturing active beachgoers and cyclists against the backdrop of the Pacific Ocean. The sunsets here are spectacular, providing golden light that enhances the beauty of your photos.

Romantic couple embracing under a pier during golden sunset at the beach.
Couple enjoying a romantic stroll on beach with pier in background.
Couple sitting casually together on sandy beach near beachfront homes.
Dancing couple silhouetted against sunset on a beach.
Couple takes romantic walk along shoreline with mountains visible in background.
Couple walking together at sunset on a boardwalk near the ocean.

Santa Monica Pier


Santa Monica Pier is an iconic destination that offers a perfect mix of vibrant, colorful backdrops and serene ocean views. The pier itself, with its Ferris wheel and roller coaster, provides a playful and dynamic setting. Sunset shots are particularly stunning here, capturing the golden hues reflecting off the Pacific Ocean. The nearby beach and the historic carousel inside the pier also offer excellent opportunities for diverse and captivating photos.

Couple posing for portrait on sandy beach with coastal mountains in background.
A couple embraces on an empty beach at sunset with a pier and Ferris wheel visible in the background.
A couple shares an intimate embrace on the beach during golden hour with soft sunset lighting.
Group beach photo with amusement park pier and Ferris wheel in background.
A couple sits together on a sandy beach at sunset sharing an intimate moment while wearing casual beach attire.
A family group poses together on a wooden pier during a sunny day at the beach wearing coordinating white outfits.
Romantic beach engagement photos with Santa Monica pier and Ferris wheel in background.
Three friends pose in front of a Route 66 sign and Ferris wheel at a carnival during golden hour.

Palos Verdes Beaches and Cliffs


The Palos Verdes Peninsula offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Southern California. The rugged cliffs and secluded beaches, such as those at Abalone Cove and Point Vicente, provide breathtaking backdrops for any photoshoot. The scenic overlooks offer panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, and during the right season, you can even capture images of migrating whales. The natural beauty of the tide pools, rocky shores, and lush greenery make this area a photographer’s dream.

A romantic couple embraces on a beach at golden hour with cliffs in the background.
A couple shares a romantic moment on rocky coastal cliffs with dramatic ocean views.
Two people stand on a dramatic coastal cliff overlooking the ocean with green hills in the background.
A couple poses together on coastal rocks with dramatic cliffs and ocean waves in the background.
A couple stands together on a coastal overlook with dramatic cliffs and ocean views.
Two silhouettes stand on dramatic coastal cliffs at sunset with palm trees in the distance.
A couple shares an intimate moment at sunset on a coastal cliff overlooking the ocean.

South Coast Botanic Garden


The South Coast Botanic Garden is a lush, 87-acre garden located on the Palos Verdes Peninsula. It offers a diverse range of environments, from rose gardens and cactus gardens to a serene Japanese garden. The vibrant flora provides a colorful and natural backdrop for portrait and macro photography. The garden's seasonal changes ensure a variety of blooming plants and flowers throughout the year, making it a versatile location for capturing nature's beauty.

A couple poses in formal attire in a desert garden with flowering cacti and colorful blooms.
A couple stands together among vibrant red roses in a lush garden setting.
A couple shares a tender moment in a rose garden with pink blooms.
A romantic couple embraces among blooming rose bushes in a garden setting.
A woman in a white dress poses elegantly beside a stone planter with roses in the background.
A couple poses on a garden path surrounded by colorful roses and flowering plants.
A couple shares a moment on a path surrounded by tropical plants and cherry blossoms.
A couple walking along a garden path surrounded by colorful flowers and greenery.

Alamitos Beach, Long Beach


Alamitos Beach in Long Beach offers a beautiful and expansive shoreline perfect for capturing serene beach scenes and vibrant ocean views. The long, sandy beach is ideal for sunrise and sunset shots, with the cityscape of Long Beach providing a unique urban backdrop. The nearby Shoreline Village and Rainbow Harbor add elements of nautical charm and vibrant marina life, making it a versatile location for both natural and urban-inspired photos.

Family playing and laughing together on a sunny beach at sunset.
Family holding hands while walking on a sandy beach during golden hour.
Family walking together on a beach path at sunset with palm trees and city skyline.
Tender moment between parent and child on a sunlit beach.
Playful moment captured on a sandy beach with city buildings in the background.
Two people strolling on a beach with palm trees and city skyline in the background.

Joshua Tree National Park


Joshua Tree National Park is a captivating desert landscape where the Mojave and Colorado deserts meet. Known for its unique Joshua Trees and dramatic rock formations, the park offers stunning scenery for landscape photography. The stark desert vistas, combined with the warm hues of sunrise and sunset, create striking images.

Couple posing on desert trail with rocky mountains in golden light.
Intimate moment between couple on hiking trail with desert landscape background.
Couple sitting on large boulder in Joshua Tree desert during sunset.
A romantic sunset engagement photo in Joshua Tree National Park with rock formations in the background.
A couple embraces under a large Joshua Tree during golden hour in the desert.
A couple holds hands while walking through Joshua Tree National Park at sunset.
A scenic desert landscape with Joshua Trees and rocky terrain in warm afternoon light.

These are just 10 of my favorite locations, but there’s so much more to discover. I’m always excited to explore new places and capture stunning photos anywhere!