With views of the bay and easy walking trails, Back Bay offers both water and trails to those looking for outdoorsy beach scenery. Easily accessible and plenty of free public parking.

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Newport Beach

Back Bay

For those who want a mix of beach and urban, Balboa Island offers a charming beach town aesthetic. Easily accessible with limited parking.

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Newport Beach

Balboa Island

A diverse location that offers classic Southern California vegetation. A wide open grass field with rolling hills can be used at sunset time. For those with dogs, Bommer Canyon offers a side trail lined with trees and tall shrubs.

No additional permit required

Dogs welcome in certain areas

Irvine

Bommer Canyon

During springtime, Canyon Park showcases vibrant yellow wildflowers in full bloom. The canyon remains adorned with lush grass, winding trails, and towering trees throughout the rest of the year, providing a picturesque and easily accessible backdrop for photography.

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Costa Mesa

Canyon Park

The only local redwoods in Orange County, Carbon Canyon features a heavily wooded experience in addition to a vast dam. Easily accessible along a ½ mile trail. $3-5 entrance fee.

No additional permit required

Dogs welcome

Brea

Carbon Canyon

Nestled in the San Juan hills, Caspers features easy nature hikes through chaparal, cactus, and oak trees. Sun sets behind the mountains. Easily accessible, requires $5 park entrance fee.

No additional permit required

Dogs not permitted

San Juan Capistrano

Caspers Wilderness Park

Rows of lemon trees sit atop a manicured hill in the suburbs of Tustin. In addition to photographing within the lemon trees, we also capture photos along a dirt walking trail taking advantage of wood fencing and flowing willow trees. Finishing off at the top of the hill offers vast views overlooking Orange County sunsets.

No Permit Required

Dogs welcome

Tustin

Citrus Ranch

A massive beach with limited public access. Crystal Cove is our top beach recommendation due to its openness and seclusion. Features glassy reflections during low tide. Requires a ½ mile walk to beach and $15 parking fee.

$150 Permit Required

No Dogs on Beach

Newport Beach

Crystal Cove

Manicured walking paths lined with trees, bridges, and native southern california plant life. Easily accessible with free neighborhood street parking.

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Irvine

Great Park

Historic and charming, Heritage Park offers an easily accessible backdrop for family photos. Heritage park features a greenhouse, large trees, and plenty of greenery.

$100 permit required

Dogs welcome

Santa Fe Springs

Heritage Park

A natural light photo studio that includes access to multiple looks in one location. The Villa has floor-to-ceiling windows along with a white brick, terracotta textured, and white neutral walls.

$165 studio Fee

Dogs not permitted

Huntington Beach

The Villa

There's no place like home! Invite us into your home to capture your family in a truly lifestyle environment.

In Home

Irvine Regional park is one of our favorite locations for all types of family sessions. It's easy accessibility, parking, and consistently great light make this an especially great choice for extended family sessions and those looking for a no hassle location. $3-$5 entrance fee.

No additional permit required

Dogs welcome

Orange

Irvine Regional

Wilderness trails nestled in the Laguna Canyon hills showcase Orange County's mix of hills, trees, and dry grass. Accessibility includes walking up a steep dirt trail and crossing Laguna Canyon road.

No additional permit required

Dogs not permitted

Laguna Beach

Laguna Canyon

A beautiful urban shopping center offering water views, clean neutral walls and downtown sidewalks. Easily accessible with paid garrage or street parking.

Venue Approval required

Dogs welcome

Newport Beach

Lido Marina Village

Natural light studio including a white wainscoting wall, a gray venetian plaster wall, and a white wall with a neutral floral design.

$165 studio fee

No dogs permitted

Huntington Beach

Main Studio

The historic San Juan Mission boasts iconic architecture and character. Easily accessible with street parking. 

$80-$200 permit required

Dogs welcome on weekdays

San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Mission

The Ole Hanson beach club features gorgeous Spanish architecture and a tiled staircase with beach access across the street. Easily accessible and plenty of paid public parking.

Venue Aproval required

Dogs welcome

San Clemente

Ole Hanson

Overlooking a wooded valley, photo sessions at O'Neil take place atop a tall hill with sunset views of Trabucco Canyon. Easily accessible, $3-$5 entrance fee required.

No additional permit required

Dogs welcome

Trabuco Canyon

O'Neil Regional Park

A gorgeous mix of trails lined with large oaks, bridges, and contemporary architecture. Easily accessible and plenty of free public parking.

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Mission Viejo

Oak Canyon Park

Rolling hills, tall grass, and dirt trails. This trail is generally covered in tall dry grass except after heavy rains usually occurring in the spring when grass becomes vibrant green. Easily accessible and plenty of free public parking.

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Irvine

Quail Hill

Walking trails line a towering coastal cliff with views of the ocean. Photos can take place atop the cliff or on the beach below. Beach access beneath a steep hill. Plenty of free public parking.

$50 Travel Fee

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Palos Verdes

Sunset Trail

One of our most popular locations, Thomas F. Riley wilderness park offers miles of rolling hills, oak trees, and dirt trails. Usually covered in dry grass year round except after heavy rains in the spring when grass becomes vibrant green. Easily accessible, $3-$5 parking fee.

No additional permit required

Dogs not permitted

Coto De Caza

Thomas F. Riley

Gorgeous panoramic views of Orange County atop a moderate hill. This is a perfect location for golden sunsets and a view. This location is not recommended for those with limited mobility due to a short steep hill.

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Irvine

Turtle Rock

Though parking is extremely limited, Urban Forest is one of the best environments for family and engagement photos in Huntington Beach. The trails are lined with well-kept wild flowers, gardens, trees, and stunning sunset views.

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Huntington Beach

Urban Forest