Choosing the Perfect Location for Your Photo Session
The location of your photo session sets the tone, mood, and backdrop for your images—so it’s an important choice! Whether you're dreaming of golden fields, urban streets, cozy coffee shops, or lush forest trails, the best location is one that feels true to you and fits the vibe you’re going for.
Think about what kind of atmosphere you want:
- Do you love wide-open nature or modern city vibes?
- Is there a place that’s meaningful to you, like your favorite park, beach, or neighborhood spot?
- Are you envisioning something romantic, adventurous, relaxed, or playful?
If you’re not sure where to shoot—don’t worry! I’m always happy to recommend locations based on your session type, personality, and style. Whether you're looking for scenic landscapes, architectural backdrops, or hidden gems, I’ve got plenty of tried-and-true spots (and a few secret favorites!) to share.
Together, we’ll find the perfect place that brings your story to life.
Here Are Some Stunning Locations in Orange County, CA
Perfect for greens during spring and summer or fall colors!
Laguna Coast Wilderness Park
- Vibe: Rolling hills, oak woodlands, scenic trails
- Best Time: Spring for wildflowers; fall for golden tones
- Photography Permit: Yes, OC Parks permit required
- Parking: $3–$5 per vehicle (8AM - 5PM)
Jeffrey Open Space Trail – Irvine
- Vibe: Tree-lined paths, rustic stonework, open greenery
- Best Time: 1–2 hours before sunset
- Photography Permit: None
- Parking: Street parking available
Casa Romantica – San Clemente
- Vibe: Spanish colonial architecture, ocean views, lush gardens
- Best Time: 1-2 hours before sunset
- Photography Permit: Required; contact venue for details
- Parking: On-site and nearby street parking
Fullerton Arboretum – Fullerton
- Vibe: Botanical gardens w/ diverse plant collections/dedicated wildflower meadow
- Best Time: Spring for wildflowers; year-round for greenery
- Photography Permit: Photography permit required; contact the arboretum for details
- Parking: Available on-site, free on weekends (9AM - 4PM)
Yorba Regional Park – Anaheim/Yorba Linda
- Vibe: Expansive lawns, mature trees, lakes, and paved trails
- Best Time: Spring for lush greenery; fall for warm tones
- Photography Permit: None
- Parking: $3 weekdays; $5 weekends (7AM - 6PM)
Carbon Canyon Regional Park – Brea
- Vibe: Redwood grove, greenery
- Best Time: Weekdays during golden hour; less crowded
- Photography Permit: None
- Parking: $3 weekdays, $5 weekends; higher on some holidays (7AM - 9PM)
Sherman Library & Gardens – Corona Del Mar
- Vibe: Refined, lush, floral
- Best Time: Weekdays; schedule in advance
- Photography Permit: Photography permits required; fees vary based on session type
- Parking: Free parking available (10:30AM - 4PM)
Quail Hill - Irvine
- Vibe: Pastoral charm—rolling grassy hills, golden in the summer and lush green after rains in the spring
- Best Time: Spring for lush greenery; fall for warm tones - early morning or late afternoon
- Photography Permit: None
- Parking: Free dedicated parking at the Quail Hill trailhead
Chino Hills State Park - Chino
- Vibe: Rolling grasslands, oak and sycamore woodlands
- Best Time: Spring is ideal for wildflower season
- Photography Permit: None
- Parking: Vehicle entry fee: $10 per vehicle; $9 for seniors (62+) (8AM - 5PM)
Northwest Open Space - San Juan Capistrano
- Vibe: Rolling hills, wildflowers, shaded oaks, rustic charm
- Best Time: Spring for blooms; golden hour or early morning any season
- Photography Permit: Photography permits required; fees vary based on session type
- Parking: On-site parking and street parking (7AM - 8PM)
Oak Canyon Nature Center - Anaheim
- Vibe: Serene woodland canyon—oak groves, a stream, shaded and peaceful
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon for light and tranquility
- Photography Permit: $50 permit
- Parking: free parking with $5 donation encouraged; limited lot + street parking (7AM- 5:30PM)
Irvine Regional Park - Orange
- Vibe: Historic, shady, family-friendly park with lake, trails, zoo, railroad, pony rides
- Best Time: Winter/Spring for greener palette; weekday mornings for alone time; early/late light
- Photography Permit: None
- Parking: $3 weekday, $5 weekend, $7 holiday (6AM - 6PM)
Bommer Canyon Preserve - Irvine
- Vibe: Rustic, natural, historic—oak & sycamore canopies, wildflower hills, Cattle Camp charm
- Best Time: Spring (Mar–Apr) for wildflowers; golden hour for light
- Photography Permit: None
- Parking: Small trailhead lot; overflow on Shady Canyon Drive; Cattle Camp only on access days
Perfect for beach scenery and golden/blue hour!
Crystal Cove State Beach, Newport Beach
- Vibe: Coastal cliffs, tide pools, historic beach cottages
- Best Time: Weekdays for fewer crowds
- Photography Permit: Yes, $100
- Parking: $15 per car; $5 after 5 PM in summer
Aliso Beach Park – Laguna Beach
- Vibe: Sandy beach, tide pools, accessible amenities
- Best Time: 1-2 hours before sunset
- Photography Permit: Yes, OC Parks permit required
- Parking: Street meter parking available
Heisler Park – Laguna Beach
- Vibe: Cliffside beach, rocks, park located at top
- Best Time: 1–2 hours before sunset or sunrise
- Photography Permit: None
- Parking: Street meter parking available
Treasure Island, Laguna Beach
- Vibe: dramatic cliffs, tide pools, and lush landscaped pathways
- Best Time: Golden hour leading into sunset
- Photography Permit: Yes, $100 for 2 hours
- Parking: Paid parking available in a public garage or metered lots
Victoria Beach – Laguna Beach
- Vibe: Famous for the Pirate Tower. Tide pools, and dramatic rocky coastline
- Best Time: Golden hour into sunset
- Photography Permit: Yes, $100 for 2 hours
- Parking: Street parking only on surrounding residential streets; expect to walk down steep paths/stairs to access the beach.
Table Rock Beach – Laguna Beach
- Vibe: It has a private, hidden-gem feel
- Best Time: Golden hour into sunset
- Photography Permit: None
- Parking: Limited street parking in the neighborhood above the beach; a steep staircase leads down
Victoria Beach – Laguna Beach
- Vibe: Famous for the Pirate Tower. Tide pools, and dramatic rocky coastline
- Best Time: Golden hour into sunset
- Photography Permit: Yes, $100 for 2 hours
- Parking: Street parking only on surrounding residential streets; expect to walk down steep paths/stairs to access the beach.
Victoria Beach – Laguna Beach
- Vibe: Famous for the Pirate Tower. Tide pools, and dramatic rocky coastline
- Best Time: Golden hour into sunset
- Photography Permit: Yes, $100 for 2 hours
- Parking: Street parking only on surrounding residential streets; expect to walk down steep paths/stairs to access the beach.
Perfect for architecture background!
San Juan Capistrano Mission
- Vibe: Historic architecture, gardens, vintage textures
- Best Time: Year-round
- Photography Permit: $50–$100
- Parking: Nearby public lots
Noguchi Garden – Costa Mesa
- Vibe: Modern sculpture garden, minimalist architecture
- Best Time: Early morning or late afternoon, year-round
- Photography Permit: None
- Parking: Two paid structures nearby
LAguna Hills Civic center
- Vibe: Spanish Mission style (not overly ornate), clean civic elegance
- Best Time: Year-round
- Photography Permit: None
- Parking: On-site parking