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Paper Birch Collective

Sep 9, 202316 min read

Top Photo Shoot Spots in Southern California - Best Tips & Tricks

Updated: Sep 27

Featured in The Knot, Wedding Wire, Martha Stewart Weddings, Basic Invite, WedAward, Maharani Weddings, Wedissimo, Style Me Pretty

Whether you want to spice up your photo shoots with urban landscapes, natural scenery, historic landmarks, or spectacular settings, Southern California has it all. This blog is going to discuss some of SoCal's best photo locations along with helpful tips and tricks for your photo shoots. You will be amazed by the diversity and beauty of SoCal. The photo opportunities here are endless and we hope we can help you capture all the joy in your special moments, whether it's for a wedding, engagement, maternity, family portraits, or graduation!

Jeffrey Open Space Trail

Jeffrey Open Space Trail is perfect for nature lovers and those who want greenery in the backdrop of their photo shoot. It is a beautiful 3.5-mile paved trail that is easy to walk around and great for walkers, runners, or cyclists. The trail is filled with plenty of foliage and greenery all around to make you feel like you are far away from the city, yet you are right in the middle of Irvine. The trees everywhere provide nice shade for hot days and you can even have fun taking pictures with light leaks peeking from the tree leaves. Also, if you want costume changes in your photo shoot, this location is perfect as there are bathrooms nearby.

Make this photo shoot day a date! After your photo shoot, check out one of the many delicious food spots nearby. Mokkoji Shabu Shabu is one of our favorites!

Best for:

Nature lovers
Those who want to capture greenery (lots of trees, foliage, long grass)

Tips & Tricks for Jeffery Open Trail:

Best time of year to visit: Great to visit all year round
Best time of day for a photo shoot: 2 hours before sunset
Amenities: Yes, bathroom (a place to change to clothes) & entire path is paved (ADA accessible)
The location is a little hidden and difficult to find, but we have a good meeting spot
Can be crowded around the family season (September to December) - so book early!

Fees:

Permit: No permit is needed to have photo shoots at Jeffrey Open Trail
Parking: Free and easy parking

Treasure Island

If you love the beach, Treasure Island in Laguna Beach is a stunning location to have a photo shoot, especially at golden hour! Even the drive there is a nice experience, whether on PCH with its ocean view or CA Highway 133 with its hills of greenery. Paid parking can be found in the structure at Treasure Island Park or along PCH (we highly recommend coming early to secure parking). This beach is truly a gem with its picturesque rock arch, grassy lawns overlooking the ocean, calm tides year-round, cleanliness, and accessibility. Another major plus side of Treasure Island Beach is that it is usually not too crowded. No need to fear if there are any lines of people waiting for a picture spot, as there are tons of picture-perfect spots to capture while you wait.

Before or after a fun sunset photo shoot here, you could walk around downtown Laguna Beach, explore the cute boutiques, and eat at one of the many yummy restaurants. Urth Caffé and Heisler Park are some of our favorite spots to take in the ocean view after a great shoot. During art month, there are also tons of amazing sculptures, murals, and galleries to visit. Summer can be crowded with tourists, but the small-town vibe of Laguna Beach is definitely something you should not miss.

Best for:

Beach lovers, sunset lovers
Those who love walkable beach downtown areas and small-town vibes
Golden hour photo shoots (best sunsets here!)
Accessible access to the beach (wheelchair ramps)

Tips & Tricks for Treasure Island:

Best time of year to visit: Great to visit all year round
Best time of day for a photo shoot: 1-2 hours before sunset (golden hour here is the best!)
Amenities: Yes, bathroom and ADA compliant ramp
Usually not crowded
Tides are usually under control
Explore Laguna Beach’s downtown area filled with cute stores, yummy food, and beautiful art after your shoot!

Fees:

Permit: Yes, a permit is required to have photo shoots at Treasure Island
Parking: Paid parking nearby; multiple paid meter options on PCH or in the Treasure Island Park structure (arrive early to find)

Quail Hill Trailhead

Quail Hill Trailhead is one of the more secluded photo locations on this list as there are never crowds, so it is a great spot for those seeking a private photo shoot. You’ll feel like a model on this trail with the cool breeze flowing through your hair. During the spring and rainy season, the trail is blooming with bright yellow flowers. In the dry seasons, there may not be any greenery, but you can count on golden vibes from the rolling hills. It is free to visit and parking is easy to find; there is even overflow parking at the next park over. Lastly, be sure to schedule your photo shoot at least 2 hours before sundown because the hills will block the sun when it gets close to sunset.

Overall, Quail Hill Trailhead is a fun and private location for a photo shoot. It is an easy hike for friends and families to enjoy. The perfect spot to have fun hiking, seeing sights, taking pictures of nature, and of course, capturing great portraits as well.

Best for:

Those who seek a more private photo shoot location
Rolling hills lovers
Hike lovers

Tips & Tricks for Quail Hill:

Best time of day for a photo shoot: at least 2 hours before sunset, sun dips behind hills before sunset
Amenities: Yes, bathroom for costume changes (at the start of the trail only)
Never crowded
Extra walking shoes are recommended if you plan to wear fancy shoes for your photo shoot
Especially great location for family shoots because there is tons of space to hang out and explore when your picture is not being taken
Be on the lookout for wildlife!

Fees:

Permit: No permit is needed to have photo shoots at Quail Hill Trailhead
Parking: Free & easy parking, overflow parking available too

Victoria Beach

Victoria Beach is one of Laguna’s most popular beaches and it is another amazing spot to watch the sunset, enjoy the ocean, and capture beautiful golden hour images. The scenery changes with the seasons as the tide levels increase and decrease, resulting in more rock formations in the winter with low tides and more sand in the summer with high tides. This beach is famous for its “Pirate Tower”, a great picturesque addition to the beach. It is important to note that the trek down to the beach is not the easiest as there are multiple steep flights of stairs, but if you can make it, it is definitely worth the little hike.

After your photo shoot here, you can continue exploring Laguna and check out some of the many hip restaurants nearby. Just like Treasure Island Beach, Victoria Beach is super close to Laguna’s walkable downtown area filled with cute stores and delicious food; the perfect spot to hang out or have a romantic date.

Best for:

Beach lovers, sunset lovers
Tide pools

Tips & Tricks for Victoria Beach:

Best time of year to visit: All year, but summer is more crowded
Best time of day for a photo shoot: 1-2 hours before sunset
Be aware of the unpredictable tides, especially if you want to stay dry!

Fees:

Permit: Yes, a permit is required to have a photo shoot at Victoria Beach
Parking: Paid meter parking nearby or search along PCH (somewhat tricky and scarce; arrive early to find)

Newport Beach

Newport Beach has some of the most gorgeous sweeping beach views. This beach is famous for its surfing, as well as its pier and boardwalk of hotels, shops, and restaurants. If you just want the beauty of sand and sea in your photos, this beach is the perfect spot for your photo shoot. There is good parking availability, but payment is required. It does get more crowded in the summer, so be sure to plan accordingly. Before and/or after your photo shoot here, you can explore some of Newport Beach’s shops and restaurants along the pier and boardwalk.

Best for:

Sweeping beach views
People who love the beach and seek sand and sea views in their photos
Pier and boardwalk exploring

Tips & Tricks for Newport Beach:

Best time of day for a photo shoot: at least 1 hour before sunset
Amenities: Yes, bathrooms near the parking lot
Often crowded in the summer

Fees:

Permit: Yes, a permit is required to have a photo shoot at Newport Beach
Parking: Paid parking on site

Noguchi Gardens

Noguchi Gardens in Costa Mesa is a public sculpture garden that symbolizes Southern California’s various geographical characteristics. If you seek a modern and urban style in your photos, this is the location for you. This outdoor sculpture oasis is open free to the public and there is plenty of parking in the structure. The best time to have a photo shoot here is 3-5 hours before sunset. Just down the road from Noguchi Gardens is South Coast Plaza where you can spend time shopping or eating after your photo shoot!

Best for:

Those seeking a variety in scenery
Modern and urban styles, more man-made (less nature)

Tips & Tricks for Noguchi Gardens:

Best time of day for a photo shoot: 3-5 hours before sunset
Can be crowded during wedding season
Directions from the parking structure: head towards west elevator, exit on floor 1
Check out South Coast Plaza for shopping or restaurants near this photo shoot spot

Fees:

Parking: Paid parking in structure (plenty of spots)

Santiago Oaks Regional Park

Tucked away in east Orange alongside Santiago Creek, lies the 1,296 acre Santiago Oaks Regional Park. This secluded park is a nature lover’s paradise as it is filled with many different types of tree species and interconnected with several trails for hiking, biking, or even horseback riding. The reflective water of the clear creek is a great spot to play around with reflections. This park also offers beautiful seasonal variety, with blooming wildflowers in the spring and green rolling hills. Along with miles of trails, there’s a nature center with history exhibits and wildlife displays, a small playground, picnic areas with BBQs, and countless spots to enjoy nature as well as capture the beauty of what this park has to offer. You can spend hours exploring this regional park!

Best for:

Nature lovers, hike lovers
Lots of forest and green scenery

Tips & Tricks for Santiago Oaks Regional Park:

Best time of day for a photo shoot: 2-3 hours before sunset
Amenities: Yes, bathroom (near nature center)

Fees:

Parking: Paid parking on site, admission is free

Pasadena City Hall

Pasadena City Hall, located in the heart of Pasadena, is a wonderful location for a photo shoot if you love architecture. This historic building was designed by architects Bakewell and Brown with a Mediterranean Revival style incorporating elements of Italian Renaissance architecture. It can be pretty busy at this location year round, so be sure to plan accordingly to ensure there are no major events happening at the time you visit. The best time to have a photo shoot at Pasadena City Hall is late morning or 2-3 hours before sunset. Parking fees vary, but there are plenty of spots. Overall, Pasadena City Hall is a gorgeous historic building with stunning architecture, rich history, and a great photo shoot location.

FUN FACT: Pasadena City Hall is a Hollywood favorite! It has been used as a filming location for several popular movies and television shows, including Parks & Recreation, the original Batman television series, and The West Wing.

Best for:

Architecture lovers
History lovers

Tips & Tricks for Pasadena City Hall:

Best time of day for a photo shoot: late morning or 2-3 hours before sunset
Pretty busy year round

Fees:

Parking: Payment fees vary, but there is plenty available

Mission San Juan Capistrano

Mission San Juan Capistrano, a stunning historical landmark, was founded more than 200 years ago and is the birthplace of Orange County. If you love old architecture and a vintage look, this is the perfect location for your photo shoot. There are several stunning spots to take pictures at Mission San Juan Capistrano. From the old cobblestone walls to giant church bells and a variety of greenery and flowers, you will be sure to capture some amazing photos. There are even more great photo opportunities at a nearby train station as well. This historical and beautiful gem is a gorgeous backdrop for any photo shoot, especially for a romantic engagement or wedding.

Best for:

Architecture lovers
History lovers
Those looking for a vintage look in their photo shoot

Tips & Tricks for Mission San Juan Capistrano:

Best time of day for a photo shoot: 2-3 hours before sunset
Amenities: Yes, bathrooms
This is popular and sometimes busy location, reserve your photo time slot at least 2 weeks ahead!

Fees:

Admission fee
Permit: Yes, there is a permit permit fee to have a photo shoot at Mission San Juan Capistrano
Parking: Some free parking, paid lots available nearby

LA Arboretum

The Los Angeles County Arboretum and Botanic Garden is a beautiful 127 acre garden and historical gem located in the city of Arcadia. This gorgeous botanical garden is home to plants and flowers from all over the globe, some of which include rare endangered species. LA Arboretum also serves as an animal sanctuary for peafowl*, which can be lots of fun to observe. The bamboo garden is one of our favorite gardens here because it will make you feel like you’ve traveled all the way to Japan. Every season there’s something blooming, from the large trees to plants and flowers everywhere, you will always have something beautiful to see! If you love a backdrop filled with nature, this is the photo spot for you!

*Did you know males are peacocks and females are peahens? Together they are peafowl!

Best for:

Plant and nature lovers
Peacock observing
Diverse gardens
Tranquil escapes to nature

Tips & Tricks for LA Arboretum:

Best time of day for a photo shoot: Whenever you can reserve a photo time slot (time slots can be limited)
Amenities: Yes, bathrooms, drinking fountains, paved pathways (mostly)
Not usually crowded, unless there is a special event

Fees:

Admission fee
Permit: Yes, there is a permit permit fee to have a photo shoot at LA Arboretum
Parking: Free parking in both lots

Joshua Tree National Park

Searching for a spectacular location for your photo shoot? While this spot does require traveling (and a travel fee), Joshua Tree National Park at night with the sky full of twinkling stars is one of the most breathtaking views and makes for an epic photo shoot backdrop. Not to mention, the desert scenery, unique Joshua trees, cool rock formations, and endless open space are also picture-perfect elements to have in any photo shoot. Golden hour in Joshua Tree is extra magical here as the desert lighting will add beautiful warmth to your photos. If you love stars and stargazing, this is the photo location for you! If you also prefer avoiding crowds in your photo shoots, this park's massive size will allow you to have a private photo session, letting you fully embrace your inner model skills. It is important to note that there is an entrance fee per vehicle and there are limited facilities.

Best for:

Desert lovers
Star gazing and astronomy lovers
A spectacular backdrop (imagine a sky full of twinkling stars!)
Variety of unique natural elements (Joshua Trees, rock formations, stars)

Tips & Tricks for Joshua Tree National Park:

Best time of day for a photo shoot: 3-4 hours before sunset
Amenities: Yes, but, limited bathrooms
Beautiful golden hour lighting and astrophotography opportunities
Be aware and prepared for the extreme hot temperatures in the day and extreme cold weather at night

Fees:

Park entrance fee per vehicle
Permit: Yes, there is a permit permit fee to have a photo shoot at Joshua Tree National Park
Parking: Free throughout park

The Paper Birch Collective Studio

Private photo shoot at private photo studio shot by Paper Birch Collective, top photo shoot spots in Southern California, SoCal, best tips and tricks

Last, but not least, our studio at the Paper Birch Collective studio in Santa Ana is a great photo shoot location option. There are many benefits to having a photo shoot at the PBC studio: you can have multiple costume changes, several different backdrops, incorporate props, and also have fun with dynamic lighting to create a unique look. Parking is also plentiful and free. A photo permit is not needed. There is no time pressure or crowds watching you during your photo session. You can fully embrace your model energy in our private studio.

Best for:

Private photo shoot sessions
Those who want to incorporate costume changes, props, different backdrops, and unique lighting
Those who want to feel like a model

Tips & Tricks for the PBC Studio:

Best time of year to visit: ANYTIME
Best time of day for a photo shoot: ANYTIME
Parking: Free and plentiful parking
Amenities: Yes, bathroom
Features: Paper Birch Cafe

Fees:

No extra permit, parking, or entrance fees!

Thanks for reading! 😊

We hope you enjoyed this post and found some new places to have a photo shoot in Southern California! As you can see, there are tons of amazing spots to choose from. Each location has its own charm and character. You can easily spend a week or more exploring SoCal and still not see everything. We'd love to help you capture the beauty in your special moments! Contact us today and let's make some memories! ✨

For even more Wedding inspiration and advice, we love these awesome resources:

✨ Brides | https://www.brides.com/

✨ The Knot | https://www.theknot.com/

✨ Martha Weddings | https://www.marthastewart.com/

✨ Style Me Pretty | https://www.stylemepretty.com/

✨ Wedding Wire | https://www.weddingwire.com/

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You might be wondering why choose Paper Birch Collective to capture your Wedding, Engagement, or special event. Our team is based in Orange County, California and serving all of SoCal and beyond. We are your friendly neighborhood team of award-winning photographers & videographers. We are addicted to adventure and new experiences, always on the cutting edge of our craft.

Read this blog to see 15 client testimonials, reviewed on The Knot, Wedding Wire, or Yelp. We hope these reviews help you build trust in our work. We deeply appreciate all of our clients who have trusted us with capturing their precious memories. It is a true gift to be a part of so many wonderful peoples' important moments!

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We are lucky to have captured so many special Wedding memories, from getting ready, to first looks, to ceremonies, and reception parties. To make your wedding planning easy, we offer a couple simple packages. Our packages come with unlimited photos during your event with no upcharge for any delivered images. All our images will be edited to reflect how your big day truly felt. Each package can be customized to your liking including more hours or a second shooter. If you are looking for an elopement package, we have that too! For any specific questions or requests, feel free to reach out and contact us and we will get back to you as soon as humanly possible! Let’s make some memories!

~ Your friendly neighborhood photographer and videographer team (PBC)

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