Southern California Photo Shoot Locations

These are our top destinations to photograph families, engagements and maternities. Have something else in mind? Let us know! We love finding unique new places.

San Clemente wedding photographers

Agape is the latest breathtakingly renovated wedding venue in San Clemente. It offers hourly rental for all types of events. Featuring exquisite Spanish architecture and intricate tiles, Agape provides stunning backdrops for every occasion.

$250 permit required

San Clemente

Agape

Back bay family and engagement photos

Spring

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

Balboa Island family photos

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

Costa Mesa family photographers

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

Carbon Canyon family and engagement photographer

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. Carbon Canyon is apart of the OC parks system and requires an annual photo permit as well as liability insurance. We do this on your behalf and no additional steps are necessary for Dan & Tyler Photography clients. Carbon Canyon is strict!

Annual permit acquired

Dogs welcome

Brea

Carbon Canyon

Ready for us to photograph your family?

With over 10 years of experience, you can trust us to capture your family photos at one of your favorite locations in Orange County. We promise everyone will enjoy themselves with a easy going, stress free experience.

Caspers wilderness park family and engagement photos

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. Caspers is apart of the OC parks system and requires an annual photo permit as well as liability insurance. We do this on your behalf and no additional steps are necessary for Dan & Tyler Photography clients.

Annual permit acquired

Dogs not permitted

San Juan Capistrano

Caspers Wilderness Park

Tustin and Irvine family photographers

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

Crystal Cove Newport beach family and wedding photographer

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

Lake Forest family photographers

With a towering eucalyptus tree forest, this park offers an ideal location if you're looking to feature tall trees and a forested look. This park is a great location if you previously took photos at Carbon Canyon and want to match the aesthetic.

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Lake Forest

Eucalyptus Park

Great Park Irvine Family and wedding photographer

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

Ready for us to photograph your family?

With over 10 years of experience, you can trust us to capture your family photos at one of your favorite locations in Orange County. We promise everyone will enjoy themselves with a easy going, stress free experience.

Heritage Park family and wedding photos

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

Huntington beach studio family photos

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.

$100 studio Fee

Dogs not permitted

Huntington Beach

The Villa

Orange county in home family and newborn photographers

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

In Home

Irvine regional family photos

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. Irvine Regional is apart of the OC parks system and requires an annual photo permit as well as liability insurance. We do this on your behalf and no additional steps are necessary for Dan & Tyler Photography clients.

Annual Permit acquired

Dogs welcome

Orange

Irvine Regional

Laguna Beach family and engagement photos

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. Laguna Canyon Trails are apart of the OC parks system and requires an annual photo permit as well as liability insurance. We do this on your behalf and no additional steps are necessary for Dan & Tyler Photography clients.

Annual Permit acquired

Dogs not permitted

Laguna Beach

Laguna Canyon

Ready for us to photograph your family?

With over 10 years of experience, you can trust us to capture your family photos at one of your favorite locations in Orange County. We promise everyone will enjoy themselves with a easy going, stress free experience.

Newport Beach Lido family and wedding photographers

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

Huntington beach family photographers

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

$100 studio fee

No dogs permitted

Huntington Beach

Main Studio

Fountain Valley Family Photographers

Mile Square Regional Park stands out as one of our most convenient and easily accessible locations. With its consistent, perfect lighting year-round, photos captured against its backdrop are always stunning. Mile Square is the ideal choice for those seeking straightforward and hassle-free photography sessions. Mile Square is apart of the OC parks system and requires an annual photo permit as well as liability insurance. We do this on your behalf and no additional steps are necessary for Dan & Tyler Photography clients.

Annual Permit Acquired

$3-$5 entrance fee

Fountain Valley

Mile Square Park

San Juan mission family photographers

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

Ole Hanson San Clemente family photographers

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

Ready for us to photograph your family?

With over 10 years of experience, you can trust us to capture your family photos at one of your favorite locations in Orange County. We promise everyone will enjoy themselves with a easy going, stress free experience.

Orange county family photographers

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. O'Neil is apart of the OC parks system and requires an annual photo permit as well as liability insurance. We do this on your behalf and no additional steps are necessary for Dan & Tyler Photography clients.

Annual Permit Acquired

Dogs welcome

Trabuco Canyon

O'Neil Regional Park

Mission Viejo family photographers

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

Mission Viejo family photographers

Manicured walking trails with plenty of greenery year round. Features a rustic bridge, a green creek bed, and tall pine trees. Easily accessible and plenty of free public parking.

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Mission Viejo

Upper Oso Creek Park

Mission Viejo family photographers

Nestled within a neighborhood, the lower portion of Oso Creek offers secluded walking trails lined with wood fencing and plenty of tall trees.

No permit required

Dogs welcome

Mission Viejo

Lower Oso Creek Park

Irvine family and engagement photographers

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

Ready for us to photograph your family?

With over 10 years of experience, you can trust us to capture your family photos at one of your favorite locations in Orange County. We promise everyone will enjoy themselves with a easy going, stress free experience.

Palos Verdes wedding photographer

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

Orange county wedding and family photographer

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. Thomas Riley is apart of the OC parks system and requires an annual photo permit as well as liability insurance. We do this on your behalf and no additional steps are necessary for Dan & Tyler Photography clients. Strict in the fall & winter!

Annual Permit Acquired

Dogs not permitted

Coto De Caza

Thomas F. Riley

Irvine family photographer

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

Huntington Beach family photographers

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