Location guide · Orange County
the best photoshoot locations in orange county
Our favorite beaches, coves, parks and city spots for family, senior and portrait sessions — from Laguna Beach to Huntington Beach.
Questions? Call (949) 510-3862
Locations
25+ favorite spots
Best light
golden hour
Permits
we handle them
Experience
since 2002
Or stay in
our Laguna studio
Orange County photo spots
where should we take your photos?
After more than twenty years as an Orange County photographer, I know where the light falls at golden hour, which coves stay quiet, which spots need a permit, and which ones keep little kids happy. Here are our favorite places to take pictures in Orange County — by city — so you can choose the backdrop that fits your family, your senior or your brand.
Laguna Beach
photoshoot locations in laguna beach
Laguna Beach is home to some of the most beautiful photo locations in Southern California — rocky coves, sea cliffs, gardens and sweeping ocean views — and it's where our studio is. These are our favorite spots for family, senior and portrait sessions.
Heisler Park
Bluff-top lawns, gardens, stairs to Picnic Beach and sweeping coastal views — tons of variety in one location, perfect for families.
Victoria Beach & the Pirate Tower
One of Laguna's most iconic beaches, with the Pirate Tower and a tide pool. Only reachable at low tide, and it requires a city photography permit with limited availability — book early and we'll handle the permit.
Low tide · permit required
Table Rock Beach
Ocean views, rock formations and lush tropical plants in a quiet South Laguna cove — wonderful variety for families and seniors.
Alta Laguna Park & Trails
Some of the best ocean views in town, with wide-open trails and wildflowers. Our favorite season here is spring, when the mustard flowers bloom.
Best in spring
Downtown Laguna Beach
Spanish architecture, art galleries, gardens and charming doors — a little urban with a coastal feel, and an easy walk to Main Beach for sunset.
Our Laguna Beach studio
Our natural-light studio is the perfect choice for clean, modern family, senior and headshot portraits — whatever the weather.
Weather-proof
Newport Beach
photoshoot locations in newport beach
Newport Beach offers everything from the colorful Balboa Fun Zone and Balboa Island to wide sandy beaches, the Newport Beach Pier, sheltered coves and the open fields of the Upper Back Bay. The pier is a classic for big extended-family groups in white and neutrals.
The Balboa Fun Zone
Old-time carnival color, the Ferris wheel and fun props — and the kids can be bribed with rides and arcade games. A win for everyone.
Great with kids
Upper Newport Back Bay
Horse trails, open fields, water views and wildflowers — the perfect spot for a relaxed, boho-style session.
Little Corona Beach
A sheltered cove in Corona del Mar reached by a paved path — easy for grandparents and strollers, with tide pools for the kids.
Balboa Island
Colorful shops, breezy waterways, boat docks and the Balboa Island Ferry — lots of variety for fun family and senior portraits.
Fun & colorful
San Clemente
photoshoot locations in san clemente
San Clemente is known for its historic pier and state beaches, but there are hidden gems throughout town for family and senior photos.
San Clemente Pier
Light sparkling on the water with the pier behind you creates a magical, golden backdrop — and up on the pier deck, the blue railings and lifeguard tower are perfect for kids and seniors.
San Clemente State Beach
White sandstone cliffs, sea caves and protected trails. Very popular — book early in the week to avoid crowds.
Weekdays bestRiviera Beach
A hidden gem at the base of a neighborhood, running along the railroad tracks with views back to the pier.
Hidden gemCasa Romantica
Spanish design, archways and beautiful natural light. A permit is required, so book this location in advance.
Permit required
Huntington Beach
photoshoot locations in huntington beach
Huntington Beach has iconic surf culture, the pier and wide-open beaches — plus fun, modern urban spots for family and senior portraits.
Bolsa Chica State Beach
Parking runs right to the sand, so it's easy to include a vintage car or VW bus with the beach behind — ask us about renting one.
Surf stylePacific City
Across from the pier, with colorful murals, modern architecture and ocean views — perfect for seniors and modern family sessions.
Huntington Beach Pier
One of the few spots where we can photograph on top of and underneath the pier — true Surf City culture.
Iconic
Urban spots
urban photoshoot locations in orange county
Believe it or not, Orange County has fantastic urban locations — street art, brick, historic missions and architecture. See every spot in our urban locations guide.
Santa Ana Art District
An ever-changing gallery of murals and street art, perfect for seniors and families who want color.
Old Towne Orange
Alleyways, green space and old brick buildings — and Chapman University's gardens nearby for an extra backdrop.
Mission San Juan Capistrano
Adobe walls, arches and rose gardens — one of the most beautiful historic settings in California.
The LAB Anti-Mall, Costa Mesa
Rusty painted barrels, a water wall, weathered wood and an Airstream — an artsy, laid-back spot that's perfect for families with teens and seniors who want something a little edgy.
Artsy & relaxed
Parks & gardens
park photoshoot locations in orange county
For greenery, gardens and seasonal color, these parks are some of our favorite family photo spots in Orange County. At the Laguna Niguel Botanical Garden, a short walk uphill rewards you with Saddleback mountain views, rose gardens and beautiful architectural details.
Cedar Grove Park, Tustin
A grove of cedars and winding trails that feels like a mountain forest — perfect for cozy sweaters and fall or holiday sessions in cream, forest green and warm browns.
Fall & holiday
Huntington Beach Central Park
Two lakes, a botanical garden and wide-open fields — so many backdrops in one park.
Lots of variety
Wildflower fields
In spring the hillsides fill with yellow and white wildflowers — dreamy for senior portraits in soft, flowy dresses.
Best in spring
Huntington Beach Urban Forest
Towering eucalyptus, fallen logs to sit on, gardens and filtered golden light by the water — a woodsy, relaxed setting that's great for big extended families and dogs.
Dog friendly
San Juan Capistrano open space
Rolling hills, wildflowers, oak trees and a rocky creek bed — natural, golden-hour light in every direction and lots of room to roam.
Golden hourMore location guides
plan by session type
Seniors: best beaches for senior portraits · urban senior locations. Families: Orange County family photographer · extended family sessions. Not sure what to wear? See our what to wear guide and the experience.
Good to know
photoshoot location questions
What are the best places to take pictures in Orange County?
Favorites include Heisler Park, Victoria Beach and Table Rock in Laguna Beach; the Balboa Fun Zone, Upper Back Bay and Little Corona in Newport Beach; San Clemente State Beach and the pier; Bolsa Chica, the pier and Pacific City in Huntington Beach; the Santa Ana Art District, Old Towne Orange, Mission San Juan Capistrano and The LAB Anti-Mall in Costa Mesa; and parks like the Laguna Niguel botanical garden, Cedar Grove Park in Tustin, Huntington Beach Central Park and the San Juan Capistrano open space.
Do I need a permit to take photos at Orange County beaches?
Some locations require a photography permit — including Victoria Beach in Laguna Beach and Casa Romantica in San Clemente — and availability can be limited. We handle permits as part of planning your session.
What is the best time of day for a photoshoot in Orange County?
Golden hour — about an hour before sunset — gives the softest, warmest light at the beach. For coves like Victoria Beach and Table Rock, we also plan around low tide.
Which locations are best for family photos with young kids?
The Balboa Fun Zone, Heisler Park and Little Corona Beach are easy to reach and keep little ones entertained, and a session at your own home is always an option.
How much does a photoshoot cost?
Family and senior sessions are $300, Model for a Day is $799 with hair and makeup, and extended family sessions are $599. Most families invest between $899 and $5,000 in prints, albums and wall art.