Spring is finally here, we are so excited to be out again. Are you? As a lifestyle photographer, I love shooting outdoor, in nature. This year, we are going to a few different areas within Southern California for some of the popular scenery families enjoyed visiting and getting their family portraits taken. Here’s a brief list of locations we will be headed, see if there’s one that suits you and your family!
🌸 Mother's Day Special
This Mother’s Day, celebrate with some photo fun! Pick a date and time from our designated locations that works for you and your family. Leave us a note when booking, so we will be sure to bring a little something for the mother(s) at the shoot!Costa Mesa, Huntington Beach, Newport Beach
📍 Newport Beach
The beach at Newport Beach’s Balboa Pier is a popular place with many nice amenities nearby. The pier is open to fishing, however most visitors will just want to walk out on it for a view back toward the peninsula or to look down onto the surfers enjoying the break there. Peninsula Park is a few steps away south of the pier with grass to relax on or toss a Frisbee on.
📍 Huntington Beach
Huntington Central Park is the largest city-owned park in Orange County covering over 350 acres of land. Cherry Blossom trees nearby the Talbert Lake makes it a great spot for family picnic time in Spring.
📍 Huntington Beach
If all dogs go to heaven, they’re probably going to Huntington Dog Beach. This stretch of sand sits along the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) between Seapoint Avenue and 21st Street, and it’s a great chance for Spot to stretch her legs and snag some play time with other beach-lovin’ dogs while you catch some sun.
📍 Newport Beach
A popular small beach at the end of a ravine called Buck Gully in the Newport Beach neighborhood of Corona Del Mar. This is a rocky cove that draws snorkelers and scuba divers and tide pool aficionados.
📍 Costa Mesa
A miniature national forest in the center of Costa Mesa. TeWinkle Park has a handful of tall pine trees throughout the park, a lake with wild ducks swimming and walking around it. Great little getaway from the city within the city!
El Segundo, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Palos Verdes, Pasadena
📍 Malibu
El Matador Beach is one of three beaches within Robert H. Meyer Memorial State Beach. It is the most popular of the three and the closest to Malibu. There's a parking lot on the bluff with picnic tables that look out over the Pacific Ocean. A trail descends through unique eroding formations on the face of the bluff then stairs take you the rest of the way to the beach.
📍 El Segundo
Also known as the Dockweiler State Beach. This beach is a small area of waterfront between its neighbors Manhattan Beach to the south and Playa Del Rey to the north. Instead of a pier, it has a jetty right in front of the lifeguard tower, which is safe to walk on.
📍 Manhattan Beach
Manhattan Beach Pier has some of the best of restaurants and shops just within a couple of blocks. Unlike Hermosa Beach Pier, underneath the pier is two beams all the way down to the end, which forms an even frame to shoot with. At Golden Hour, depending on the time of the year, the sun rays shine through the beams, reflecting a natural glow from the water, making it a beautiful spot to have family photos taken there almost all year round.
📍 Palos Verdes
Malaga Cove Plaza is one of the notable locations that has been officially named to the National Register of Historic Places. Developed between 1925 to 1964, the plaza offers an example of Mediterranean Revival architecture. You will find the iconic Neptune fountain and marble steps, carved stone benches and red bricks around the plaza. The Civic Center park right across the street is a safe space with a grass field for family with little kids to roam around. This is an overall great location for family and friends to meet and spend time together at the cafes within the plaza.
📍 Palos Verdes
One of the many quiet lookout points that has a stunning view and perspective of the Palos Verdes shoreline. It is a great little hang out spot to watch the sun goes down the horizon, a 180 degrees view of the ocean.
📍 Pasadena
Old Pasadena is one of the West Coast's most vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment destination districts, featuring an authentic downtown experience combined with all of the modern conveniences. Old Pasadena finds itself at the heart of a city that boasts mountain views, sun-drenched rose gardens, world-class cultural institutions, and beautifully authentic early 20th-Century architecture.
📍 Malibu
Point Dume State Beach features headlands, cliffs, rocky coves and vast beach access. Westward Beach is presently operated by Los Angeles County, which also operates Zuma County Beach. These facilities are noted for swimming, surfing and scuba diving. Point Dume is a perfect place to watch for California gray whales during the December to mid April migration period.
📍 Manhattan Beach
In the hustle and bustle of the greater Los Angeles area, this wide 3.5-mile-long green belt provides a cool, peaceful escape that is just minutes from the beach. This scenic trail features shade trees, benches, fitness stations, public art, and allows leashed dogs.
