engagement session location brainstorming: los angeles edition

example one: local park

pros of a local park: easy! lowkey! relaxed!

cons: sometimes people around, sometimes very flat / very green, sometimes we have to work a little harder to make some magic. but if you have a nice park next to you, and/or a place you’re fond of, this can work very well.

(pictured here: el dorado park in long beach)

example two: a scenic overlook / city views

pros: usually these are secluded spots with not too many people around. the view can be stunning!!!

cons: sometimes these spots are limited in terms of background — but if the view is great, no complaints there! also, we can’t always rely on a “stunning sunset” / vista in los angeles… sometimes the smog, fog, clouds, etc, overpowers everything. but as you can see in that first shot, it’s still usually rather nice.

(pictured here: flat top overlook & eugene e. debs park, both close to me in the east los angeles / pasadena area)

example three: botanical gardens

ooh la la! i love botanical gardens.

pros: usually an abundance of possible backgrounds! trees, flowers, bushes, lakes, etc!

cons: usually these places require a photo permit. but that’s just because they’re so reliably nice for photoshoots :)
— if we go on a weekend, these places might be crowded, too. but usually they’re pretty sparsely populated on weeknights.

(gardens pictured here: california botanic garden in claremont, secret garden in huntington beach, arlington garden in pasadena, fioli in the bay)

example four: california tourist attraction

pros: quintessential los angeles!! looks like a postcard! people often have an emotional attachment to these places as symbols of the place where they live, or cultural touchstones that tie them to the city.

cons: usually crowded, even on weeknights! i’m not just referring to the griffith observatory here; i’m also referring to spots like little tokyo, hollywood walk of fame, santa monica pier, disneyland, etc. any spot that’s listed on tripadvisor is hugely popular, and we might draw an audience.

but, hey! if you have a performative streak, this can be an adventure!

(pictured here: griffith observatory in los feliz)

example five: walking around your neighborhood / city area

pros: usually, people are very comfortable walking around a place they’re familiar with! and depending on where you live, there will often be a wide range of creative backgrounds: interesting walls, neighbors’ gardens, stairs, architecture, graffiti, etc. i also like meeting people’s pets :)

cons: if you live in a crowded neighborhood, or a place where you don’t feel comfortable / safe, this might not be the best choice. only other con i can think of is if you live very very far away from me :’)

i’m very fond of this option because i like tapping into the beauty of your everyday surroundings.

(pictured here: neighborhoods across california!)

example six: da beach

pros: who doesn’t love the beach??? this is a favorite choice if 1) you and your partner live near the beach, 2) you and your partner do a lot of beach activities (fishing, kayaking, what have you), OR 3) you recently moved to LA and want to show off that you live near the beach now!

cons: i live in pasadena and shooting at the beach means i am driving for hours. and the sand tends to get in my equipment :’) the ocean is majestic… and so sandy. but if it means a lot to you, i will gladly do it!

my clients who have done beach sessions LOVE their photos, and i have several spots i can recommend.

(pictured here: el matador state beach, leo carillo beach, puerco beach, all in malibu; torrey pines in la jolla / san diego)