Locations for Outdoor Photo Sessions in Orange County
Here are some of my favorite places to photograph outdoor session in Orange County. Please keep in mind that the color/ look/ landscaping of the parks can differ depending on the time of day, season, maintenance of park, etc.
These images are just a reference point.
Carbon Canyon Regional Park, Brea
$3 Parking on weekdays, $5 on weekends
Permit is required, but we hold an annual permit for OC Parks
Only for 1 hour sessions
Santiago Oaks Canyon, Anaheim
$3 Parking on weekdays, $5 on weekends
Permit is required, but we hold an annual permit for OC Parks
Downtown, Santa Ana
Meter parking or park in structure
Urban with buildings
Riley Wilderness Park, Mission Viejo/Coto de Caza
$3 Parking on weekdays, $5 on weekends
Permit is required, but we hold an annual permit for OC Parks
Irvine Regional Park, Irvine
$3 Parking on weekdays, $5 on weekends
Permit is required, but we hold an annual permit for OC Parks
Crystal Cove, Laguna Beach
$15 for day parking
A little bit of green + a lot of beach. You have to walk down a steep flight of stairs to get to the beach. If you’d like the yellow flowers, they are on top of the cliff on the opposite end of the parking lot. Both locations would require 1 hour session. For 30 minute session, please select one or the other spot.
$100 Permit must be obtained by client.
Jeffery Open Trail, Irvine
Free Parking
Easy access
No permit required
Stoney creek bed and dirt road with trees
Noguchi Garden, Costa Mesa
$1.75 per every 15 minute parking
Has lots of variety of backgrounds. Minimalistic, modern look with simple white or beige stone wall, pyramid, and succulent garden.
Quail Hill, Irvine
Free Parking.
About 7 minute walk from parking lot
Oso Viejo Trail, Mission Viejo
Free parking
Easy access
Paved pathway with bridge
Calafia Beach, San Clemente
Easy access to the beach
Has cliff-side for variation in setting only available for 30 minutes or longer unless everyone follows directions really quickly.
Serrano Creek Park, Lake Forest
5-6 minute walk from parking
Street parking
Paved sidewalk & eucalyptus forest
Olivia's First Birthday Dohl {Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey, CA}
First Birthday Luau for Elijah
Aloha! This backyard birthday party transplanted Orange County residents to the islands with this first birthday Luau for Elijah. This party focused on the children, providing multiple entertainment and activity stations from face painting, sand art, caricature, ball pit, snow cones, balloon artist, and Polynesian dancers! It was a full-blown carnival in the backyard! With a baby-sitting service on site, parents were able to enjoy a few moments of themselves as well!
Fun in the sun! Happy birthday little prince!
Planning, Design + Styling: @simplyseraevents + @ngomichelle
Photography: Joy Theory Co
Backdrop: @irongracerentals
General Rental: @createaparty
Palm Trees + Plant Wall Rental: @platinumproprentals
Catering: Iwalanis Catering
Bartending: @sunerisbar
Cake, desserts: @sweetnsaucyshop
Lasercut Signage + Cake Toppers: @letterstou
Ball Pit: @meshkidsco
Floral: @irenelpark
Facepaint + caricature: @taylorentertainmentinc
Balloon artist: @ballusionist
Shaved Ice: @wikiwikishavedice
Polynesian Musician + Dancers: @polynesianentertainment
Cake Stands: @mintedandvintage