Wondering where to have your photo session? Here are some options (and we are open to suggestions, too!) |
Paramount Ranch2903 Cornell Road ▪ Dogs on leash okay Paramount Ranch has guaranteed good lighting all year round, all day long. It is my favorite single location because of the variety of backgrounds, colors, textures and greenery. Take Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) to Kanan Road exit. South on Kanan 0.5 mile. Left on Cornell Way and veer to the right. South 2.5 miles, entrance is on right side of the road. Meet me at the entrance to Western Town in the parking lot. |
Old Meadows Park1600 Marview Drive ▪ Dogs okay Old Meadows Park is a recent addition to our favorite locations. We tend to stick around the more rustic areas near the front entrance to the park. There are very few distractions at this surprisingly untouched slice of natural beauty. Also, it’s a good idea to bring a blanket and wear closed shoes at this park to avoid itchy things and wildlife during your photo session. However rough it may be to play in real woodlands, Old Meadows Park is a great location all seasons of the year because of it’s golden morning and late afternoon sunbeams. |
Thousand Oaks Library ParkWillow Bend picnic area ▪ Weekdays only Another favorite location all year-round is the Thousand Oaks Library Park, and the Willow Bend picnic area in particular. This location offers a wooden bridge, a creek, trees, grass and large rocks for photo backgrounds. The only problem with this location is that is often reserved for private events on weekends and not available for shoots. It is a great location for mornings and weekday afternoons and evenings. This location is good for any photo group, and children of all ages. Children tend to get distracted by people and ducks at this location, but rarely do they get so distracted that we can’t work with them. |
El Matador State Beach(FULL SESSIONS ONLY) 32215 Pacific Coast Highway ▪ $75 travel fee payable at time of booking Some of you just have to have a family session at the beach, and we are with you all the way! The beach is a great choice for warm afternoons about an hour before sunset. El Matador State Beach is located near Westlake Blvd/Decker Canyon and PCH in Malibu. The beach is a great location for families and children of any age, and also for engagement sessions. Beach sessions must be scheduled well in advance to ensure enough time to travel there and back. El Matador has a long walk down a steep hill with a lot of stairs to get to the beach from the parking lot. Avoid wearing high heels and be mindful of young children who may need to be carried. There is an $8 parking fee when you get to El Matador State Beach – you can avoid this fee by parking on PCH and walking down the hill through the lot. You are responsible for your own parking fees. Ventura and Oxnard beaches are also an option, if you have a special place in mind. Newbury Park Satwiwa Trail/Santa Monica MountainsLeft off of Lynn road just past Dos Vientos in Newbury Park. ▪ Dogs on leash okay Satwiwa hiking trail has a unique backdrop for family portraits. In addition to a nifty old Native American cultural center and tipi/hut, the 1/4 mile easy hike boasts beautiful views of the Santa Monica Mountains. Dirt roads, bridges, flowers and mountains make a beautiful sunset/late afternoon location for photos. Take Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101 N) to Lynn Road exit. Turn left onto Lynn and follow the road 4 miles just beyond the beautiful housing community of Dos Vientos, on the left-hand side. You will see a sign that says Santa Monica Mountains. There is an addition 1/2 mile drive along the entrance road to the bottom parking lot, where you will meet up with Jennings Paige. Closed-toe shoes are recommended for this easy hiking destination. |