LOCATION LOCATION LOCATION

I am so excited to get started! Let's make some MAGIC!

Locations are so integral to a successful photo session. We can research and scout areas but ultimately, the love for a place is found by how easily my families can enjoy the spot. I have searched high and low and the locations I feature are photo ready, stunning at all angles and full of beautiful light.

The various options include picturesque beaches and boho fields to impeccable studio spaces and flower gardens. I would encourage you to pick the place that you are most attracted to and think you would feel the most comfortable in.

Some of the locations are easier to access then others so if you have any accommodations or limitations, please let me know and I will give you a list of locations from my guide that would work best for you and your circumstance.

Irvine ii

HOW TO CHOOSE A LOCATION

The final thing to consider is the weather! I know it's not something we can predict but I would encourage you to select a place that you love with a sunny or cloudy sky. It's about the colors in the location and ultimately the experience and memories made during our session that matter most. We can schedule the perfect day and sunset but you and your family are really what make each and every one of these locations magical.

One of the first and most important things to consider is the time that is best for your family. When are your kids happiest/when do you feel your best? If it's early morning, ask me for a sunrise session or if your kids are best in the afternoon, an early sunset session may be the best option for you.

Next, think about the vibe you are going for or the overall atmosphere you want. Your ideal location may be best during sunset or may only be available during the brighter time of the day. If your heart is set on sunset, I would encourage you to consider a location that looks best during that time. If you have a specific vibe in mind, shooting when it looks best is key to bring that idea to fruition.

NIGUEL BOTANICAL GARDEN

IRVINE I

CORONA DEL MAR

mission san juan

studio

gardens

Beaches

forrests

fields

COSTA MESA

There's a few other beaches that are farther south but worth the drive for some really incredible and unique photos. The first is pirate cove in Laguna. It's definitely an adventure with a hike around rocks and we are sure to get a bit wet, but there's a rustic and beautiful tower set in the cliff waiting for you. Another great spot is San Clemente Beach with a cliffside rock formation that is unmatched as well as the cutest beach with pebbles and easy access to the water.

BEACH LOCATIONS

SOUTHERN BEACHES

There's a few different beaches in Newport that I absolutely love and are the most popular among my clients. Corona Del Mar has lots of rock formations and is located in a small cove surrounded by cliffs. It's stunning to look at from all angles and has a smaller shoreline. Crystal cove has a long shoreline that, depending on the tide, can be really wide. It's also surrounded by cliffs and has a small cropping of rocks. Additionally, it features brush and a wooden path overlooking the water for an alternate photo spot. Both beaches are accessed by a large sloping hill.

NEWPORT COAST

Huntington is a fun location and also pet friendly! A wide variety of areas to shoot include the pier, palm trees and cliffs that are so picturesque with just a short walk to either. A short drive down from the pier is a large and much more secluded, easy access beach. The shoreline is typically very wide which enables us to really play near the water without getting wet unless you would like to. The sunsets are so divine because of the wide shore and how it reflects on the water.

HUNTINGTON BEACH

SAN CLEMENTE

CORONA DEL MAR

CRYSTAL COVE

HUNTINGTON BEACH

PIRATE COVE

Poppies bloom during March all the way into late May and there are two areas I love to capture them. The Costa Mesa field has a small crop of magnolias that are so sweet in between the trees. Coupled with the boho vibe of the field there are multiple areas to shoot and you have the option to capture two different looks during your session.
The Coto de Caza field also has magnolias. This is a much larger field of them in a butterfly garden along wooden fencing that is stunning during sunrise. This field also has a forest area and open field with hills for 3 very different and equally magical options .
Also seasonal are sunflowers available May - July ! These are best when the bloom begins before they are picked over and are in Costa Mesa.

gardens & Flower fields

seasonal blooms

Located in the middle of a residential neigborhood this hidden gem is filled with flowers throughout the property. Additionally it has large trees and horse trails that give a farm feel. It is easy to walk the park but not as friendly for a wheel chair because there are wood chips in the paths.

huntington beach urban garden

These gardens are also on a hill side but much steeper and larger with a gorgeous gazebo and labrynth at the top. The views are spectacular and definitely don’t disappoint. The flowers bloom seasonally here so the best time for sessions would be early spring or autumn. For more info on a specific bloom let me know.

Niguel Botanical gardens

seasonal blooms

huntington beach urban garden

Niguel Botanical gardens

This stunning location is farther south but worth the drive. It offers everything from forest and trees to large open field with hills and a garden with seasonal flowers. It’s one of my personal favorites to shoot and the sunsets are beautiful behind the hill. This is another location that must be shot 1 hour before sunset.

field locations

Coto de caza

Costa Mesa field is my most popular location. There are wide expansive fields with easy access and tons of areas to explore. Large brush and small hills, gorgeous sunsets and because of the layout we can meet in the later side of sunset. Additional areas a short walk down, showcase a wooded grove with trees and paths.

Costa mesa

This stunning location with large mountains all around is perfect for an earlier session. The hills are unique and create an ambiance reminiscent of the mid west. It is easy access from parking , smaller in scale then the other fields and must be shot about an Hour before sunset.

Irvine I

Costa mesa

This Beautiful field has wildflowers on occasion and a picturesque wooden bridge. Theres a bit of trees and when filled with golden light, has an intimate and private feel. Its a bit harder to access down a dirt slope and is a small 5 min walk to the field area but over all is smaller then the other field locations.

COSTA MESA II

Coto de caza

Costa mesa II

Here I have found some secret paths that are intimate but still absolutely breathtaking . There is a small trail that leads to an awesome curved tree, a path that with a small climb that leads to the most gorgeous light and views, and an overgrown paved street that is so romantic. There are also grassy areas with trees surrounding if you would like something a bit more simple or for a larger family.

forrest locations

Irvine Ii

The redwoods are quickly becoming one of my most popular locations. With the magnificent trees surrounding us and the perfect light at all times of day this location is also one of my favored as well! Located in brea, The hike to get here is 10 minutes from the parking lot and early arrival is integral to a successful session. It is accessible by wheel chair through dirt paths, but is met with the glorious grove of trees, truly it’s worth the walk.

The redwood grove

Another forest worth driving to would be in Coto De Caza. A quick walk from the parking lot are woods flanked by gorgeous fields. The hills here are perfect and give a midwest vibe to the place. The light that enters the trees is golden and illuminates with out being too bright or dark. It’s also very easily shot to feel as if you are off the beaten path , secluded and intimate.

Coto de caza

Irvine Ii

The redwood grove

Coto de caza

The bungalow is a plant paradise filled with greenery and a turquoise wall. It’s warm and inviting and is perfect when looking for an earthy and organic vibe.
The bedroom is bright and creamy with a beautiful big arch and textured walls. These rooms are ideal for newborns, headshots or an intimate family session.

spark studio

The bungalow

Featuring a cream textured wall, grey brick and a full glass wall, this boho space is filled with light . It is the most warm and has props that coordinate with the laid back and elegant atmosphere. This room includes a separate changing room.

The villa

The main studio is large and bright, great for larger families. The wainscoting along a cream wall is sophisticated and lends itself to just about any occasion. This room also features a concrete wall, a warm textured wall & as well as a wall of glass for perfect light. Additionally it includes a blank white paper wall for a modern look.

The main studio

The villa

The main studio

The new costa mesa location is an open clean space perfect for an ultra modern and clean vibe. It has exposed beams and natural light, various colored paper rolls and textures to shoot on. If you are looking for a space that is simple and urban this is the place.

urban studio

BUNGLALOW &
BEDROOM

URBAN STUDIO

huntington beach & costa mesa

The reservation system is necessary to secure the date so advance notice is important. Although I have been able to book last minute, to ensure the time and date you desire I suggest 1 month advance booking at min. The parking is limited so arriving early is highly suggested. Additionally the reservation times available are typically between 9-3, they close at 4. So for a sunset session this would not be the best place to choose.

mission san juan

THINGS TO NOTE

The mission is stunning from top to bottom. Filled with ruins and breathtaking architecture, the mission is the perfect backdrop for any photo session. Ideal for large extended family sessions or engagement sessions, fall photos, or maternity, these stunning grounds never disappoint. The walls provide just enough cover for great lighting at any time of day and most of the year the gardens are blooming because of how dilligently they keep the grounds.

about

This location is ideal and easy to work with! We would reserve a time and date so we are one of just a few photographers there. This gives us the ability to not have to rush and still have access to all the major photo spots. The mission incurs a fee per person as well as a photographer permit per session. These fees are then included in your package price.