My Top 5 Tips for Planning a Portrait Session
1) Choose a Location
Los Angeles is a goldmine of cool locations. As you can imagine, that is one of the biggest reasons why the film industry calls it home. Within the thirty-mile zone (aka TMZ), you can find a variety of locations from sandy beaches to snow-capped mountains, from urban cityscapes to the rural wilderness. One of the reasons I moved to Los Angeles was for the opportunity to photograph outdoors all year round! Where else can you photograph a beautiful sunrise portrait on the beach in January?
I have included a list of some of my favorite spots below. Please note that clients are responsible for rental fees, parking, and photography permit fees, if required.
Indoor Studio Space
Indoor studios are my favorite go-to spot lately for portrait sessions. I love the privacy, controlled environment, option for natural lighting or studio lights, and clean backgrounds. This space also has a prep station for hair/makeup and changing rooms for outfit changes. Check out my favorite studio spaces in downtown Los Angeles HERE. Rentals starting at +$100.
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Baldwin Hills Scenic Overlook
๐ 6300 Hetzler Rd, Culver City, CA 90232
This is one of my favorite locations for portrait sessions with sweeping views of downtown Los Angeles, modern architectural elements, and tall grassy fields that create a perfect mix of urban and natural aesthetics. The elevation makes it an ideal spot for golden hour, ensuring flattering, soft lighting. For the best results, plan your session before sunset. Paid parking is available at the top of the hill.
Santa Monica Pier
๐ 200 Santa Monica Pier. Santa Monica, CA 90401
An iconic beach at the end of Historic Route 66 with sandy beaches, wooden pier, amusement park rides, and home to the original Muscle Beach. Take a ride on top of the iconic Ferris Wheel to get beautiful Ocean views, a thrilling spin on the rollercoaster, or play carnival-type games at the stalls and win a stuffed prize. This location is great at sunrise or sunset and into the night (but will have more people around).
Griffith Observatory
๐ 2800 E Observatory Rd. Los Angeles, CA 90027
Griffith Observatory is an iconic landmark of Southern California. It was built in 1935 with classic Art Deco style on the southern slope of Mount Hollywood in Griffith Park, just above the Los Feliz neighborhood. It is the best spot for observing the world-famous Hollywood Sign, downtown LA, and the Pacific Ocean on a clear day. My favorite backgrounds for portraits include the architectural details like arches, detailed metal doors, and winding staircases. Professional photography is allowed but with limited use of additional light modifiers (no lightstands and umbrellas). Cellphone service is unreliable, so I suggest meeting up at a prearranged spot like the tall monument on the grass in front of the main building.
Another really pretty location is at the base of Griffith Park, in the forest area. It has lots of mature trees, lush trails, a bubbling brook, and bridges. It gets darker earlier here, so this location is better late afternoon and ending 45 minutes before the sun sets.
๐ 2333 Fern Dell, LA CA 90027
Walt Disney Concert Hall
๐ 111 S Grand Ave. Los Angeles, CA 90012
A modern masterpiece located in the heart of Downtown Los Angeles designed by acclaimed architect Frank Gehry. A popular site for filming with walls of brushed metal, full-sized trees with lush greenery, and a beautiful rooftop garden. This location provides lots of unique opportunities for portrait sessions. I love the modern style with neutral color palate. This is a good choice for a daytime portrait session. A permit is not required and the location should be avoided on the weekends because of the massive amount of tourists. Additional locations nearby include The Broad Museum, Grand Central Market, and historic Angels Flight. Parking is available directly beneath Walt Disney Concert Hall; enter on Second Street or Lower Grand Avenue.
2) What to Wear
Hereโs a few ideas to help guide you in your outfit selection.
- Wear something timeless, comfortable, and classy.
- Create textures and layers. This is easier to do in the fall and winter months with textured scarves, faux furs, knits, and interesting fabrics. In the summer and spring, you can create layers with accessories like statement jewelry, scarves, ties, and fun shoes.
- Avoid items that detract from the scene like white socks, oversized watches, big logo t-shirts, and fashion sunglasses.
- For couples and families, try choosing outfits with colors that complement each other rather than exact matches.
- Avoid wearing solid white on white or black on black.
- Limit your color selections with up to three complimentary colors. This helps you look coordinated without being overly matchy.
If youโre wondering whether a certain item is a good idea, just ask! I'm happy to help you coordinate your wardrobe for what will look best in photos.
3) Golden Hour
I love all the colors of a California sunset. The periwinkle blues, candy pink, and soft purples. Golden Hour is my preferred time for natural light portrait sessions. To capture this kind of lighting, you will want to schedule the start of your session before sunset or right before sunrise.
To check sunset/sunrise times click HERE.
4) Professional Hair and Makeup
One of the biggest things that will make an impact on your portraits is professional hair and makeup. For your session you'll want to look and feel your very best. One way I recommend saving a little money, is to schedule a hair appointment and makeup trial the same day as your portrait session.
Here's some of my favorite artists who offer beauty services on location.
- Kelly Zhang, Pasadena
- Bridal Makeup by Rovelyn, Eagle Rock
- Sharon Y Park, Downtown Los Angeles
5) Fun Props
Props can be a great way to express your personality. It also helps break the ice of awkward posing and gives you something to do with your hands.
- sparklers (for nighttime)
- oversized frames - poster size
- balloons
- vintage sofa
- treats (cupcakes/ s'mores/ cotton candy/ ice cream/ popcorn)
- hobby things (football/ surfboard/ yoga)
- board games
- tandem bikes
- numbers or signs
