Olive Shoots Photography Locations
I'm always adding new locations and up for new adventures, but if you need a place
to start...here it is. I've compiled a list of some of my favorite locations with all the details
for each, from parking fees to walkability information if mobility is a consideration.
Beach Locations
Rocky Coastline
Located on the Newport Coast this location is one of my absolute favorites! From the greenery on the cliffs, to the rocky shoreline this location is simply stunning. It does require an additional $100 permit fee per day (which I will acquire through the State of California). I will do mini sessions here regularly with no additional cost to you!
Parking Fee: $15
Dog Friendly: No
Season: Year Round
Walkability: Mostly stroller friendly. Long flat 10 minute walk with a short staircase to the sand.
Beach Locations
Cliffside
Located at Calafia Beach in San Clemente. From the stunning cliffs to the sandy shores, this location feels like a 2 for 1 special. No additional permit required.
Parking Fee: $7 per hour
Dog Friendly: No
Season: Year Round
Walkability: Parking is steps away from the photos. Small staircase directly to the sand.
Beach Locations
Sand dunes
The Seal Beach Sand Dunes are a crowd favorite! The contrast between the greenery and the white sand makes for beautiful photos. I love to start sessions on the dunes and walk down to the shore to get more photos with the water/jetty.
Parking Fee: Free Street Parking
Dog Friendly: No
Season: Year Round
Walkability: The Sand Dunes are close to the parking area, but walking to the water is quite a ways if mobility is a consideration
Beach Locations
HB Pier
An iconic spot for family photos! Kids love playing under the pier and in the water! This is a great spot for extended family sessions as well!
Parking Fee: $1.50 per hour
Dog Friendly: No
Season: Year Round
Walkability: Short easy walk under the pier on the sand.
Beach Locations
Laguna Beach
Laguna Beach offers many stunning beaches for family photos! If you are interested in this option I can send you 5 different location options. It does require an additional $100 permit fee per day (which I will acquire through the city).
Parking Fee: $0-10 depending on location
Dog Friendly: No
Season: Year Round
Walkability: Almost every spot has a long staircase leading down to the beach.
Field Locations
Rolling hills
This is a secret spot I love in Irvine! The green grass is only seen for a few months in the spring, but oh so beautiful when it is!
Parking Fee: Free
Dog Friendly: Yes
Season: Spring
Walkability: There is a short, yet steep walk up a hill! It takes less than 5 minutes to walk up the hill, but you will probably be huffing and puffing a bit! Not recommended for those with limited mobility.
Field Locations
Wildflowers
There are two spots I love for wildflowers in the spring! One in San Juan Capistrano and one in Costa Mesa. Depending on where blooms are flourishing that year is where we can go!
Parking Fee: Free
Dog Friendly: Yes
Season: Spring
Walkability: Very easy access at both locations
Urban Locations
Grassy Knoll
Located in Tustin, this spot is beautiful in both Spring and Fall! In the spring there is often beautiful wildflowers and in the fall a golden field vibe!
Parking Fee: $3
Dog Friendly: Yes
Season: Spring/Fall
Walkability: Very easy access on dirt path
Field Locations
Coastal field
This spot can really change with each year! Some years its bursting with yellow flowers in the spring, and other years it can tend to be dry. Located in Huntington Beach and a good spot for families!
Parking Fee: $15
Dog Friendly: Yes
Season: Year Round
Walkability: Very close parking and walking. There are some small hills along the dirt path. Stroller friendly!
Field Locations
Golden field
This spot is absolutely stunning! There are pretty trees and wooden coral style fences in spots as well! It is located near Coto De Caza though so can be a drive for some!
Parking Fee: $10
Dog Friendly: No
Season: Year Round- Best in Fall
Walkability: Flat dirt paths connect all areas. Stroller friendly
Field Locations
quail hill
Located in Irvine right off the 405 freeway, Quail Hill has the field vibes with some garden/shaded areas as well! Its great in Spring with the blooms or in fall for the golden field vibe!
Parking Fee: Free
Dog Friendly: Yes
Season: Spring/Fall
Walkability: Extremely walkable. Flat and Stroller Friendly with parking lot within 50 feet
Forest Locations
Urban Forest
Located in Huntington Beach! This spot has beautiful trees that change colors in the fall for the perfect fall vibes!
Parking Fee: Free
Dog Friendly: Yes
Season: Year Round--> Best in Fall
Walkability: Depending on where you find parking. There is a small parking lot (6 cars) at the bottom of a short hill in the Urban Forest, but the bigger parking lot near the dog park is a half mile walk. Somewhat stroller friendly.
Forest Locations
Redwood grove
Located in Brea, this natural Redwood Grove is a beautiful spot for Christmas photos!
Parking Fee: $3
Dog Friendly: Yes
Season: Year Round
Walkability: The redwoods are quite a walk from the parking lot (a little over half a mile), but on a flat dirt path. Stroller friendly.
Forest Locations
Cedar Grove
Cedar Grove Park is in Tustin. This spot is great for morning sessions with the lighting so if you have little ones who are happier in the morning, this is a great spot for you!!
Parking Fee: Free
Dog Friendly: Yes
Season: Year Round
Walkability: Very close to parking lot. Paved walkways are both wheelchair and stroller friendly
Urban Locations
LIDO VILLAGE
Lido Village in Newport Beach is such a charming location! From the brick lines streets, to the string lights above, and the top of the parking garage, this spot has many unique backdrops!
Parking Fee: $7 per hour
Dog Friendly: No
Season: Year Round
Walkability: Very walkable and easy access. The top of the parking garage has an elevator to the top with one flight of stairs.
Urban Locations
balboa fun zone
The Fun Zone in Newport Beach is a great spot for couples and families! There is a colorful ferris wheel, an arcade, and several ice cream shops which make for great photos! The cost to ride the ferris wheel is $6 per person if you want photos on the wheel!
Parking Fee: $7 per hour
Dog Friendly: No
Season: Year Round
Walkability: Super easy access from parking lots. There are very short staircases or ramps for upper level access.
Urban Locations
Noguchi Gardens
Nestled between several high rise buildings in South Coast Plaza. This location has a very modern vibe for unique photos!
Parking Fee: $10
Dog Friendly: No
Season: Year Round
Walkability: All flat walking and only a few feet from parking structure!
Urban Locations
Newport beach library
This library has immaculate gardens and beautiful modern buildings surrounding it. This location is great for business headshots, senior photos, or family photos!
Parking Fee: Free
Dog Friendly: No
Season: Year Round
Walkability: Very short walk on flat ground around the building. Depending on parking availability elevator access is available for upper level parking.
Urban Locations
farmhouse
This location is on the grounds of the historic Irvine Family house that has now been transformed into a library and garden! There are several beautiful spots in front of trees and flowers as well!
Parking Fee: Free
Dog Friendly: No
Season: Year Round
Walkability: Very easily accessible
Other Locations
VW bus
I can rent this super cute VW bus for the perfect California Dreaming vibes! Kids can take photos in the drivers seat for photos, you can grab in n out burger as a fun prop, or we can even add flowers or surfboards into the mix! We like to park the bus at a spot in San Clemente with trees in the background
Parking Fee: Free
Dog Friendly: Yes
Season: Best in Summer
Walkability: Parking adjacent to the VW bus parking spot
Other Locations
in home newborn
I love coming to your home to capture such a special time in your lives! Don't worry about everything looking perfect... most times all we need is a spot on the couch and a cleared off bed!
Parking Fee: N/A
Dog Friendly: Yes
Season: Year Round
Walkability: N/A
Other Locations
in home christmas
What better way to capture the sweet memories made at Christmas time than with an in home Christmas shoot! I've done so many fun things with families like cookie decorating, decorating the tree, wrapping the parents in Christmas lights, and everyone drinking hot coco!
Parking Fee: N/A
Dog Friendly: Yes
Season: Christmas
Walkability: N/A