Outdoor Photography Location Overview
There are several locations in the Pasadena and Southern California area that are ideal for individual, family, or wedding portraits. You'll find that I've outlined several of those options below.
Private Gardens
When contemplating scenic photographic locations in the Pasadena area, there are three beautiful private gardens that generally come to the mind--the Los Angeles Arboretum, Descanso Gardens, and the Huntington Botanical Gardens.
Arboretum of Los Angeles County
Located in Arcadia, California, the Arboretum of Los Angeles County offers a cost effective and beautiful backdrop for many types of photography. It is also the home of the famous Queen Anne Cottage featured the opening sequence in the popular 70's television show Fantasy Island.
For casual portraiture involving one to four people where no wardrobe change required, there is no charge for photography on their grounds. Their standard entry fee is $7 for adults, $5 for students and seniors, $2.50 for children ages 5 to 12, and children under 5 are admitted free. The Arboretum's normal hours of operation are 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. However, since I am a Garden Sustainer member of the Arboretum, we may gain access at 8:00 a.m. (earlier than the general public). In addition, my membership also allows me to admit three (3) other adults and their children free of charge.
For sessions requiring wardrobe changes, larger groupings, wedding parties, or special lighting, in addition to my standard rate for photography, the Los Angeles Arboretum charges $175 for up to three hours of photography for up to 10 people. For groups up to 20 people, the charge is $275. For additional hours of photography beyond the initial three hours, a charge of $20 per hour will apply. Vehicles like Limousines may also be permitted on the grounds but the limousine service must provide proof of general liability insurance in the amount of $2,000,000.00 naming Los Angeles County Department of Parks and Recreation as “additional insured.” Full payment to the Los Angeles Arboretum is required at least two weeks in advance of the session. Based on availability, the arboretum will do its best to accommodate requests for access outside their normal hours of operation. For more information contact Jabari Bernstine at (626) 821-3244.
Descanso Gardens
Located in La Cañada Flintridge, Descanso Gardens offers an elegant background for your wedding and portrait photography needs. The Gardens are open every day of the year except Christmas day with photography accessibility from 9 am to 4pm Monday through Thursday. Friday, Saturday, Sunday hours are limited to between 9:00am to 2:00pm due to on site weddings which have first priority. If you select this location, you will need to check with the rental office regarding booking certain times on weekends. Descanso Gardens charges $250 for photo sessions lasting less than 2 hours. Those sessions can accommodate up to 10 people. A Descanso Gardens monitor at $20 per hour for a minimum of 2 hours is also required. For an 10 additional guests, an additional charge of $100 will apply.
Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens
The Huntington Library, Art Collections, and Botanical Gardens is one of the most beautiful locations available but it's also one of the most expensive. This San Marino landmark offers a backdrop for engagement photographs, weddings, formal family photo sessions, and personal portrait photography. In my opinion, there is no better location for outdoor portrait photography in Southern California. In addition to my standard rate for photography, the Huntington also charges $750 for up to three hours of photography for up to 15 people. Full payment to the Huntington is required at least three weeks in advance of the session.
The Huntington offers photography access Tuesday through Friday from 7:00am to 10:00am and from May 1 through September 4 from 5:00pm to 7:00pm. Saturday's and Sundays the gardens are available from 7:00am until sunset. The Huntington is also available between the hours of 10:00am and 5:00pm but additional charges will apply.
Public Parks
There are various public parks in the Pasadena area that you may wish consider as backdrops for your photos. The restrictions and availability of these locations vary.
Lacy Park
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Lacy Park, located at 1485 Virginia Road in San Marino, is situated on what were once General Patton's hunting grounds, Lacy Park includes 35 acres of green grass and mature trees. Two paved paths trace the perimeter of the large central grassy area, and provide an excellent backdrop for photography. Lacy Park's hours of operation are Monday – Friday (6:30am to Dusk), Weekend Hours (8:00am to 8:00pm - During Daylight Savings Time), and Weekend Hours (8:00am to 6:00pm - During Standard Time). Please note that if you're not a resident of San Marino, you'll be charged $3 for entry on Saturdays and Sundays. San Marino residents and children four and under are admitted free. If Lacy Park is selected, clients will be asked to pay for my admission.
Other Parks
Other parks that may be considered include Gwynn Park (formerly known as Sunny Slope Park) located on East Orange Grove Boulevard, on the corner of Sunny Slope Avenue in Pasadena. Another option is Victory Park located on 2575 Paloma Street in Pasadena. There are some rocks on the south side of the park that often work well in portraits. Yet another option is Michillinda Park in San Marino. That park is located at 3800 Michillinda Drive near the corner of Michillinda and West Huntington Drive.
Beaches
As residents of Southern California, we have many nearby beaches that make for excellent backdrops for portrait, engagement, and wedding photography. Some of those beaches includes Malibu Beach, Santa Monica Beach, Venice Beach, Manhattan Beach, and Hermosa Beach. However, many beaches require special permits for professiona photographers. The policy enforcement varies from beach to beach; however, it's important to note that I prefer to stay within the law when it comes following each city's still photography requirements.
Santa Monica Beach
With the Santa Monica pier, the strand (aka Ocean Front Walk), and of course the beach and surf itself as a natural backdrop, Santa Monica makes for a fabulous location for portrait or engagement session photography. However, the City of Santa Monica requires permits for professional still photography along with proof of $1,000,000 in business liability insurance (which I carry). Permits for still photography on the pier are $100 while permits for professional photography near the pier on surrounding beaches are $200. Fees are not applicable or required when the session is not a paid assignment or if the photos are being for personal use only. From my experience, for low-key engagement or portrait sessions where only a few people are present and no special lighting is used, we can hold your session there without difficulty. However, for larger productions, a pemit will be necessary. When meeting me for a beach photography session, I prefer to meet you at parking lot 1N located at 1550 Pacific Coast Hwy. The parking lot is located directly next to the Santa Monica pier (on the north side). I'll meet you at the southwest corner of the parking lot below the pier and near the entrance of the Ocean Front Walk pass through that leads bikers, walkers, and skaters under the pier. That description may sound a bit complicated but you really can't miss it. Please note that for all sessions held in Santa Monica, Venice, and Hermosa Beach, an additional one hour travel charge will apply in addition to my package pricing. For Manhattan Beach and Redondo Beach areas, an hour and a half travel charge will apply.
Urban
Old Town Pasadena
If you'd like an urban flair for your engagement session or portraits, I'm willing to photograph you in and around Old Town Pasadena. However, like all public locations, the local city policies indicate that a permit is required. However, as long as your session is not part of a commercial project, I'm willing to photograph you in this locations as long as you are aware of my Terms and Conditions related to the photography session. Please be aware that local authorities may approach us at any time and prevent the continuation of the session if you have not obtained a permit.
Pasadena City Hall
Photography around Pasadena City Hall has become one of my greatest passions. The architecture of the building is stunning and so varied that it allows for many different types of compositions. Like all public property, local city policies indicate that a permit is required to photograph in this location. However, as long as your session is not part of any commercial project, I'm willing to photograph you in this locations as long as you are aware of my Terms and Conditions related to the photography session.
