Here is a guide of our favorite family portrait locations in Orange County! This will help you to choose the best location to capture those family portraits now that you finally have the family all together. These locations are also great for headshots, and other types of portraits.
Newport Beach Pier
The best thing about the Newport Beach Pier is the golden sun that sets behind the pier. There are also some great old brick buildings nearby that offer up a vintage or retro look. You can also walk to the bayside of the peninsula for harbor views and sailboats in your backgrounds. Newport Beach is always very busy in the Summer months or weekends in the winter when the weather is nice. Be sure to arrive early so you can avoid the stress of finding a parking space. Learn more about us at Orange County Family Photographer
Location: Newport Beach Pier in Central Orange County
Parking: Metered Parking in public lot on North side of pier. Enter off W. Balboa Blvd.
Restrooms: Yes. Located at the entrance of the pier.
Best time of day for photography: One hour before sunset. The best sunsets in Orange County are in the Winter from December-February.
Seal Beach Main Street & Pier
Address: 900 Ocean Ave, Seal Beach, CA 90740
Seal Beach is Orange County's most northern beach. This quaint beach town has all the right vibes. Take a stroll down Main St. as you walk toward the municipal pier. Plenty of great backdrops for your portrait session. While these are 2 locations, they can easily be combined in the same session or simply choose the pier or Main St. if you prefer.
What we love: The pier is one of the longest wooden piers around, perfect for photos. The sunsets are beautiful.
Best time of day to shoot: Late afternoon before sunset. This location is great all year round. Fall and winter are our favorite times here.
Location: Between Long Beach and Huntington Beach
Parking: Paid parking lot by the pier. Limited free street parking.
Restrooms: Yes
Traffic/Crowds: Medium. Weekends tend to be busier than midweek. Summer has an influx of tourists.
Huntington Central Park
Here you will find over 350 acres of land. The peaceful setting of open grass fields and extensive tree and flower plantings is used for various activities such as picnics, biking, playing, and walking along the paved paths. This park is serene, beautiful, and perfect for portraits.
What we love: The open space, nature, lighting, and accessibility.
Best time of day to shoot: Mornings and late afternoon before sunset.
Parking: Easy. Free onsite parking lot.
Restrooms: Yes
Traffic/Crowds: Low. Plenty of space to avoid people in the background.
The OC Mix
A modern outdoor stylish rustic space. Small retail shops and restaurants with a creative flair. A central location for Orange County shoppers.
What we love: The modern rustic vibe. Multiple backgrounds to choose from.
Best time of day to shoot: Early in the morning or late afternoon.
Parking: Easy. Free parking lot on site
Restrooms: No
Traffic/Crowds: Medium. Because this is an outdoor space with small shops there is some foot traffic. Weekdays will be less crowded than weekends. The best time would be Sunday morning.
The Lab
This modern airy outdoor mall known as the Anti-mall is a unique colorful place. Lots of modern nooks and crannies here.
What we love: The unique vibe, and colorful backgrounds.
Best time of day to shoot: Early in the morning or late afternoon. All-year-round.
Permits and Fees: Yes.
Parking: Free & valet parking. Parking lot and street parking are available.
Restrooms: Yes
Traffic/Crowds: Medium. Because this is an outdoor space with small shops there is some foot traffic. Weekdays will be less crowded than weekends. The best time would be Sunday morning.
The Camp
Dedicated to being a retail complex featuring health-conscious & eco-friendly local shops, services & eateries. Unique and bright.
What we love: The unique outdoor space. All the colors and eco-friendly spots.
Best time of day to shoot: Early in the morning or late afternoon. All-year-round.
Permits and Fees: Yes.
Parking: Free & valet parking. Parking lot and street parking available.
Restrooms: Yes
Traffic/Crowds: Medium. Because this is an outdoor space with small shops there is some foot traffic. Weekdays will be less crowded than weekends. The best time would be Sunday morning.
Tewinkle Park
This park features 49 acres of open space. This peaceful park is in the heart of Costa Mesa. Featuring a large lake, water fountains, and waterfalls. See photos at Tewinkle Park
What we love: The huge boulders and lake make a beautiful backdrop.
Best time of day to shoot: Weekdays late afternoon. Weekend mornings.
Parking: Easy. Free parking. Parking lot and street parking are available.
Restrooms: No
Traffic/Crowds: Low. Plenty of places to photograph without people in the background. However, can get very crowded on weekends and when the weather is nice.
Irvine Regional Park
Address: 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
Rolling foothills, Oak and Sycamore trees surround this park. Creating a variety of natural scenery and wildlife. There is plenty of shade and open space to create a full portrait session. In addition, there is a creek and a pond inside the park. This leisure park is serene and beautiful.
What we love: The leaves turn golden yellow in the fall. Plenty of nature and natural backgrounds.
Best time of day to shoot: Mornings and early afternoon. This location is great all year round.
Permits and Fees: None
Parking: Paid parking lot on site. Parking fees: $3 per vehicle entry Monday - Friday; $5 Saturday - Sunday; Higher for some holidays and events.
Restrooms: Yes
Traffic/Crowds: Low. Plenty of space to avoid people in the background. Weekends tend to be busier than midweek.
Getting families together for portraits can feel impossible!
We offer flexible scheduling and will make your photography experience fun and relaxing. You will be enjoying those beautiful portraits you have been wanting on your walls in no time.
Give us a call now: 949-436-9357