Our Favorite Mini Session Locations

Portrait

August 19, 2025

It’s that time where everyone starts scouring to figure out what is THE best place for their family photos (which typically turn into your annual holiday cards). Let me save you the headache. This is it, the best of the best mini session locations in Southern California – Los Angeles, the Valley, Orange County and South Bay. Whether you want to change it up and do photos at the beach this year, or you want a modern, industrial feel.

LOS ANGELES // VALLEY

FernDell Park // Elysian Park // Tree People // Pasadena City Hall // Pasadena Park // Downtown Pasadena // Orcutt Ranch Park // Santa Monica Beach // Santa Monica Park // DTLA Arts District // Broad Museum // Disney Concert Hall

ORANGE COUNTY

Seal Beach // Irvine Regional Park // Sycamore Canyon Park // Schabarum Regional Park // Cedar Grove Park

SOUTH BAY

St. Francis Episcopal Church // Manhattan Beach // Green Belt // Abalone Cove (*near/similar) // Malaga Cove

HEADS UP!

The following spots or any location not listed above are only available for 2025 Private Family Sessions and may require additional permit fees:

Griffith Observatory // Arlington Gardens // Los Angeles Botanical Gardens // The ROW

See our full list of top LA locations for full private family sessions here.

BOOK A MINI OR FULL PRIVATE SESSION HERE

Finding the ideal location is just as crucial as choosing the right photographer. In LA, it can be tricky, navigating permitting requirements, dealing with crowds, managing visual clutter, and ensuring there’s ample space for your kids to run around. How do you find a place with beautiful lighting, minimal red tape, a style that fits your vision, convenience, and a playful atmosphere?

I’ve got you covered. Here are some of our favorite locations for your next photo session. If you have a specific spot in mind or want to explore other locations that may require a fee (that’s a whole other list), let’s chat! While there are plenty more out there, these locations stand out as the best for capturing holiday photos with kids of all ages.

BOOK YOUR SESSION HERE