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, Conejo Valley 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.
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.
LOS ANGELES // SF VALLEY
(Los Feliz, Silver Lake, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Downtown LA, Santa Monica, Burbank, Glendale, Encino, Sherman Oaks, Studio City, North Hollywood, Toluca Lake, Woodland Hills, West Hills, Tarzana)
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
CONEJO VALLEY
(Thousand Oaks, Calabasas, Oak Park, Westlake Village, Agoura Hills)
Oak Park Community Park // Wildwood Park // Peter Strauss Ranch // Conejo Valley Botanic Garden
SOUTH BAY
(Palos Verdes, Rancho Palos Verdes, Torrance, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Hermosa Beach, El Segundo, San Pedro, Rolling Hills Estates)
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 2026 private full 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.
Los Angeles // Valley
FernDell Park in Griffith Park
Elysian Park
Tree People Park
Pasadena City Hall
Pasadena Park
Downtown Pasadena
Orcutt Ranch Park
Santa Monica Beach
*no dogs allowed
Santa Monica Park
Arts District – Mateo
Arts District – Color Wall
Disney Concert Hall // Broad Museum
South Bay
St Francis Episcopal Church
Manhattan Beach
*no dogs allowed
Green Belt
Abalone Cove (*Near/Similar)
Palos Verdes Malaga Cove
Conejo Valley
Oak Park Community Park
Peter Strauss Ranch
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