Top 10 Outdoor Family Portrait Locations In Orange County
Top 10 Outdoor Family Portrait Locations In Orange County
I'm guessing you found this page because you are considering getting family portraits. I am excited to share my favorite 10 outdoor family portrait locations in Orange County with you. I have gathered useful ideas and important details from photographing families in Orange County for the past 20 years. Some of my favorite parks are right here in Huntington Beach and Irvine. Additionally, if you live in Orange County or are just visiting you are in luck since we have the best coastline and beaches in California.
As a lifelong surfer and OC native, I have discovered some of the best-hidden gems within our local parks and along the coast for family photos. Families are always pleasantly surprised when they show up for their photo session and I take them right to the perfect spot.
So whether you have just started your journey, are in the beginning stages of planning family portraits, or it's just an idea that you would like to look into further.
In this guide, I break down important details of each location. These are all local places where I photograph families, couples, and individuals for their portrait sessions year-round.
As you scroll through this page there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Your family's style
- Best time of year/day for photos
- Traffic/Crowds at the location
- Permit fees

I hope this guide helps you choose the best location for your family without the headache. Learn more about Christopher Todd Studios' family photography today.
1. Huntington Central Park
Location: Huntington Beach near the 405 freeway.
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 paved paths. There is a secret garden and a large pond both great for portrait backdrops.
This park is serene, beautiful, and perfect for portraits. Read More about Huntington Central Park
What we love: This park is one fo the best Huntington Beach photo spots around. The open space, nature, lighting, and accessibility. Within the park, there are many hidden gems that I will take you to. This location is perfect for any size group.
Address: 7111 Talbert Ave. Huntington Beach, CA 92648
Best time of day to shoot: Mornings and late afternoon before sunset. This location is great all year round.
Permits and Fees: None
Parking: Easy. Free onsite parking lot.
Restrooms: Yes
Traffic/Crowds: Low. Plenty of space to avoid people in the background. Weekends tend to be busier than midweek.
2. Seal Beach Pier & Main Street
Location: Between Long Beach and Huntington Beach
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. Get more details about Seal Beach family portraits.
What we love: This is my favorite iconic pier to take families to. It is one of the longest wooden piers around, perfect for photos. The sunsets are beautiful. We love taking beach family photos at this location.
Address: 900 Ocean Ave, Seal Beach, CA 90740
Best time of day to shoot: Late afternoon before sunset. This location is great all year round. Fall and winter are my favorite times here in my opinion this is when you get the best sunsets.
Permits and Fees: None
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.
3. Newport Beach Pier
Location: Balboa Penninsula, Newport Beach,
This is a popular beach town amongst locals and tourists. The municipal wooden pier is one of two piers in Newport Beach. This is a great spot for your family portraits. See more photos from a Newport Beach Pier family session.
What we love: The wooden pillars are perfect for a background. Sunsets are a beautiful time for portraits. See more outdoor family photo ideas here.
Address: 70 Newport Pier, Newport Beach, CA 92663
Best time of day to shoot: Late afternoon before sunset. This location is great for your Newport Beach photo spots in the Fall and Winter.
Permits and Fees: None
Parking: Paid metered street parking. There is a large paid parking lot near the pier. To save time download the Parkmobile app making it easy to pay for parking. You can also pay at the parking kiosk with a credit card.
Restrooms: Yes
Traffic/Crowds: High traffic. Summer is the peak season. Very crowded with locals and tourists. Could impact your photos with people in the background.
4. Irvine Regional Park
Location: Orange, CA
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. Learn more about family portraits at Irvine Regional Park.
What we love: The leaves turn golden yellow in the fall. Plenty of nature and natural backgrounds. Outdoor photoshoot ideas here include: fall leaves, walking around the lake, and using natural foliage in the backdrop. I like to meet families in a designated parking lot. They are numbered so this makes it easy to connect. I will lead you through an easy section of the park on a small loop targeting all the best spots for your photos.
Address: 1 Irvine Park Rd, Orange, CA 92869
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.
5. Laguna Beach
Location: Shaws Cove
This Laguna Beach cove is tucked away off PCH. To get here you have to go through a small neighborhood. Shaws Cove is the perfect hidden spot that only locals know about. Crystal blue waters, beautiful cliffs, and tide pools make this an ideal portrait location. Get more details about photo sessions at Laguna Beach.
What we love: This is one of the best photo spots in Orange County for beach family pictures. It is beautiful and the bluffs in the background make Laguna Beach unique. The sunsets here are stunning. Laguna Beach photo spots here are unforgettable.
Address: Just off PCH in Laguna Beach
Best time of day to shoot: Early afternoon based on the tidal chart. This location is best in the Fall and Winter. Spring and early summer can be overcast and have a heavy marine layer. Before each photoshoot here I check the tidal chart and plan accordingly.
Permits and Fees: Yes you need a Laguna Beach photography permit. The cost is $100. This permit covers up to 2 hours of photography. We can help you arrange a permit with the city.
Parking: Paid metered street parking. Some free street parking in the nearby neighborhood. Be sure to leave yourself plenty of time to find parking, especially if you are going for the golden hour during sunset.
Restrooms: No
Traffic/Crowds: High traffic. Summer is the peak season. Very crowded with locals and tourists. Could impact your photos with people in the background. Other Laguna Beach photoshoot locations to consider are Heisler Park, Treasure Island, or Main Beach.
6. Noguchi Garden
Location: Costa Mesa, California just off the 405 freeway
One of the most unique places to take pictures in Orange County is Noguchi Garden in Costa Mesa, California. This outdoor urban garden is 1.6 acres of open space surrounded by office buildings and tall corporate buildings. Here you will find lush foliage, tranquil pathways, and peaceful courtyards. Just a short walk to Southcoast Plaza and fine dining.
What we love: The modern outdoor sculpture garden has a variety of backgrounds. A perfect location to create unique portraits of your family. The lighting here is great. One of the most unique photoshoot locations in the heart of Orange County.
Address: 611 Anton Blvd, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Best time of day to shoot: Early in the morning or late afternoon. All-year-round.
Permits and Fees: None
Parking: Easy. 2 paid parking structures.
Restrooms: No
Traffic/Crowds: Medium. Because this is an outdoor space with office buildings there is some foot traffic midweek. The best time would be Sunday morning.
7. The LAB Anti-Mall
Location: Costa Mesa
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. This is a fun location for families, or individuals looking for portraits that are not at the beach or park. For fun places to take pictures Orange County is considered to have the best choices.
Address: 2930 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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.
8. The Camp
Location: Costa Mesa
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.
Address: 2937 Bristol St, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
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.
9. Tewinkle Park
Location: Costa Mesa across from the OC Fair Grounds
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. This park is easy to meet at. I begin the photo shoot by the parking lot and take you on a loop through the park, stopping along the way at all the best backdrops.
Address: 970 Arlington Dr, Costa Mesa, CA 92626
Best time of day to shoot: Weekdays late afternoon. Weekend mornings.
Permits and Fees: None
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.
10. San Clemente Pier
Location: San Clemente
San Clemente Pier Beach is the main city beach of San Clemente. The beach is wide and sandy on both sides of the pier. There is an active railroad track that runs right behind the beach. This beach also has a nice setting with palm trees and grassy areas near the pier entrance. I like to meet families in the grassy area where we begin our photoshoot. Then we walk down to the sand and under the pier for some more fun photos. Another great spot for photos is by the lifeguard tower and the back side of the rocks near the railroad tracks. Don't worry we stay safely away from the active train tracks. See our San Clemente Pier photos here.
What we love: The soft sand and the small grassy area by the parking lot.
Address: 100 S Alameda Ln San Clemente, CA 92672
Best time of day to shoot: Morning or late afternoon. This location is best in the Fall and Winter. Spring and early summer can be overcast and have a heavy marine layer.
Permits and Fees: None
Parking: Paid metered parking lot and metered street parking. Some free street parking in the nearby neighborhood.
Restrooms: Yes
Traffic/Crowds: High traffic. Summer is the peak season. Very crowded with locals and tourists. Could impact your photos with people in the background.
On A Final Note
Orange County has so much to offer for diverse and unique portrait locations. Some of the best places to take pictures in Orange County are located in Huntington Beach, Newport Beach, and Laguna Beach.
If you love my Top 10 Outdoor Family Portrait Locations In Orange County or would like some help planning your next family portrait please be sure to connect with us and let us know. We also have a great list of engagement photo locations in Orange County.
Feeling stressed out about what to wear for your family photos? We have put together a really useful guide on what colors are the best for family portraits.
FAQs
How to dress for outdoor family photos
When it comes to family photos, the most important thing is to wear something that makes you feel comfortable and confident. However, there are a few tips that can help you create a more flattering look and accentuate your best features:
Choose a color palette: neutral tones are a safe bet.
Stick to solid colors: Neutral colors such as black, navy, grey, or white are classic and timeless. Loud and bold colors can be distracting in photos.
Avoid patterns and prints: Busy patterns can be distracting and take away from the faces.
Dress up a little: Even if it's just wearing a collared shirt or a nice dress, this will influence the final outcome of the photos.
Wear layers: Layered clothing can add texture and interest to the photos.
Avoid shorts or short skirts: Shorts and short skirts can be unflattering and cut the legs off in photos.
Consider the hemline: Knee-length or just above the knee is the most flattering hemline for most people in photos.
Fitted Clothing: Wearing fitted clothing can help create a streamlined look and downplay any areas that you might want to conceal.
Avoid Baggy Clothing: Avoid wearing baggy clothing, as it can make you look larger and add bulk to your silhouette.
Choose the Right Fabric: Choose fabrics that drape nicely and don't cling to your body, such as cotton, silk, or rayon.
Accessorize: Wearing a statement necklace, earrings, or scarf can draw attention to your face and away from your body.
Comfortable Footwear: Wearing comfortable, supportive shoes with a low heel can help elongate your legs and create a flattering look.
When deciding on your outfits or planning the family attire, keep in mind the location you choose, how formal or informal you want the portraits to be, and the overall style of your family. Here are some general guidelines that can help.
How long does it take to photograph a family?
The amount of time it takes to photograph a family depends on a few factors. Most professional photographers can photograph an average size family of 4-5 members in 30-60 minutes. You can expect a session to be quicker when the children are 10 years old and older. If small children, toddlers, or babies are being photographed the session might take a bit longer depending on the temperament of the child. A good photographer will be able to work with all ages and get the best out of everyone.
When adding extended family to a photoshoot expect to add 15 minutes per family unit.
Where to take outdoor family pictures near me
Here are some tips for creating great family portraits for beginners:
Always plan ahead: Decide on the location and poses in advance. This will ensure a smooth and efficient photo shoot.
Pay attention to lighting: Good lighting can make a huge difference in the final result. Use natural light or add artificial light sources as necessary.
Interact with your subjects: Engage with your subjects, make them feel comfortable, and help them to relax to get natural-looking photos. Be their facial coach and posing guide.
Use a good camera and lens: Invest in good-quality professional equipment to ensure the highest image quality.
Consider the background: Make sure the background is clean and uncluttered and not distracting.
Take a variety of shots: Take a mix of posed and candid shots, as well as close-ups and full-body shots, to create a well-rounded collection of images.
Edit and post-process your photos: Proper editing and post-processing can enhance your photos and bring out the best in your subjects.
Get everyone involved: Encourage your subjects to interact and have fun during the photo shoot to capture real, authentic moments.
Be creative: Try new poses and perspectives to create unique and interesting photos.
Have patience: Family photo shoots can be hectic, but try to remain calm and patient to get the best results.
What family photography tips for clients do you recommend?
Here are some tips specifically for moms during a family photo shoot:
Come prepared: Make sure you have all the necessary items for the shoot, such as extra clothing, snacks, and toys for the kids.
Relax: Try to relax and enjoy the experience, as this will help create a relaxed and comfortable atmosphere for the rest of the family.
Communicate with the photographer: Clearly communicate your vision and expectations during the planning meeting for the photo shoot to ensure that the final result meets your expectations.
Get everyone on board: Encourage everyone in the family to get involved and participate in the photo shoot, and make sure everyone feels comfortable and at ease.
Have patience: Family photo shoots can be hectic, but try to remain calm and patient, even when things don't go as planned.
Get involved in the posing: Don't be afraid to get involved in the posing and suggest poses that you think will look good.
Be open to suggestions: Be open to the photographer's suggestions and ideas for poses, as they may have professional experience and insights that can help improve the final result.
Take breaks: If the kids get fussy or restless, take a break and let them run around or play for a bit.
Enjoy the moment: Remember to enjoy the experience and create memories with your family, as the photo shoot is not just about getting good pictures, but about spending quality time together.
Meet Christopher Todd: Your Orange County Photographer
Hi, I’m Christopher Todd! I launched
Christopher Todd Studios back in 2000, but my love for photography started long before that.
Born and raised in Orange County, I’ve spent my life exploring this beautiful area. From surfing in Huntington Beach to discovering the best photo spots across the OC. Over the past
25 years as a professional photographer, I’ve continued to learn, grow, and refine my craft.