After photographing families for nearly two decades, people sometimes ask if I ever run out of places to shoot. I’ve been photographing families in Southern California for 19 years, and it may sound surprising, but the truth is the opposite.
This area is incredibly diverse. From coastal beaches to hidden parks, historic architecture, and scenic nature trails, there are endless possibilities for beautiful photo locations. The key to keeping sessions fresh and unique is constantly scouting new locations for photo sessions.
Over the years I’ve developed a simple process for discovering new spots that work well for family photography. Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how I scout photo locations from start to finish.
How I Find the Best Photo Locations in Southern California
Step 1: Start with Satellite View
The first place I begin is usually satellite view in Google Maps.
I zoom out and slowly scan different areas looking for anything that might be interesting visually. I’m usually searching for things like:
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large green parks
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coastal areas or beaches
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unique architecture
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open fields or nature trails
Satellite view makes it easy to quickly spot areas with interesting textures, pathways, or open spaces that might work well for photos.
Step 2: Use Street View to Get a Closer Look
Once I spot something that looks promising, I use the Street View feature in Google Maps.
By dragging the little person icon onto the map, I can explore the area as if I were standing there. This gives me a better sense of the scenery, lighting, and overall feel of the location before I ever drive there.
Sometimes a spot that looks great from above turns out to be less interesting up close, so this step helps narrow down the most promising locations.
Step 3: Visit the Location in Person
If the location still looks promising after checking it online, the next step is to visit in person.
When scouting, I usually try to plan a day where I can explore several potential locations at once. Seeing the space in person helps me understand things you can’t always see online, like:
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how busy the area is
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what the background actually looks like
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whether the scenery works for photography
Walking through the space also helps me imagine how a family session might flow there.
Step 4: Check the Sun and Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important parts of photography, so I always check how the sun moves through a location.
To do this I use the Sun Tracker AR app, which shows exactly where the sun will be in the sky at different times of day.
This helps me determine whether a location works best for:
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morning sessions
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afternoon sessions
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sunset photos
Some locations that look beautiful during the day may not work well during sunset, so this step helps ensure the lighting will be ideal.
Step 5: Make Notes for Clients
While scouting, I also take notes that will help make the experience easier for families when they arrive for their session.
Some of the things I look for include:
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how easy it is to find parking
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where the best meeting spot is
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whether the location might be confusing to find
I’ll often take quick photos of landmarks or pathways so I can give clear directions to future clients.
These little details help make the session feel smooth and stress-free.
Step 6: Plan a Sample Photo Shoot
The final step is setting up a sample photo session at the new location.
This allows me to test the lighting, angles, and backgrounds while also creating beautiful images I can share with future clients who might want to book a session there.
It also helps families visualize what their photos could look like in that location.
Why Location Scouting Matters
Scouting locations is one of the ways I keep family sessions feeling fresh and unique. Even after 19 years of photographing families, there are still new places to discover throughout Southern California.
Taking the time to explore new areas helps me offer clients a variety of beautiful settings, whether they’re looking for a beach session, a park filled with greenery, or something with a little more architectural character.
The goal is always the same: finding locations that create beautiful light, natural scenery, and a relaxed environment where families can simply enjoy time together.