14 Awesome Photoshoot Ideas in Los Angeles

Need awesome photoshoot ideas in Los Angeles for your next project? Los Angeles continues to be one of the United States’ premier hubs for the arts and, as such, the city has no shortage of awesome places for your photoshoots. With some of the most beautiful views and beaches anywhere in the world, LA is where you’ll find plenty of great backgrounds both outdoors and indoors.

But if you want something a little more exclusive, consider shooting at an hourly rental, such as a mansion or studio — and Peerspace can connect you with such incredible venues. That said, here’s our list of 14 awesome photoshoot ideas in Los Angeles.

1. Bask in cliffside luxury at this private Malibu ranch

This private 30-acre ranch in Malibu Canyon offers you unparalleled grounds on which to live out the most awesome photoshoot ideas in Los Angeles. While here, you’ll have access to the Hacienda-style home, large private gardens, a horse ranch, and so much more. Be sure to browse through the photos on the ranch’s Peerspace listing and browse the hundreds of glowing reviews left by your fellow creatives.

Here is one review as an example: “AMAZING STUNNING LOCATION. I booked this location for my engagement photoshoot with my fiancé. This ranch is so beautiful and perfect for photoshoots. The host Suze was so helpful in showing us around the ranch and identifying the most scenic spots. I highly recommend this location. And make sure to ask for Suze’s restaurant recommendations!”

2. Get creative in this sun-drenched DTLA photo studio

Without a doubt, you’ll find that this downtown studio with mid-century flair is an ideal location for small productions. High ceilings and a large bay of windows let plenty of natural light hit a backdrop setup inside, making this a good space for shooting portraits or products. The venue has plenty of backdrops and props at your disposal, making it the perfect space to let loose, get creative, and have fun.

Check out this review from a Peerspace user who booked a shoot here: “Studio was gorgeous. Booked for a photo shoot at 2pm and the lighting coming through the floor to ceiling windows was great. Plenty of different color palettes to choose from. The hosts were kind and responsive! Highly recommend.”

3. Explore the desert at Joshua Tree National Park

Located to the east of Los Angeles, Joshua Tree is named for its native flora in the Mojave Desert. If you’re willing to do a little hiking for your shoot, then this is a great stop. There’s very little to defuse the light in the park, so plan your shoot according to the sun’s position. But if you think ahead, you’re sure to capture stunning desert backdrops.

Check out our list of cool secret spots in Joshua Tree and book the spaces that get your photoshoot mojo working.

4. Enjoy this studio’s boho aesthetic combined with a Southwestern vibe

This bright studio space is unlike any other in the Los Angeles area. Filled with bohemian decorations and houseplants, this space is where you’re sure to capture a modern aesthetic. Ideal for fashion shoots, the venue brims with natural light and features a variety of unique seating for poses.

“The studio was clean and tidy,” shares a Peerspace reviewer, “It offers a lot of different beautiful backdrops for photos and the natural light conning from the huge windows is really amazing. It was really easy to go in the building and parking was a breeze with the public parking right across the street. I would definitely recommend!”

5. Space out at Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is a great stop for any outdoor photoshoot. Not only is the building itself iconic, but the observatory is situated in Griffith Park on Mount Hollywood. As such, the place has some of the best views of the city around. You’ll also get a great view of the ocean to use as a backdrop, too.

You can also book this West Hollywood Hills home that offers you front-row seats to sights including Griffith Park. It was once owned by Barry Gibb of the Bee Gees and is incredibly photogenic itself.

6. Create a dreamworld in this lovely life-sized dollhouse

RagDoll’s Dollhouse may be the most extraordinary venue you ever work in. Red and pink walls throughout make the space stand out, and each room has its own theme — you’ll get a unique set of images wherever you work in the house. As an added bonus, there are a number of props and costumes you can use for your shoot.

It also has nearly 1,000 glowing reviews from members of the Peerspace community! Here’s one example: “Absolutely fantastic! Carol was so kind and the space was stunning. The attention to detail was incredible and I felt like I was living in a fairytale for every part of it. Would love to come back someday!”

7. Take a sunlit bath at this unforgettable loft

This unique loft has a lot to offer photographers. Firstly, you’ve got the massive windows that let in in a ton of light. Secondly, the space is filled with different set items — a clawfoot tub, bed, and baby grand piano. And you’ve got a classic white infinity wall for all your portrait needs. All in all, it’s the complete package.

We’re pretty sure past renters would agree with our summation. Here’s a review that shares how amazing the venue and its host are: “Easily one of the best and most pleasant experiences I’ve ever had renting a space. Chad was phenomenal and way more accommodating than anyone I’ve ever worked with. 20/10 would recommend. The space was clean, perfect, better than expected.”

8. Shoot the skyline from a private downtown rooftop

If your shoot calls for breathtaking city views, then you need to see the sweet and fun La Isla penthouse. The penthouse itself is 1,500 square feet and is filled with eclectic decor spread across two floors. And check out that private rooftop balcony complete with lounge seating, a pool, and a Jacuzzi. Heaven!

9. Take a blast to the past in this retro loft

For retro-themed shoots, this funky loft space is a great choice. The loft and kitchen are done up in a 1960s style, complete with vintage furniture and appliances. Large windows provide plenty of natural light and, while the space is on the smaller side, you’ll still have plenty of backdrop variety due to the vintage decoration.

10. Take gritty, industrial photos in this concrete warehouse

This massive warehouse is packed with concrete features, creating a highly dynamic visual environment. The space is also large enough to accommodate work with vehicles, so if your production involves a car, this space is one for your shortlist. There’s plenty of room for a crew of assistants in this venue, too, so go wild. Be sure to check out all the photos to better understand how amazing this warehouse is!

11. Soak up the sun at Venice Beach

Venice is a neighborhood in Westside, serving as a popular recreational retreat since its founding in 1905. The Ocean Front Walk in particular is a great source of backdrops for all kinds of photography. Additionally, you’ll have access to a variety of canals and beaches, any one of which will be an excellent place to shoot. Many LA photoshoots have featured swimsuit models, and Venice Beach is a classic place for this type of fashion or product photography.

Celebrate a job well done and soak in more beach views at this Venice rooftop on Peerspace. It’s a 2,000-square-foot apartment just one block from the beach.

12. Marvel at this surreal secret garden

This two-story loft is filled with plants and greenery, hence the “secret garden.” Concrete and urban design features meld with houseplants to create a unique aesthetic. It’s a little trippy and surreal, but very magical. A large balcony gives you breathtaking views of the hills and the Hollywood Sign. You can shoot on the rooftop of this building as well, but you’ll need to arrange that in advance.

And just check out this succinct review from a Peerspace user who booked a production here: “AMAZING. great space. dope people. love it. 10/10 recommended”

13. Get the ultimate mid-century aesthetic at this hip estate

Here, we have a fully restored mid-century home, impeccably designed to impress. Each room is decorated with vintage furniture, making the space both sophisticated and photogenic. Surrounded by incredible views of Benedict Canyon, you’ll have amazing outdoor backdrops wherever you choose to shoot on the beautiful wooden balcony. This is an ideal space for commercial or fashion shoots.

14. Admire the Santa Monica Pier

Finally, Santa Monica Pier is another great outdoor area for photoshoots. With both the ocean and the amusement park as backdrops, your images are sure to stand out with these iconic backgrounds. The surrounding beaches also give you an additional shooting location. Just be prepared to deal with crowds. Regardless, if you’re a photographer in LA, your portfolio’s not complete without a session at the pier.

Relax and unwind after your shoot at this Peerspace beach house just steps away from the Pier. It’s a private, designer space that is everything awesome photoshoot ideas in Los Angeles should lead to!

Awesome photoshoot ideas in Los Angeles: conclusion

LA is bursting with inspiration, but it takes a platform like Peerspace to help you corral all the awesome photoshoot ideas in Los Angeles in one spot. With new spaces added daily, it’s best to keep an eye on our platform and be the first to discover your latest source of creative inspiration!

Find production spaces near Los Angeles on Peerspace