9 Birthday Photoshoot Ideas near Los Angeles

Some birthdays are more memorable than others, but there’s one easy way to make sure you never forget the experience: a birthday photoshoot. We’ve compiled a list of nine birthday photoshoot ideas near Los Angeles for you to make the most of your special day.

Some of these locations are the perfect spot to throw a party, while others are good places to celebrate your big day with a small group of friends. But all are stylish, inviting, and one-of-a-kind.

And that’s exactly what you get when you book a Peerspace venue, a truly unique space to call your own for a few hours. All of our venues are available to rent by the hour and are hosted by local creatives like yourself.

A lot of the ideas below take place at a Peerspace and include a link to the venue, a photo, and a description to give you a clear picture of what to expect. For other ideas that take place around the city, we’ll include nearby Peerspace venues. You know, in case you need an incredibly pristine and private space to relax in after! Be inspired by nine of our favorite birthday spots.

1. Invite guests of all ages to this backyard/patio in Los Feliz

Located near Griffith Park, this garden and pergola are as lovely as they are spacious. This rental is available on Peerspace and can fit up to 50 people. It includes tables, chairs, parking, an outdoor kitchen, and tons of charming ambiance! Rent this beautiful spot for the afternoon or simply an hour and take some fun photographs.

A Peerspace reviewer shared the following about his time at this garden: “Second time booking, and both times were fantastic! Antoine is a very kind and thoughtful host, and the backyard space was perfect for my gathering. Highly recommend!”

2. Spend a day at the Los Angeles Zoo

Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! The Los Angeles Zoo is home to all of these beloved creatures and much more. Spanning over 100 acres, the zoo features a botanical garden as well. After a fun-filled photo session, spend the rest of the day at the zoo, then see the real lions and tigers.

Why not take a breather after a day at the zoo by booking this Laurel Canyon Stairway to Heaven home? It’s an open-concept house with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout and boasts a serene vibe within its stunning architecture.

A CEO who booked it shared the following experience: “MAGNIFICENT house! I had a couple of meetings there during the day and besides the outstanding views, the space an amazing energy, all the details of it make sense, it’s a very special spot, HIGHLY recommend it.” Of course, all you need to do is see the photos to imagine the possibilities here!

3. Hike to an abandoned bunker nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains

Grab your friends and hike the Santa Monica Mountains to Murphy’s Ranch, allegedly a bunker for German sympathizers during World War II. There are several abandoned buildings there covered in colorful graffiti, and it’s a popular spot for photographers looking for an artsy, off-beat vibe. You may not be the only person there, but it’s still one of the best birthday photoshoot ideas near Los Angeles. Just be warned — there are a lot of steps!

Relax and unwind after your trek by heading over to this nearby elegant poolside venue in Mar Vista. You and your guests can take a dip in the pool, stretch out on the oak sun loungers, and gaze at the verdant tropical foliage. Definitely a fun way to cap off your birthday photoshoot!

Our Instagram photoshoot ideas in Los Angeles post introduces you to more incredible LA locations. Check it out!

4. Enjoy your birthday in a home with Hollywood sign views

Getting photos in front of the Hollywood sign has become a bit of a cliche. But for new arrivals to LA, it’s a rite of passage! Start off your birthday photoshoot at this incredible Beachwood Canyon home that is gorgeous inside and out. Take your birthday photos on the large deck just off the master bedroom that has panoramic views of the Hollywood sign and the surrounding scenery.

After your shoot, stick around and enjoy time a dinner party in the home followed by a moonlit swim in the heated pool.

5. Celebrate your big day in true Hollywood style

Life in Hollywood can be anything you want it to be — glamorous, unforgettable, you name it! This Franklin Hills property is available for rent on Peerspace at an affordable price yet with lavish views. Invite a few friends and snap some shots of you drinking champagne on the porch. Live up the high life on your birthday!

A Peerspace reviewer who booked this home for an event shared the following rave review: “What can I say but WOW! If you’re looking for an amazing sunset, absolutely beautiful decor, and an incredible patio for a party, this is your spot! Not to mention Ofer is a super sweet guy who will make sure your event is perfect. Already looking forward to coming back!”

6. Unleash your inner child at this colorful downtown loft

Plan an incredible photoshoot at this vibrant loft full of mid-century furnishings, plants, and textiles. The variety of colors and textures on display will light up your Instagram feed, showing off your zen energy to all of your friends. This DTLA loft is available on Peerspace — and it’s very affordable at just $75 per hour.

A Peerspace reviewer who held her own birthday party at its loft shared the following review. “Gabrielle was so kind and lovely! Her space was absolutely beautiful, absolutely perfect for the little birthday pre-game my friends and I had planned. The ambience was perfect, and I couldn’t believe that we had free run of such a special place. Would absolutely book again for a big group dinner or photoshoot!”

7. Celebrate by the sea at this beautiful house in Malibu

While it’s a little on the pricey side, this stunning Malibu beach home is an ideal spot for a once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot to celebrate your big day. With over 3,100 square feet of space and lots of natural lighting, you can get some shots indoors or on the balcony overlooking the Pacific.

It’s available to rent on Peerspace, and you can utilize the four bedrooms, four bathrooms, open kitchen, and other stunning elements of this home in your shoot. Afterward, invite your friends and enjoy some champagne and the sunset!

A Peerspace user gave a helpful review concerning their own birthday party here: “Joubin was great! Very helpful and accommodating. The house was beautiful clean and spacious. We had a great time for a special birthday! Highly recommend this rental.”

For more birthday party planning inspiration, check out our fun Los Angeles birthday celebration ideas guide!

8. Stroll the grounds at the Getty Villa

You don’t have to fly to Italy to get some shots at a Greco-Roman villa. Immortalize your birthday with a photoshoot at the Getty Villa in Malibu, just a short drive from downtown LA. Commercial photography isn’t allowed, but don’t let that stop you from strolling the gardens and getting some candid shots in front of the fountains. Dress a little fancy and show off your elegant side.

Alternatively, you can book some time at this Bel Air mansion with Getty views. Soak in the culture from a lavish perch while soaking in the saltwater pool. Sounds like a birthday shoot to remember in our opinion!

9. Admire the view of the city at Griffith Observatory

The Griffith Observatory is a charming landmark in Los Angeles; look forward to reflecting on the passage of time by taking some pictures in front of the observatory or at the viewpoints overlooking the city. This incredibly photogenic spot has appeared in famous movies, including Rebel Without a Cause, The Terminator, and La La Land. It’s one of our favorite birthday photoshoot ideas near Los Angeles.

Want your own private view of the Griffith? Then why not book a charming Peerspace like this mid-century modern home that overlooks Griffith Observatory and Echo Park? It’s perched atop a private hilltop in Glassell Park Hills and boasts a beautifully furnished deck and an MCM-styled interior.

Bonus: Explore the La Brea Tar Pits

La Brea Tar Pits & Museum takes you back to circa Ice Age Los Angeles with its namesake bubbling tar pits. Get your science on as you explore the tar pits (from a safe distance, of course!) and watch archeologists dig for fossils. It’s a must-see site in Los Angeles for any lover of natural wonders and can make for some very fun birthday photos.

When you finish snapping pics here, head across the street to this adorable rustic cafe that offers perfect tar pit views. The huge windows let in plenty of natural light and are ideal for snapping more birthday photos! You can also bring in your catering team to use the cafe’s kitchen for their prep work. Consult the helpful host for any recommendations.

A Peerspace reviewer who booked this cafe for an important event shares: “This space was amazing!!! Just right for our after wedding brunch. The kitchen area is large and perfect for prepping and serving food. The view of the Tar Pits is beautiful and makes this place so charming and quaint. Would definitely recommend. Maya is a great host!”

Birthday photoshoot ideas in Los Angeles come to life with Peerspace

Deciding on a place to celebrate and immortalize your birthday can be tough, so we’ve made it easy to find everything you need right here on Peerspace. Some of our locations offer camera and equipment rentals for your shoot, and many offer a full bar and catering services.

You can keep your photoshoot small and simple, or invite all your friends and celebrate your birthday in style. Whichever you choose, we hope this list gives you some great ideas for a memorable photoshoot. Why not make it a birthday tradition and do a photoshoot every year?

Find photoshoot locations in Los Angeles on Peerspace