The 10 Best Family Photoshoot Ideas Near Los Angeles

Los Angeles is an incredible city — it’s the center for some of the most significant arts in the U.S. Any work that photographers do here, by extension, is held to a high standard. You can find many excellent locations that are accessible to the public — but to give your clients a truly exclusive feel, consider renting out a special venue. With so many spaces to choose from, narrowing down your specific photoshoot location can be tricky, but we can help. Here’s a list of the 10 best family photoshoot ideas near Los Angeles.

1. Take portraits in a DTLA industrial Loft

Take a look at this large and bright loft space in downtown LA. It’s sparsely furnished, making the space a blank canvas for your family photoshoots. Not only do the tall windows allow for plenty of natural light, they also give you a great view of the city. Lighting equipment is available on site if you need it.

2. Visit Pershing Square

Pershing Square is a smaller public park, but it’s decorated with plenty of greenery and some unique, brightly colored walls that make a wonderful portrait backdrop for families. The park underwent a major redesign in 1992, and ever since then has been visually stunning and worth a visit. The space plays host to a variety of events, so be sure to plan your photoshoots around these. The square is also surrounded by picturesque skyscrapers.

3. Plan portraits at a professional photo studio in Glendale

This large photo studio is open seven days a week, 24 hours a day — so, you can be sure you’ll find a time that works best for your clients. There’s plenty of room for bigger families along the venue’s expansive infinity wall. This studio is also equipped with its own lighting equipment, as well as a 50” monitor if you want to shoot tethered. If you’re looking for a fully set-up studio that can hold big groups, this is a great choice.

4. Make your family photos fancy in a French chateau

The Kingsley House in the heart of LA is a great place to take family photos. Inside, you’ll find a spiral staircase, checkered marble floors, and intricately decorated rooms throughout. Outside is a beautiful backyard, complete with a pool, giving you some scenic outdoor backdrops for your photoshoot.

5. Book a bohemian studio for your portraits

This roomy DTLA space, located in a historic building, is large and brightly lit. Throughout the studio, you’ll find eclectic decorations that are sure to make any portraits stand out. The house is also filled with houseplants that give the space a feel that’s light and airy. There are several furniture pieces to give you multiple ways to pose subjects.

6. Plan outdoor portraits on a private ranch

If you want to have plenty of space to do outdoor shots, but also want the privacy offered by a short-term rental, then this picturesque ranch is the place for you. With 30 acres to spread out over, you’ll have a lot of options for backgrounds. Water features and outdoor furniture keep this space varied. Plan your shoot around available light and weather, as you’ll want to make the most of this amazing space.

7. Stroll through Little Tokyo

Also known as the Little Tokyo Historic District, this part of town is a great place to take family portraits. Located in downtown LA, Little Tokyo hosts the largest ethnically Japanese American population in the U.S. Here, you’ll find a variety of unique backgrounds for your photos, making this part of town worth visiting.

8. Take portraits in this luxurious loft

This modern loft is luxuriously decorated and well lit from a wall of large windows. Minimalist decoration and tasteful furniture accent any portraits you take here with your families. The loft also features a fireplace, which adds a unique touch to any shots where you use it as a backdrop. The space is smaller than most other offerings, so it may not be suitable for larger families.

9. Plan a photoshoot in this Silver Lake oasis

A Spanish-style villa, this property in Silver Lake offers plenty of backgrounds both indoors and out. Inside, you’ll find sunny rooms and tasteful decoration, from the furniture to the rugs. Everything exudes style. Outside, there’s plenty of greenery and outdoor furniture, so you have a variety of ways to pose your families and make unique portraits. This is a great location if you’re looking for a setting that feels hidden and exclusive. 

10. Visit Arcadia County Park

Arcadia Park is a great green space in the city. Complete with play areas, water features, memorials and a county center, this space has everything you need for an outdoor photo session. Plan your visit in the morning or the early evening when the sunlight is at its best, as some areas don’t have much shade to cut harsh overhead light.

Los Angeles has drawn some of the most talented people in the world. As such, you must work extra hard to make your work stand out from the rest. While much of this comes down to developing your personal creative vision, you can get inspiration by shooting in a fresh space — Peerspace can help connect you to some of the best short-term rentals available to photographers, making sure you have everything you need to make the best images you can.

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