Ventura county Locations
(no travel fee)
Below is a compiled list of my recommended Ventura County locations. But first, I’d like to talk about WHY I like to recommend a spot:
LIGHTING. Lighting is THE most important component of photography. I like to shoot primarily with the sun behind my subjects, or to the side of my subjects. This creates a beautiful glow behind hair, and even lighting on faces (aka - no shadows on your face, which is most flattering for your features).
BACKGROUND. Let’s say a client likes the idea of a certain background (a fountain, a specific tree, etc.). If the angle needed to have said background requires you to be facing stark sunlight, the photo will not turn out like the photos you see in my portfolio.
SCOUTING. This is probably most important. I have spent time at each of the locations below, finding all the best spots, at the correct time we are shooting. I can assure you there will be gorgeous backgrounds, with the proper lighting for photos. It will take away the guesswork, and make our time more efficient!
In conclusion, I would love to be able to lead you, take the stress away from picking a spot/extra planning, and be able to use the most of our time for shooting (not taking test shots)! I can’t tell you how many times a recommendation from a client, didn’t notice a building in the background, an ugly fence, street signs, bad lighting, etc. It is my job to help you get the best photos, to make them look like the photos in my portfolio, and I would love the opportunity to so :) If a first date spot is nostalgic and important to you, I am more than happy to discuss! I just can’t promise they will turn out the same way.
Thank you for reading, I hope you enjoy looking through these :)
this location is near kanan, it features cliffs over the ocean, lookouts over the ocean, view of a bay, rolling hills, and a plain beach background at the bottom.
it has very limited parking, a 10-15 minute walk from parking to our meet up spot, and a lot of walking / hiking between shooting areas. this location is best for a 1-2 hour session. i recommend comfy shoes you can slip on and off, heels are ok for some spots, and be prepared to go barefoot for some spots! (mini shoots here are slightly rushed). some photos…
this spot is near where the 23 fwy meets the beach. it has limited free street parking, or paid lot parking. shooting spots are relatively close together, but there is a steep hill we will need to walk down, then back up to finish. the walk also includes about 5 flights of stairs in addition to the hill. if the tide is high, we might get our feet wet! maybe important to note that i have broken a toe at this location 😂 but i’m clumsy… so take that with a grain of salt.
this spot has multiple awesome cliff views of the ocean, along with rock formations on the beach that make for interesting backgrounds. this is a HIGHLY populated beach. if you do not like people watching you, i would avoid this location. i recommend comfy shoes you can slip on and off, and be prepared to go barefoot for some spots! some photos…
this spot is near the ventura pier. a good amount of walking is involved, but there is plenty of easy access, free parking. this spot boasts yellow flowers almost all year long, views of the ocean (depending on the day), and beautiful mountains against winding streets.
sneakers/boots or heels are all appropriate at this location. going barefoot on the street is really pretty! i would still recommend comfy slides for in between spots, and a jacket for between spots! it can get chilly up here. if you are coming from out of town, i have a TON of dinner recommendations for after our session, that are two minutes from here. :) some photos…
one of my favorite locations if i do say so :) this location is in newbury park, and has limited parking (but i have yet to have trouble)! a good amount of walking here, including a pretty long paved hill, but it’s so worth it.
any type of shoe should be fine here. i would still bring a comfy shoe to slip on and off between spots. some photos…
other location ideas
~ that incur a varying extra fee ~
(usually parking/entrance and/or some gas money)
GETTY VILLA. SANTA BARBARA COURTHOUSE. VASQUEZ ROCKS. SANTA MONICA PIER. DOWNTOWN LA URBAN PARKING LOT. CATALINA ISLAND.
NATIONAL PARKS: JOSHUA TREE - YOSEMITE - BIG SUR
a few more things
〰️
a few more things 〰️
HOW TO PREP
LADIES! here are some things you might want to have ready before your session: NAILS - i don’t want you hiding your hands all shoot. have them done, fix any nails that fell off, and thank me later :) HAIR - if you dye your hair, consider a refresh before our session. hats are great, but you won’t want to have a hat in all of your photos.
what to wear
NEUTRALS!!! - your outfit shouldn’t compete for attention. we want the focus to be on you two. colors and patterns go in and out of style, and can really “age” a photo. neutrals are timeless.
GOOD ‘COLORS’ THAT FALL INTO THE NEUTRALS CATEGORY - cream, tan, brown, white, warm grey, and black. secondary colors *up to one max* include jean / baby blue, olive, mustard, and rust. (muted tones:)
IMPORTANT RULE OF THUMB - 3 COLORS MAX! example: one wearing a tan shirt / black pants / white shoes, other can wear black dress / white shoes / can incorporate tan or stick to 2 colors.
what not to wear
ANYTHING THAT’S NOT COMFORTABLE - i would hate for you to be focusing on anything other than your partner! if a strap or sleeve is too loose, a piece of clothing constantly needs to be pulled up, or even shoes that are too nice to get dirty - leave ‘em at home. :) find something you feel comfortable in, so that it’s one less thing on your mind.
ANYTHING YOU DON’T WANT IN YOUR PHOTOS - this should go without saying ;) but hair ties, socks that peak through unintentionally, a bra strap that won’t be concealed, anything like that. i do consider myself an expert at photoshop…but please don’t ask me for this as it can easily be avoided! honorable mention - no apple watches please! it will likely “age” your photos when you look back on them in 20 years. i don’t particularly love any watches in photos if i’m being honest!
what to bring
BRING A BIG BAG FOR YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS - this bag will be for your keys, phones, watches, ponytail holder, sunnies, etc. you should also bring flip flops or slides, as we often do a bit of walking!
TOTALLY OPTIONAL! BUT IT’S OFTEN NICE TO HAVE SOMETHING TO HOLD - you could bring: a bottle of champagne to pop (and drink if you want!!), a blanket, picnic basket, flowers or bouquet, a hat, custom jacket, etc. feel free to bring anything personal as well - if you skateboard, play basketball, a surfboard, etc. :)
nerves?
“WE ARE SO AWKWARD IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA” - everyone says it, ok? trust me, you’ve got nothing to worry about. i’ve got all the poses/prompts to make y’all forget there’s a camera in your face.
THIS SHOULD BE FUN!! - as intimidating as this may seem, it is actually a super fun date! maybe reward yourselves with dinner after since you’re all dressed up!
QUICK TIP TO COMBAT NERVES... have a drink if you do so! it is totally normal to feel nervous or anxious for photos, and it is not uncommon to have a drink or shot beforehand! heck, i’d even do one with ya;)
PINTEREST OUTFIT INSPIRATION:
are you a visual learner? me too! here is some pinterest outfit inspo! see example photos below *be sure to still follow the suggestions / rules of thumb above!! (not my photos)
