Orange County Portrait Photographer
Why Shoot Portrait Photography in Orange County, California?
Orange County, California is one of those classic Oceanside towns you’ll only find in California. If I were to describe the area in one word, it would be “sophisticated” and the portraits I shoot in and around the area will naturally show that.
Tall palm trees, blue water, and lush green cliff sides make up much of the landscape. And the city is rife with opportunities to partake in the wealth and glamor that permeates the town.
However, my photography can be as low-key or as high-end as you want it to be. Orange County, California may be a rich town, but it’s full of natural and rugged beauty that will give us plenty of options to work with.
What You Can Wear for Portrait Photography in Orange County, California?
I always tell my clients, “come as you are.” That adage applies to most of my shoots. However, I’m always open to advise you if you need it. Depending on what you’re looking for in a portrait you may want to dress up or down for the occasion.
However, Orange County, California is a large, diverse area with many elements to pick and choose from. It’s best if we discuss where we’ll be shooting and then we can discuss your wardrobe.
Some of my clients even bring multiple sets! At the end of the day, it’s what you’re comfortable with but I’ll always be willing to offer my expertise.
Best Spots in Orange County, California for Portrait Photography
Orange County is one of those places where you can be almost anywhere and manage to capture a magic moment. However, there are some essential spots in Orange County for getting great photos that anyone planning a portrait session in Orange County should know about. I’ve been to each location and know each area well!
Irvine Spectrum Giant Wheel
Palm trees surround the Irvine Spectrum Giant Wheel, which is located within the lush courtyard of the Irvine Spectrum Center. During the day, striking blue skies give you plenty of vivid natural light. In the evening, the Center turns on its 52,000 LED lights to fill the space with neon hues that give off a party atmosphere.
Heisler Park
At Heisler Park, you have a bunch of different backdrops to choose from. The first thing you’ll see is the spectacular ocean views, complete with tide pools during low tide. Once your eyes are adjusted, you’ll notice the curious sculptures that dot the landscape. There’s something for everyone at Heisler Park.
Inspiration Point
This location is aptly named. I’ve found plenty of inspiration photographing my clients at this quaint observation point that overlooks the ocean. It’s a great spot during sunset, as the sun dips down, shadows become more aggressive and the light more subdued. It’s truly a magical time. Even during the day, I find the panoramic view of the ocean to be an inspiring source for my portraiture.
Mountain View Park
The view of the Santa Ana Mountains may be far away, but it’s sometimes the perfect way to capture an intimate portrait. The paradoxical nature of your foreground as it competes with a grand yet miniaturized background can bring an interesting quality to a shoot. Beyond the Santa Ana Mountains, Mountain View Park is full of lush landscaping and sweeping fields.
Why Choose Me as Your Orange County Portrait Photographer
I know Orange County like the back of my hand. I know what streets give that quintessential “Orange County” look and I know where to go to find the sophisticated, elegant, fun, and unorthodox. The truth is, I’m a great improvisational photographer.
With a little bit of old-fashioned intuition and maybe a little Googling or Instagramming, I’ll find that once-in-a-lifetime shot no matter where I am. But to me, Orange County is my home and it’s where my inventiveness shines because it’s fortified by intimate knowledge.
With portrait and headshot photography in Orange County, it’s not always about where you shoot but how you shoot. I have the tools, knowledge, and open-mindedness to make a place truly feel like it’s breathing through my photography. While portrait photography is often about the model, it’s often just as important to capture the energy of the location. I’ve found that skill through my determination as a photographer, and I continuously bolster it in my hometown of Orange County.
Facts About Orange County, California
Orange County is full of interesting trivia that can be a great talking point to accompany your photos. Believe it or not, it was once a place for both pirates and cowboys (though, not at the same time.) While I’m shooting, I like to list off my Orange County trivia to break the ice, so I thought I’d share it here, too.
Orange County was once a place for cowboys and robbers
Off of the 405, there is a spot called “Barton’s Mound”, which is meant to memorialize James Barton, the Sherriff of Orange County in 1857. He was gunned down by a notorious outlaw named Juan Flores on that exact spot.
There may be buried treasure somewhere in Orange County
In the early 1800s, the coastline of Orange County was a popular stopping point for pirates, in 1818, one such pirate by the name of Bouchard parked his vessel on the shore. Did they leave some treasure behind in their escape?
There is a rich German history in Orange County
You may not think of German ancestry when you think of OC, but a party of Germans indeed settled the area in 1856. In fact, Anaheim, is named “ana” for the nearby Santa Ana River juxtaposed with “heim”, which is German for “home”.