THANK YOU FOR BOOKING
THANK YOU FOR BOOKING
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, and even lighting on faces (no harsh 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. Most important! I have spent time at each of the below locations. Finding all the best spots, at the correct time of day 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!
Thank you for reading!
LOCATION ONE
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LOCATION ONE 〰️
1.
This location is in Newbury Park near the road to the beach, and is one of my favorite locations! There is a parking lot, for easy access. This location involves walking across a street, and some uneven terrain where we watch for potholes. I recommend boots or covered feet as there is some tall grass and shrub. This place shines after the sun goes behind the mountains.
This spot drastically ranges in color between seasons. But it is always stunning, whether it’s yellow, brown or green!
1.
LOCATION TWO
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LOCATION TWO 〰️
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This spot is in Agoura near the road to the beach. It is technically trespassing, but it’s a beautiful spot for quick mini sessions! There is parking on the street a step away from where we take photos.
This tree makes for a stunning backdrop. I recommend boots or shoes that fully cover your feet, as there are some potholes and brush. I also recommend bringing a blanket for some photos laying down!
2.
LOCATION THREE
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LOCATION THREE 〰️
3.
This location is in Newbury Park near the road to the beach, and is one of my favorite locations! There is an entire parking lot here. This location involves walking across a street, and over some uneven terrain. We should watch for potholes here.
Any type of shoe should be fine here, boots, heels, etc. Please still bring a comfy shoe to slip on and off between spots. Walking in heels here might give you some trouble when the ground is soft.
This spot drastically ranges in color between seasons. But it is always stunning, whether it’s yellow, brown or green!
3.
LOCATION FOUR
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LOCATION FOUR 〰️
4.
This spot is near where the 23 fwy meets the beach. It has very 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 includes about 5 flights of stairs in addition to the hill. If the tide is high, we might get our feet wet!
There are multiple cliff views of the ocean here, along with rock formations on the beach that make for beautiful 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 on the sand.
4.
LOCATION FIVE
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LOCATION FIVE 〰️
5.
This location is in Newbury Park near the road to the beach, and is one of my favorite locations! There is limited parking here, but I have yet to have trouble. This location involves a good amount of walking to get to the top of the pretty long paved hill, but it’s so worth it.
Any type of shoe should be fine here, boots, heels, etc. Please still bring a comfy shoe to slip on and off between spots. Trust me, no one wants to walk the paved hill in heels! Speaking from experience ;)
This spot drastically ranges in color between seasons. But it is always stunning, whether it’s yellow or green!
5.
Other Location Ideas
~ that incur a varying extra fee ~
(usually parking/entrance and/or some gas money)
But let’s dream big. Big Sur, Yosemite, Big Bear Lake, Vasquez Rocks… the possibilities are endless.
HOW TO PREP
LADIES! Here are some things you might want to have ready before your session: NAILS - You shouldn’t have to hide your hands all shoot. Have them done, fix any nails that fell off, and you’ll be thankful! HAIR - if you get your hair done, consider a refresh before our session.
What to wear
NEUTRALS - your outfit shouldn’t compete for attention. we want the focus to be on your family. 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 include jean, baby blue, olive, mustard, and rust. (muted tones)
IMPORTANT RULE OF THUMB: 3-4 COLORS MAX This also applies to shoes. I would use patterns sparingly and intentionally! I recommend only 1 member in flannel or plaid, then base your colors around that. If the flannel has tans, browns and grays, there’s your pallet. You could find matching sweaters, paired with jeans, linen pants, etc. The mixture of different textiles helps to make an interesting photo! Think sweater, vs flannel, vs linen, vs jeans, vs silk. It all makes for and interesting difference if kept in the scope of your color pallet. An exception to the neutral suggestion, would be one pop of color.
What not to wear
ANYTHING THAT’S NOT COMFORTABLE - 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. I encourage you to find something you feel comfortable in, so that it’s one less thing on your mind. This might include trying out a style that isn’t “you.”
ANYTHING YOU DON’T WANT IN YOUR PHOTOS - Hair ties, socks that peak through unintentionally, a bra strap that won’t be concealed, anything like that. Honorable mention - apple watches! Think anything that might “age” your photos.
What to bring
BRING A BIG BAG FOR YOUR PERSONAL ITEMS - This bag will be for your keys, phones, watches, ponytail holder, sunnies, etc. We don’t want to see anything bulky in your pockets. You should also bring flip flops or slides, as we often do a bit of walking!
TOTALLY OPTIONAL! - You could bring: 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! Kids are moody, they cry, I mean it when I say I’ve seen it all. You are in good, understanding, gentle hands.