Los Angeles is one of the most visually extraordinary cities on earth: a sprawling canvas of golden light, dramatic topography, street art, and cinematic backdrops. Whether you’re planning a portrait session, capturing cityscapes, or scouting locations for your next shoot, LA never disappoints.
Here are our 10 favourite spots that every photographer, amateur or professional, should experience.
A Map of All 10 Locations
Before we dive in, here’s a quick look at where all 10 spots are located across the city so you can plan your shoots efficiently.
Part One: Iconic City Views & Overlooks
1. Griffith Observatory
Perhaps the most iconic photography perch in all of Los Angeles, Griffith Observatory sits high in the Santa Monica Mountains with sweeping views of the Hollywood Sign, the Downtown skyline, and the Pacific in the far distance. The Art Deco architecture is itself a spectacular subject, and the grounds offer multiple vantage points that transform with the light throughout the day.
Our pro tip: Arrive at the western terrace about 45 minutes before sunset. The city below floods with warm amber light and the atmosphere turns completely cinematic.
2. Mulholland Scenic Overlook
A beloved pullout along the legendary Mulholland Drive, this overlook offers a dramatic bird’s-eye view of the sprawling San Fernando Valley and beyond. The approach along Mulholland itself, winding through the Hollywood Hills past architectural gems, is half the experience.
Arrive around 30 minutes before sunset to secure your spot before the light turns gold. At blue hour, the valley lights flicker on and long-exposure cityscape shots become absolutely breathtaking.
Our pro tip: Parking here is very limited, so arrive early or you’ll be circling. Worth every bit of effort once you see that view.
3. Universal City Overlook
Just along Mulholland from the Scenic Overlook, this vantage point adds Universal Studios to the frame, offering a surreal juxtaposition of Hollywood’s entertainment empire nestled into the hillside below. At night, the entire San Fernando Valley glitters like a circuit board, making this a standout location for long-exposure night photography.
Our pro tip: Come back after dark for a wide-angle frame capturing Universal’s illuminated lot against the sprawling valley grid. It’s one of the most striking night shots in all of LA.
4. Kenneth Hahn Viewpoint
One of Los Angeles’s most underrated photography spots. Tucked inside the vast Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area, this viewpoint delivers an unobstructed, face-on view of the Downtown LA skyline from the Westside, a perspective rarely seen in photography.
Late afternoon is especially rewarding as sunlight catches the glass towers and the city glows amber against the horizon.
Our pro tip: Access the viewpoint from the upper park playground and follow the dirt footpath to the end. It takes about 5 minutes on foot and the payoff is stunning.
Part Two: Nature, Parks & Wild Escapes
5. Runyon Canyon Park
Runyon Canyon is the quintessential Hollywood Hills experience: a rugged urban hike that rewards with sweeping views of the Hollywood Sign, Griffith Observatory, and the Downtown skyline all at once. The chaparral-covered hillsides and dramatic light make it ideal for outdoor portrait and lifestyle sessions. The energy here is unmistakably LA.
Our pro tip: The summit ridge offers a gorgeous portrait background with the Hollywood Sign softly visible behind your subject. Early morning gives you softer light and far fewer people.
6. Vista Hermosa Natural Park
A 10.5-acre urban oasis sitting just minutes from Downtown, Vista Hermosa is one of LA’s best-kept secrets. Lush rolling greenery meets dramatic city skyline in a way that feels almost impossible given how close you are to the urban core. The park’s natural light and open meadows make it exceptional for portrait sessions that blend nature and cityscape.
Our pro tip: This park is completely free and open daily. It’s one of our favourite spots for portrait sessions. The combination of green grass and the downtown towers in the background is unlike anything else in the city.
7. Malibu Creek State Park
Just beyond the city limits in the Santa Monica Mountains, Malibu Creek State Park feels worlds away from the urban sprawl. Dramatic volcanic rock formations, a serene creek, natural rock pools, and sweeping canyon vistas provide a seemingly endless variety of landscapes. Film and editorial photographers will love the rugged, cinematic quality of the terrain, including the famous location used for M*A*S*H.
Our pro tip: Head to the Rock Pool at golden hour. Still water reflects the canyon walls in warm, directional light and the results are absolutely stunning. Wear comfortable shoes as it’s about a mile hike each way.
Part Three: Urban Culture & Iconic Landmarks
8. Urban Light at LACMA
Chris Burden’s installation of 202 restored 1920s-30s cast-iron street lamps outside LACMA is arguably the most photographed public artwork in Los Angeles, and for good reason. By day, the symmetrical rows create strong geometric compositions. After dark, the lamps cast a warm, dreamlike glow that feels cinematic and romantic.
Open 24/7 and completely free, it’s endlessly versatile for portraiture, long-exposure work, and street photography.
Our pro tip: Visit at dusk and shoot portraits lit entirely by the amber lamplight. With a wide aperture, the background lamps melt into a beautiful warm bokeh. One of our all-time favourite portrait settings in LA.
9. Venice Beach Boardwalk
Venice Beach is LA’s most colourful, eclectic, and endlessly photogenic stretch of coastline. Murals spill across every surface, street performers command crowds, the legendary skate park roars with action, and the laid-back surf culture flavours every corner.
It’s the ideal location for documentary-style street photography, vibrant portrait sessions, or simply capturing the raw, unfiltered energy of Southern California.
Our pro tip: Come early in the morning before the crowds arrive. The boardwalk murals, long coastal shadows, and soft marine light create images that feel authentic and alive, without having to dodge tourists in every frame.
10. The Getty Center
Few locations in Los Angeles rival The Getty for sheer photographic variety. Richard Meier’s travertine architecture is a masterpiece of light and geometry, the terraced gardens offer lush seasonal colour, and the panoramic views stretch from Downtown all the way to the Pacific Ocean.
Whether you’re shooting architecture, editorial portraits, or sweeping cityscapes, The Getty consistently delivers. Free to enter, just reserve parking in advance.
Our pro tip: Stand on the garden terrace facing west in the last hour of daylight. The Getty’s white travertine glows warm against the sunset sky, with the ocean shimmering on the horizon behind it. It’s one of the most effortlessly beautiful shots you can get in LA.
Bonus: Shooting Tips for Los Angeles
Before you head out, here are a few things worth keeping in mind when shooting in LA:
- Golden hour is exceptional here year-round. Arrive 45 minutes before sunset for the best light. The warm, marine-influenced atmosphere creates a distinctive amber glow unlike anywhere else.
- Parking fills fast at popular spots. Mulholland and Griffith in particular get crowded on weekends. Arrive early or plan for a weekday visit.
- The marine layer is your friend. LA’s coastal fog often rolls in overnight and burns off by mid-morning, leaving behind beautiful soft, diffused light that’s ideal for outdoor portraits.
- Several locations are completely free. Urban Light at LACMA, Vista Hermosa, and Kenneth Hahn Viewpoint all cost nothing, making them great options for scouting without a budget.
- Always scout before a client session. LA’s light changes dramatically with season, time of day, and air quality. What looks flat at noon can be extraordinary at 5pm.
- Pack for the hike. For Malibu Creek and Runyon Canyon, bring sun protection, extra water, and comfortable footwear. The light is always worth the walk.
Los Angeles is a photographer’s city. From the glow of the Hollywood Hills to the salt air of the Pacific, every frame tells a different story. We hope this guide inspires your next shoot. If you’d like a professional photographer to capture your moments in any of these incredible locations, we’d love to help.
Ready to book your session? Get in touch with us today to check availability and get started.
Angels Photography 