How to Plan the Perfect Family Photo Session in Los Angeles
Planning a family photo session in Los Angeles sounds straightforward until you actually start. Between choosing the right location, figuring out what everyone should wear, managing the kids, and picking a time when the light is flattering, it gets complicated fast.
As an LA family photographer who has shot dozens of sessions across the city, I've learned what actually works. This guide covers what I tell every client before we shoot.
When Is the Best Time of Year for Family Photos in Los Angeles?
Los Angeles has its own quirky seasonal rhythm, and it matters more than people expect.
Spring (March through May) is one of the best windows for family photos in LA. The hills are still green, the air is clear, and wildflowers are often blooming in places like Franklin Canyon. Aim to book before mid-June, when June Gloom rolls in and covers the coast in a flat grey marine layer that can last most of the morning.
Fall (October through November) is the other golden window. Once the Santa Ana winds push through and the brutal summer heat breaks in October, you get warm afternoons, rich light, and dry, clear skies. This is peak season for Los Angeles family portraits, so book early.
Summer sessions are absolutely doable, but plan them around golden hour. Midday light in July is harsh and unflattering. Stick to the last 45 to 60 minutes before sunset and you'll be fine.
Winter can surprise you. December and January in LA are often crisp and clear, and parks like Kenneth Hahn have a quiet, peaceful quality you don't get at other times of year.
Golden Hour Timing by Season in LA
One of the most common questions I get from families is: "What time should we show up?"
Here's a quick seasonal guide for golden hour in Los Angeles:
Spring: Around 7:00 pm
Summer: Around 7:45 pm
Fall: Around 6:00 pm
Winter: Around 4:45 pm
I always recommend arriving at the location 15 to 20 minutes before these times. That buffer gives the kids a chance to explore, lets everyone settle in, and means we're shooting in beautiful light right from the start rather than scrambling to find it.
5 of the Best Locations for Family Photos in Los Angeles
There are dozens of beautiful spots around the city, but these five are my personal favorites for families. They're photogenic, practical, and genuinely enjoyable for kids.
Kenneth Hahn State Recreation Area
Tucked off La Cienega Boulevard near Baldwin Hills, Kenneth Hahn offers a peaceful pond, wooden bridges, open meadows, and a clear DTLA skyline view in the background. It's free to enter, trails are stroller-friendly, and the variety of backdrops means you can capture a dozen different looks within a short walk. Spring sessions catch the cherry blossoms near the pond.
The Los Angeles County Arboretum in Arcadia
The Arboretum is pure magic for family photos. Peacocks wander freely, a waterfall runs near the iconic Queen Anne Cottage, and the gardens shift from tropical to woodland within a few minutes' walk. Admission is $15 per person, and pro photography requires a permit (currently $250/hour). The range of environments is unmatched, and kids lose their minds when a peacock walks into the shot.
Manhattan Beach Pier Area
For that laid-back Southern California beach feel without the chaos of Santa Monica, Manhattan Beach delivers. The sand is wide and golden, the pier is charming, and the South Bay vibe is genuinely relaxed. Sunset sessions here, with the pier silhouetting against an orange sky, are some of my favorites. Parking is easier and crowds are lighter than you'd find further north.
Franklin Canyon Park
Franklin Canyon sits right in Beverly Hills, and most locals have no idea it's there. A small lake, wooded trails, and open meadows give it a quiet, almost rural feel minutes from Sunset Boulevard. It's free, requires no permit for family sessions, and the dappled tree light creates a warm, natural quality that's hard to find anywhere else in LA.
Lake Hollywood Park
Want the Hollywood Sign in your family portraits without a strenuous hike? Lake Hollywood Park sits on a grassy hillside near the reservoir with a clean, clear view of the sign, easy parking off Canyon Lake Drive, and plenty of open space for kids to run while we shoot.
What to Wear for Family Photos in LA
Outfits are one of the biggest stressors for families before a session, and they don't have to be. Here's my honest advice.
Soft neutrals and muted earth tones work beautifully in LA's golden light. Think sage green, dusty rose, tan, denim, and light olive. These complement the landscape without competing with it.
Light layers are smart for coastal shoots. Morning sessions near the water can be surprisingly cool even in summer, and a denim jacket adds visual texture to any photo.
Avoid all-white on sand. Bright white tends to look washed out at the beach. Off-white or cream is a better call.
Coordinate without matching exactly. Stick within a color palette and let each person wear their own variation. Matching outfits tend to feel stiff in photos.
How to Keep Kids Happy During a Family Session
This is the question I get more than any other. Kids in photos are unpredictable, and that's actually a good thing if you let it be.
My approach is simple: I never force poses. If your toddler wants to chase a duck at Kenneth Hahn or climb a tree at Franklin Canyon, that's a photo. The candid moments of kids being themselves are almost always the ones parents end up loving most.
A few practical tips:
Bring snacks. A well-timed snack break around the 20-minute mark keeps energy up and gives everyone a natural moment to reset.
Let them explore. When kids are engaged with their environment, their faces light up naturally. That's exactly what we're after.
Don't over-hype it. If you tell your kids to "be good for the photographer," they'll spend the session performing instead of being themselves. Just tell them you're going somewhere fun.
Schedule around naps. For toddlers especially, booking a session when they're well-rested makes everything easier.
What to Expect From a Session With Nick Renaud Photography
My sessions are relaxed. There's no "okay, everyone stand here and smile" energy. I give light direction and then step back to let moments happen. We'll walk the location, the kids will do something funny, and I'll be ready for it.
Galleries are delivered quickly through an easy online system, with both digital downloads and prints available. I photograph families across the Los Angeles area, including the South Bay, the San Gabriel Valley, and the Westside, plus the Sacramento area.
If you're ready to book or just want to talk through your ideas, visit nickrenaudphotography.com to see the full portfolio and reach out. Let's make something your family will look at for years.
Photo by Nick Renaud
