Top 10 Locations for Senior Pictures in Orange County
Graduation season is right around the corner! It’s time to book your senior portrait session. It is such an important and fleeting time in a person’s life, and images from that season will be treasured forever. Click SIGN UP to get information on prices and to let me know you are interested in a senior photo session. Or simply email me to let me know or ask me any photography questions.
Orange County, California is one of the best places to live. Not only do we have amazing weather and few bugs, but there are so many fantastic places to take photos. I’ve been exploring the parks and nature reserves of Orange County with my kids, blogging about many of them on Trekaroo so other parents can find great ideas of fun things to do with kids.
Now that I am a full-time photographer, I love meeting high school seniors at these beautiful locations. The seniors themselves are the ones that shine. I like to match the personality of my clients and their interests to the backdrop for their senior pictures. Here are my top 10 locations for senior pictures in Orange County, California.
Urban meets nature at Bosque Trail, Irvine
Bosque Trail in Irvine is a relatively new pedestrian and bicycle trail running straight north of The Great Park. Native plants of California grace the gravel pedestrian paths that weave alongside the wide cement bike path. Large heritage trees that were saved from the reconstruction of El Toro Marine Corps Base have been replanted creating striking beauty and great shade for photos. My favorite arched tunnel with metal arcs that catch the light and frame is found here at the Bosque Trail. It’s a perfect spot for senior pictures and family photos!
It’s never too late or too early to take your senior pictures!
2. Historic oaks and roadways at O’Neill Regional Park
Nestled at the base of Trabuco Canyon lies O’Neill Regional Park. Old oak trees covered with colorful moss fill the area. A road leading through the oak trees infrequently has cars and is perfect for an iconic senior picture. An open dry wash with a view of Saddleback Mountain also provides a great location for seniors to sit on rocks and be lit up by the setting sun.
3. Modern architecture and palm trees at Irvine Towers
The essence of modern California is on display at the Irvine Towers. Palm trees, new glass buildings, and water features make this place a beautiful and fun spot for senior pictures. There are so many areas to explore that will provide your own unique photos! This office complex is quiet and empty on the weekends or on weekdays after Daylight Savings Time.
4. Spring grasses and flowers at Quail Hill Trail in Irvine
March and April are the perfect months to schedule a photoshoot at Quail Hill Trail in Irvine. The green grasses grow tall and the yellow mustard flowers bloom creating a beautiful setting. The pedestrian only dirt trail is bordered with a wood and wire fence. The path leads uphill about ¼ of a mile to a lookout overseeing the city of Irvine and the 405 freeway. The clouds float in the large sky overhead and compliment the beautiful backdrop for senior pictures.
5. The wild Pacific Ocean at Laguna Beach and Crystal Cove
Living in Orange County means great access to the coves of Laguna Beach and the beaches of other coastal cities. The light off of the water contrasting with the rugged rocks and sand are beautiful for senior pictures. The coastal cities of Orange County have been overwhelmed in recent years by professional photographers and now charge a use fee for a film permit. If you would like to take senior pictures at the beach, please be aware of an additional charge of $75-$100.
6. Urban elements of Old Town Tustin
Stroll through Old Town Tustin and you will feel the memories of long ago mixed with the vibrance of new businesses. My favorite elements of vintage red brick walls, metal washboards, and quiet streets are there waiting for some fantastic senior pictures.
7. Beautiful nature at Jeffrey Open Space Trail
It’s no secret that many photographers love to meet clients at the Jeffrey Open Space Trail in Irvine. The dry creek bed, arched tunnel, and shady grasses make for stunning backdrops for photos. Taking senior pictures here is so fun with the many places and backgrounds to explore.
8. Bridges and nature at Oso Creek Trail
The pedestrian paths of Oso Creek Trail wind along a creek, over bridges, and next to art installations. This trail in Mission Viejo is a perfect spot for senior pictures.
9. Modern fun in The Great Parks Neighborhood
The parks, pools, and paths of The Great Parks Neighborhoods in Irvine are studded with fun and playful elements. Palm trees line the paths covered with geometric shade structures and infused with play areas that look more like art installations. Senior pictures at any of the parks in The Great Parks Neighborhoods will be filled with fun and creative elements.
10. Quiet beauty and bridge at Oak Tree Park
The quiet beauty of Oak Tree Park is found in the simple wooden bridge, light post, and soft grass of the field. This Las Flores neighborhood park in Rancho Santa Margarita has become a favorite of mine for photographing families and seniors. The old oak trees that are preserved here have long and graceful trunks that create a beautiful backdrop for senior pictures.