8 go-to spots for any kind of lifestyle photoshoot in South OC

Finding spots that are convenient to get to, have good lighting and have dynamic settings all in one spot is tricky to find. So here’s my list, steal these spots & start shootin’ away!

1. Calafia Beach

Address: 251-399 Avenida Califia, San Clemente, CA 92672

Pros - easy parking, very dynamic options including cliffs, beach, rocks, eucalyptus trees which bring variety to your session without having to get in your car

Cons - there can be a lot of people, can be windy

2. Dr joe cortese dog park

Address: Camino Capistrano, San Juan Capistrano, CA 92675

Pros - at the right time of year there’s a bunch of yellow mustard flowers, tons of parking, easy to find

Cons - not many cons, there might be snakes. I’ve never seen one, but it’s definitely a nature spot

3. Talega Hike

Address: Camino Escollo, San Clemente, CA 92673

Pros - gorgeous, there’s lot of parking

Cons - it’s a hike, can be windy

4. San Clemente Pier

Address: San Clemente Pier, San Clemente, CA 92672

Pros - it’s iconic to San Clemente spot, under the pier has a unique look, can have beautiful sunsets

Cons - can be tough to park, can be windy

5. Lasuens

Address: Calle Lasuen San Clemente, CA 92672

Pros - the stairs are a unique spot, there’s a lifeguard tower

Cons - it’s a hike down, can be windy, tough to find parking (depending on time of day)

6. Salt Creek Beach

Address: 33333 Pacific Coast Hwy, Dana Point, CA 92629

Pros - plenty of space to move away from people, great ocean views, nice greenery scrubs to sit a couple down by

Cons - it’s a hike to get down / up, you have to pay for parking

7. Knob Hill Trail

Address - Rancho San Clemente Trail, San Clemente, CA 92672

Pros - beautiful eucalyptus trees, can be great backlit photos

Cons - a little tricky to find, just park at Stance & hike till you find a trail [195 Av. La Pata, San Clemente, CA 92673]

8. Capistrano Beach

Address - 35005 Beach Rd, Dana Point, CA 92624

Pros - parking is free and plenty of spots, there’s multiple spots - beach, bridge overpass, palm trees

Cons - can be busy, can be windy

Bonus! Canyon Coffee Lawn

Address - 75 Esencia Dr B, Mission Viejo, CA 92694

Pros - parking is limited, but rarely full. There's different options for settings - cacti, grassy, rocky, and a big red door.

Cons - None!

If you take pictures at these spots, I'd love to see! Share on your Instagram story & tag me @rachel.b.hughes