Locations
Not sure where to take your photos? Here are some location inspiration ideas to get you started!
*Note that sunset, cloud and overall sky appearance, along with wind, cannot be predicted or guaranteed on any given day
Jack's Pond (San Marcos)
*Red barn, white fence, trees, grass wood benches
*Restrooms
*Leashed Dogs allowed
*Free lot parking
Leo Carrillo Ranch
*Rustic adobe and wood buildings, trees, bridges
*Restrooms
*No Pets
*Free Parking
*Closes promptly at 5pm
*Permit Fee: $15; I am one of the few photographers cleared to shoot here, but the city requires a week's notice and application. Weekdays have full access, weekends typically partial/upper access due to ranch events
Lagoon (North Carlsbad)
*Trees up top, sand below, fence-lined trail
*No Restrooms
*Leashed Dogs allowed
*Free street parking
Oceanside Pier
*Pier, sand, and rocks
*Restrooms
*No Pets
*$5 Parking
*$15 Extra Traveling Fee Applies
Field (North Carlsbad)
*Foliage changes with the seasons, from green to golden to flowers. Specific appearance of backdrop is not guaranteed
*No restrooms
*Leashed dogs allowed
*Free Parking
*$10 Additional Travel Fee
Forest (Rancho Santa Fe)
*Trees, open grassy areas
*Restrooms
*Leashed dogs allowed
*Free street/$3 lot parking
Park (La Costa)
*Trees, open grassy areas
*Restrooms
*Leashed dogs allowed
*Free street/lot parking
Cardiff/Seaside
*Rocks, long sandy stretches
*Restrooms
*Leashed Dogs allowed
*$6 lot parking
*$15 Extra Travel Fee
Lagoon (South Carlsbad)
*Sandy paths, local foliage
*Restrooms
*Leashed Dogs allowed
City/Downtown (San Marcos and Carlsbad)
*Textured backgrounds, stairs, alleyways
*Possible Restrooms
*Leashed Dogs allowed
*Paid Parking: Depends on city
Lake (San Marcos)
*Wooden dock, tree lined trails
*Restrooms
*Leashed Dogs allowed
*Free street/lot parking
Forest (Escondido)
*Large trees, bridge, open grass
*Restrooms
*Leashed Dogs allowed
*$3 Parking
Open Field (San Marcos)
*Brush and grass (changes green to brown with the seasons), trees
*No Restrooms
*Leashed Dogs allowed
*Free street parking
Moonlight Beach
*Open sandy beach, rocks
*Restrooms
*No Pets
*Free street parking
Comfort of Your Own Home
*I will come to you!
*Front or Backyard, indoors if light allows
*Always free parking and restrooms
*All Pets welcome!
*Additional Travel Fees May Apply
Tamarack Beach
*Sand and rock jetty
*Restrooms
*No Pets
*$20 lot parking or free street parking
*$10 Extra Travel Fee
Fiesta Island
*Sand, shallow water, no waves
*Restrooms
*Dogs and Horses allowed
*Free lot parking
**$50 Extra Traveling Fee
Seasonal Sunflowers (Rancho Bernardo)
*Open ONLY for the month of October
*Restrooms
*Many bees on site around the flowers, not for those with bee sting allergies!
*Permit Fee changes yearly, last year was $25
*$20 Extra Travel Fee
Travel/Destination Sessions
Don't live in San Diego? I may be able to travel o you! The same family package pricing with added on travel fees (may include lodging and transfer to the location).
Iron Mountain
Tree-lined archway, open field, mountain backdrop
*Restrooms
*Leashed Dogs allowed
*Free lot parking
**$30 Extra Traveling Fee