Los Angeles Los Angeles basks in sunshine more than 300 days yearly, and its picture-perfect spots will make your Instagram feed glow.
LA’s most photogenic locations cater to every photographer’s style. The 202 vintage lamps at LACMA’s Urban Light exhibit create stunning compositions. The Walt Disney Concert Hall’s striking architecture provides perfect framing opportunities. The iconic Griffith Observatory has appeared in more than 38 Hollywood films, while Venice Beach buzzes with vibrant scenes that capture the city’s spirit.
You’re about to find 8 breathtaking spots where LA’s true character shines through. We’ve included insider tips about the best times and angles to help you get that perfect shot.
Griffith Observatory at Golden Hour
Image Source: Griffith Observatory
Griffith Observatory sits majestically on Mount Hollywood and ranks among LA’s most photogenic landmarks. The Art Deco architecture combined with sweeping city views creates perfect photo opportunities.
Best Photo Spots at Griffith Observatory
The observatory’s grounds are filled with amazing spots to capture memorable shots. Here are the prime locations that stand out:
- The Eastern and Western Rotundas showcase classic architecture
- The “View Telescope” sign area up on the roof
- The outdoor ramps that curve along the observatory’s sides
- The archway with its LA vista
- The Western side that frames the Hollywood Sign
The Promenade Walkway’s dramatic arches frame the Los Angeles basin in a picture-perfect way. Clear views of downtown LA, the Pacific Ocean, and Mount Wilson Observatory stretch out from the roof terraces.
Photography Tips to Capture City Views
The upper or lower West Terraces give you the best angles to shoot cityscapes. On top of that, the coin telescopes on the upper terrace are a great way to get close-up shots of your favorite landmarks.
A telephoto lens works best to capture the architecture – professional photographers often shoot at around 200mm. The East Terrace lets you frame downtown Los Angeles and Mount Wilson Observatory beautifully.
Optimal Timing to Take Observatory Photos
The observatory shines brightest during golden hour. Sunrise sessions give you two big advantages: the sun aligns perfectly for front-lit shots and crowds are smaller by a lot.
These times work best:
- Sunrise (5:00-6:30 AM): You’ll get peaceful photo sessions with crisp morning light
- Golden Hour: The soft, warm light creates a magical atmosphere
- Blue Hour: The deep blue sky pairs with the observatory’s glowing lights
The sky bursts into warm oranges and deep purples at sunset while city lights twinkle below. The Los Angeles skyline looks clearest about an hour before sunset.
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Image Source: Discover Los Angeles
The Venice Beach Boardwalk stretches along the Pacific coastline as one of LA’s most exciting spots to take pictures. This lively spot blends street performers, eye-catching murals, and countless chances to capture real California beach culture.
Venice Beach Photography Locations
The boardwalk features several amazing photo spots that highlight its character. These iconic locations include:
- Muscle Beach Gym where you’ll find buff bodybuilders and vintage equipment
- Street art and thought-provoking murals that tell stories
- The historic Venice Beach sign at Pacific and Windward Avenue
- The bright Pride Flag Lifeguard Tower
- A buzzing skateboard park perfect for action shots
Best Times to Photograph Venice Beach
We found the golden hour gives you the best conditions to capture Venice Beach’s spirit. The beach gives you some of the most colorful sunsets in Los Angeles. Here are the best times to shoot:
Early Morning (5:00-6:30 AM): You’ll get clear shots of the boardwalk’s architecture without crowds. The gentle morning light creates perfect conditions for architectural photos.
Golden Hour: The time just before sunset bathes everything in warm, soft light that makes beach photos pop. This works great for capturing silhouettes against the colorful sky.
Weekday Sessions: The boardwalk has fewer visitors, which means clearer shots of street art and architecture.
Street Photography Tips at Venice
Getting authentic shots at Venice Beach needs both camera skills and people sense. The boardwalk allows photography Monday through Friday, so plan around weekend and holiday restrictions.
Your best shots will come when you hold your camera at chest level, ready to capture spontaneous moments. Whatever your style, keep a respectful distance from your subjects and stay alert to your surroundings.
Venice Beach’s diverse community gives you endless chances for candid shots. You might catch bodybuilders stepping into the light or performers balanced on wires – each moment tells its own story. The boardwalk’s vibe leads to natural, unposed photographs that show Venice Beach’s true spirit.
Note that commercial photography needs permits from both the Department of Recreation and Parks and Film LA Inc. Beach area shots require an extra permit from the Los Angeles Department of Beaches and Harbors.
Urban Light at LACMA
Image Source: LACMA
202 historic streetlamps from the 1920s and 1930s make up Urban Light at LACMA, one of Los Angeles’ most photographed landmarks. Artist Chris Burden’s iconic installation has become the city’s unofficial symbol since its 2008 debut.
LACMA Photo Composition Ideas
The lamps’ uniform gray paint creates striking opportunities for creative compositions. The best angles come from:
- Low to medium height, slightly off-center positioning
- Wide-angle shots capturing the full installation
- Close-up details of lamp ornamentation
- Through-the-rows perspective shots
- Silhouette compositions against the sky
Your photos will stand out if you wear vibrant colors against the neutral backdrop of the lamps. The installation’s grid-like arrangement gives you different angles and arrays based on where you stand.
Day vs Night Photography at Urban Light
The installation offers different photographic experiences throughout the day. You’ll find fewer crowds and better lighting conditions between sunrise and 9 AM. This timing lets you take cleaner shots without other visitors in the frame.
Night transforms the installation into what the artist called “a building with a roof of light”. An astronomical timer turns the lights on at dusk until dawn. Night photography creates dramatic shots, though selfies and close-ups become trickier in the dark.
Camera Settings for Urban Light Photos
Your camera’s spot metering setting works best to handle varying light conditions during the day. Position your subject forward from the lit installation during golden hour to create spectacular bokeh effects with the lamps.
For night photography:
- ISO: Set between 800-3200 for optimal light sensitivity
- Aperture: Use f/2.8 – f/5.6 for proper exposure
- Shutter Speed: Maintain 1/80th to 1/125th second to prevent blur
The installation went through an LED conversion that replaced all 309 incandescent bulbs, which saves about 90% power. This environmental upgrade keeps the installation’s iconic glow while reducing its carbon footprint.
Parking can be tricky, but the underground garage behind the exhibit on W 6th Street makes it easy to access. You’ll pay $12-$15 before 7 PM, and parking becomes free after that. Metered parking along Wilshire Boulevard is free on Sundays, and you’ll usually find plenty of spaces early in the morning.
Santa Monica Pier
Image Source: ExperienceFirst
The Santa Monica Pier becomes a photographer’s dream as the sun sets. This iconic landmark blends vintage charm with modern entertainment. Built in 1939 and refreshed in 1981, the pier gives photographers endless chances to capture Southern California’s vibrant beach culture.
Santa Monica Pier Photo Spots
The pier features several amazing spots that show off its unique character. A classic neon sign adorns the entrance arch, making it a perfect focal point. You’ll get your best shots from:
- The pier entrance for the iconic arch shots
- South side beach views featuring the Ferris wheel
- Water’s edge for light reflections
- Boardwalk for street photography
- Underneath the pier for architectural frames
Sunset Photography at the Pier
We watched the sky explode in layers of orange, pink, and purple that ripple against the ocean tides. The location gets crowded during afternoon and evening hours, but patience will reward you with remarkable shots.
To get the best sunset shots:
- Early Morning: Beat the crowds for cleaner compositions
- Golden Hour: Watch the pastel sky change
- Blue Hour: Catch the pier’s lit-up features
The most stunning images come from mixing natural light with the pier’s artificial lighting. The pier’s lively atmosphere and the gleaming Pacific Ocean create countless photo opportunities.
Capturing Pier Rides and Activities
Pacific Park’s attractions let photographers get creative. The solar-powered Ferris wheel lights up the twilight sky and creates amazing patterns during long exposures. Play with these technical approaches to photograph the rides:
Test different shutter speeds to capture the energy of:
- The Sea Dragon’s 180-degree arc
- Inkie’s Scrambler’s 11 RPM rotations
- The West Coaster’s oceanfront track
The south side of the pier gives you the best view of the roller coaster and Ferris wheel against the beach backdrop. You might want to try “Painting With Light” techniques after dark. This combines long exposures with movement to create stunning light streaks in your photos.
Hollywood Sign Viewpoints
Image Source: Wikipedia
Getting that perfect shot of the Hollywood Sign needs good planning and knowledge of the best spots. This landmark stands out from other LA photo locations because it offers multiple angles. Each spot gives photographers unique opportunities to capture this iconic symbol.
Best Hollywood Sign Photo Locations
Lake Hollywood Park ranks among the best viewpoints you can find. The park lets you take unobstructed photos without any hiking. Its elevated position helps photographers capture the sign’s complete width without any distortion.
The Mt Hollywood Trail gives you another great option. This 1.2-mile path leads to an observation point with amazing views of Los Angeles and the Hollywood Sign. The trail’s original section allows you to try different compositions.
The Hollyridge Trail draws photographers who want front-facing views. You’ll find this 1.9-mile trail starting from Canyon Drive in Brush Canyon, and it provides close-up shots of this iconic landmark.
Photography Tips for the Hollywood Sign
The right equipment makes all the difference in your photos. Your gear should include:
- A super-wide lens (14mm for full frame cameras)
- Tripod for stability
- Remote shutter trigger or self-timer
- Bungee cords for fence-mounted shots
Manual settings work best to maintain consistent exposure. Your camera should be set to ISO 200, with a one-second shutter speed at f/8 for the best results. The time right after sunset creates striking images as dramatic shadows fall across the letters.
Optimal Times for Sign Photos
The sign looks different throughout the year. December 21st gives you the closest sunrise and sunset positions near the sign. June 21st shows the farthest viewing angles.
These timing factors help get clear shots:
- Early Morning: Crisp, clear air and soft light
- After Rain: Exceptional clarity and vivid colors
- Overcast Days: Even lighting with reduced shadows
The Los Angeles marine layer creates dreamlike conditions early in the morning. These conditions usually clear by mid-morning to reveal perfect views. The Santa Ana winds make shooting challenging, yet they create crystal-clear conditions. You might even see Catalina Island on these days.
Remember that the Hollywood Sign doesn’t light up at night. Plan your visit during daylight hours. Don’t let the entrance sign fool you with its 7-minute walk estimate. Getting to the best photo spots takes more time and effort than you might expect.
Beverly Hills Palm Trees
Image Source: Love Beverly Hills
Palm trees create stunning photo tunnels along Beverly Hills’ pristine streets. These majestic giants stand tall on some of LA’s most photographed roads and give photographers endless chances to capture amazing shots.
Beverly Hills Photography Locations
The best spots to photograph palm trees in Beverly Hills include:
- Canon Drive at Carmelita Avenue for symmetrical tree lines
- N Beverly Drive at Carmelita Avenue for unobstructed views
- N Beverly Drive near Rodeo Drive for iconic Beverly Hills atmosphere
- N Hillcrest Road at Carmelita Avenue for minimal traffic interference
- Hillcrest Road for early morning shots with fewer parked cars
These spots showcase perfectly arranged palm trees that naturally frame your photographs. N Beverly Drive near Santa Monica Boulevard ended up being an excellent spot that combines both palm trees and the area’s upscale feel.
Palm Tree Photo Composition Tips
A wide-angle lens is a great way to get the best shots when you’re close to the trees. You can use a telephoto lens to focus on specific trees or compress the scene for dramatic effects.
A circular polarizer filter can boost your images by:
- Reducing glare from wet surfaces after rain
- Enhancing the contrast between trees and sky
- Creating more vibrant colors in your shots
Shooting from a low angle emphasizes the palms’ height. Different angles help capture the symmetrical patterns of tree lines. Adding Beverly Hills’ architectural elements or shield sign puts your images in context.
Best Times for Beverly Hills Photos
Early Morning (Before 9:30 AM): The streets have minimal traffic and parked cars. Soft morning light creates perfect conditions to capture the palm-lined streets without harsh shadows.
Golden Hour: Light just before sunset bathes the palm trees in warm, golden hues. This time works great to add depth and dimension to your shots.
Weekdays are ideal for clear shots with less traffic. Early mornings give you the best chance for unobstructed views, especially on residential streets. Rain can lead to more saturated colors and clearer skies.
Note that some Beverly Hills locations need photography permits, especially for professional shoots or larger groups. Permit costs are USD 309.00/hour for Beverly Hills residents and USD 380.00/hour for non-residents.
Walt Disney Concert Hall
Image Source: LA Phil
The Walt Disney Concert Hall stands as an architectural masterpiece in downtown Los Angeles. Architect Frank Gehry’s design features striking stainless steel panels that create endless photography opportunities. The hall’s exterior, which was meant to be stone-clad in its original design, now shows off curving metallic surfaces that reflect light in fascinating ways.
Concert Hall Architecture Photos
The concert hall’s exterior has uniquely sized panels, each custom-made to create the complex curves and surfaces that give it such a distinctive look. The high-gloss finish of the stainless steel creates dramatic reflections that reshape the building’s appearance as the day progresses. A transparent lobby, described as a “living room for the city,” opens right onto the sidewalk.
Douglas fir-lined walls and ceilings inside the building provide optimal sound reflection. The vineyard-style seating arrangement brings audiences closer to the orchestra and gives intimate views from any seat. Made from Alaskan yellow cedar, the stage can be rearranged for different performing setups while providing exceptional resonance.
Best Angles for Concert Hall Shots
The best architectural shots can be captured from these positions:
- The billowing sail-like forms of the exterior
- The rose fountain in the public garden, dedicated to Lillian Disney
- The transparent lobby with its light-filled interior
- The dramatic curves against the downtown skyline
The building’s design creates different viewpoints that each offer unique compositional opportunities. Lower angles emphasize the structure’s dramatic height, while wider shots show off the full scope of its architectural breakthroughs.
Lighting Tips for Architecture Photos
You’ll need specific camera settings to capture the concert hall’s metallic exterior. Here are the nighttime photography settings:
- ISO: 800
- Aperture: f/16
- Exposure: 2-15 seconds
Early morning sessions give you the best conditions to capture the building’s details without harsh reflections. A small aperture creates striking “star” effects in the lights that enhance nighttime compositions. Wet surfaces after rainfall add depth to your images with extra reflective opportunities.
Sunlight dances across the metallic surface throughout the day, creating an ever-changing display of light and shadow. Overcast conditions can help you manage intense reflections while keeping detail in the architectural features.
The warm Douglas fir paneling and unique organ pipes bursting between the seats make compelling interior shots. Natural light filtering through the glass lobby creates great opportunities for architectural detail shots, especially during early morning or late afternoon.
Note that the building’s reflective surfaces once created temperatures up to 138 degrees on nearby sidewalks. Recent LED conversions have improved the building’s effect on the environment while keeping its iconic appearance.
Venice Canals
Image Source: Wikipedia
Developer Abbot Kinney built the Venice Canals in 1905, and they stand as evidence of his dream to create “Venice of America”. These waterways, lined with mature trees and charming bridges, give photographers a magical escape within Los Angeles.
Venice Canals Photo Spots
The canals have many compelling angles for photography, and each bridge and walkway offers a unique viewpoint. You’ll find several prime shooting locations:
- Ivy-covered pergolas framing water views
- Historic bridges with architectural details
- Mature tree-lined waterways
- Waterfront homes with distinctive architecture
- Dell Avenue entrance points
The walkways along the canal edges create exceptional compositional elements. Bridges serve as perfect vantage points that let photographers capture multiple angles and looks quickly.
Best Times to Photograph Canals
Dawn is the best time for canal photography. The water becomes mirror-smooth and the light stays soft, which creates perfect reflections. Light dancing on water gives you endless opportunities for creative shots, and early morning mists add a dreamlike quality to photos.
Morning Sessions (5:00-6:30 AM): The canals show their most peaceful side, with calm waters and few tourists around. The air feels fresh, and the neighborhood just starts to wake up, which gives you uninterrupted shooting time.
The golden hour bathes everything in a gentle, warm light that makes architectural shots look especially good. This timing shapes the mood, ambiance, and overall quality of your canal photographs.
Reflection Photography Tips
Still waters in the canals create exceptional opportunities for reflection photography. Surface water reflections can dramatically improve your composition. You’ll get the best results if you:
- Keep your camera at chest level
- Stand slightly off-center from bridges
- Find calm water sections
The city’s unique light bounces off water and buildings to create a warm glow perfect for photography. Early morning light and shadow play adds a dreamy quality to reflection shots.
Empty canals in the early hours let photographers focus on composition in a relaxed and authentic environment. This peace gives you time to try different angles and viewpoints without rushing.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the narrow canals and bridges. Note that windows and balconies of canal-side buildings tell their own compelling story.
The canals are open to the public anytime with no entrance fee. Just remember to respect the residents while taking photos in their neighborhood. You can easily reach these photogenic waterways through Washington Boulevard and Dell Avenue.
Conclusion
LA gives photographers countless chances to snap amazing shots all year round. Each spot comes with its own challenges and rewards. You’ll find everything from the stunning Walt Disney Concert Hall to the peaceful morning scenes at Venice Canals.
These eight photo spots are must-see stops that show LA’s character in different ways. Griffith Observatory lets you catch sweeping views of the city. Urban Light at LACMA changes from an eye-catching daytime spot into a magical nighttime scene. Santa Monica Pier and Venice Beach Boardwalk show off the lively beach culture, while Beverly Hills’ palm trees make perfect frames for shots of luxury living.
The Hollywood Sign stands tall as a symbol of showbiz history. You’ll get your best shots early in the morning or right after rain when the air is clear. The Venice Canals give you quiet moments away from the city rush, especially in the soft golden light of dawn.
Your success with LA photography ends up depending on good timing and planning. These spots and tips are a great way to get those perfect shots that capture the city’s spirit. A Hollywood Bus Tour is the quickest way to hit multiple photo spots, and you’ll learn fascinating stories about each iconic location.
