One of my favorite parts of being a South Bay family photographer is getting to shoot in so many beautiful locations. From the beaches of Manhattan Beach and Palos Verdes to dramatic cliffs, greenery, and beautiful old architecture, we really are spoiled with some incredible backdrops.
But when I’m helping a family choose a location for their photos, I’m thinking about more than what’s pretty. I’m thinking about the light, how much variety we can get, whether your kids will have space to explore and play, and most importantly whether the location feels like you.
The best family photos happen when you can relax, let kids be kids, and enjoy your time together. So if you’re planning family photos in the South Bay, here are a few of my favorite locations.
RAT Beach at Malaga Cove | Palos Verdes
RAT Beach is easily one of my favorite Palos Verdes family photo locations because there is so much variety packed into one spot. We can start along the greenery-lined path before heading down to the sand, where the rocky coastline and Palos Verdes cliffs create a completely different feel.
It’s a little more off the beaten path than some of our South Bay beaches, which can also mean fewer crowds. And for kids, there is plenty to explore. This always lends itself to the playful, candid moments I love so much.
Manhattan Beach Pier | An Iconic South Bay Backdrop
If you want your photos to immediately feel like the South Bay, it’s hard to beat the Manhattan Beach Pier.
For this location, I like shooting farther down the beach with the pier in the distance rather than right next to it. You still get that iconic Manhattan Beach backdrop, but with plenty of open sand and space to move, play, snuggle, and soak in that beautiful golden hour light.
It’s classic South Bay without the pier taking over the whole story.
Under the Manhattan Beach Pier
Same pier, completely different look.
Shooting directly underneath the Manhattan Beach Pier creates beautiful lines, texture, and a little more drama. It’s one of those locations that can feel both quintessentially beachy and a bit more artistic.
Longfellow Avenue | Hermosa Beach + Manhattan Beach
Right where Hermosa Beach meets Manhattan Beach is one of my favorite little South Bay spots.
There’s a lifeguard tower and swing set right on the sand, with views toward the Hermosa Beach Pier in one direction and the Manhattan Beach Pier in the other. It’s a great location for getting a lot of variety without having to go far.
Another bonus? Parking is relatively easy, making the whole experience feel just a little more effortless.
Bruce’s Beach | Manhattan Beach
Bruce’s Beach is another beautiful option for family photos in Manhattan Beach, especially if you want a quieter beach feel while still having that unmistakable South Bay scenery.
The lifeguard tower adds a classic California element, while the Manhattan Beach Pier sits farther off in the distance. There’s also convenient parking nearby, which makes this an easy choice for families with young kids.
Palos Verdes Cliffs | Pampas Grass + Palm Trees
For families who want something other than sand and water, the Palos Verdes cliffs are gorgeous.
One of my favorite spots has soft pampas grass with palm trees in the distance, giving photos a beautiful, natural California feel. At golden hour, the light coming through the grasses is so dreamy.
There’s room for kids to move and explore, while still creating that soft look that works beautifully for family photos.
Palos Verdes Cliffs | Wide-Open Ocean Views
For something a little more dramatic, another Palos Verdes location offers wide-open cliff and ocean views that really let the landscape shine.
It’s especially beautiful for families who love the outdoors and want their photos to capture some of the natural beauty that makes living in the South Bay so special.
St. Francis Church | Palos Verdes Estates
The Church + Architecture
The church itself is beautiful year-round and brings a completely different feel from my beach and cliff locations. The old-world architecture, stonework, and charming details create a timeless backdrop with so much warmth and character.
This is a great option if you love the natural beauty of Palos Verdes but want something a little more classic and architectural for your family photos.
Spring Wildflowers
Just across from the church, the scenery completely changes. Huge eucalyptus trees, greenery, and glimpses of the ocean create one of my favorite backdrops in Palos Verdes.
In the spring, this area really comes alive. For just a few short weeks, wildflowers fill the landscape and everything feels lush, soft, and colorful. Add in golden hour light filtering through those eucalyptus trees, and it’s pretty magical.
If you love a romantic, nature-filled look for your family or maternity photos, spring here is hard to beat.
The Eucalyptus Trees in Fall
Come fall, the exact same spot takes on an entirely different feel. The bright spring greenery gives way to warmer browns and earthy tones, creating a softer, more neutral backdrop.
You still get those beautiful eucalyptus trees and ocean views, but with a warm, natural fall palette. It’s a perfect example of how much the seasons can change the overall look and feeling of your photos, even when we’re shooting in the very same South Bay location.
Choosing the Best South Bay Location for Your Family Photos
There really isn’t one “best” location, and that’s kind of the point.
I want your photos to feel like you. Maybe that’s barefoot and running through the waves in Manhattan Beach. Maybe it’s your kids exploring the rocks at RAT Beach. Or maybe it’s snuggling together under eucalyptus trees while the evening light comes through.
When you book a session with me, I’ll help you choose a location based on the look you love, the ages and personalities of your kids, and the overall feeling you want your photos to have.
Because a beautiful backdrop is wonderful. But what I’m really there for is what happens once we arrive. It’s the laughter, the sweet in-between moments, the little hands reaching for yours.
That’s where the magic happens.
If you’re looking for a family photographer in the South Bay, I’d love to help you plan a session in a location that feels like you. Inquire here so we can start planning!
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