Choosing Your Location
Gorgeous portraits can happen just about anywhere—but the right location adds that extra bit of magic. The spot you choose should reflect your personality, your style, and the overall vibe you envision for your session. Luckily, here in Southern California, we’re spoiled with stunning backdrops in every direction—from rolling hills and golden fields to beachy breezes and charming structures.
As an artist, I’m drawn to settings that let you shine. I prefer clean, uncluttered compositions with minimal distractions—using a shallow depth of field to keep the focus on you while letting the background softly melt away into dreamy, neutral tones.
One big thing to keep in mind? Crowd control. Your portrait session should feel calm and comfortable—not like you’re being photobombed by joggers or picnickers. Choosing a quieter location helps us create images that feel intentional, intimate, and truly about you.
Whether your heart leans toward wild nature, manicured gardens, or a more architectural vibe, the right location is the one that feels like you. When you're excited about where we’re shooting, it shows in every single frame.
Location Inspiration
Below are examples from a variety of sessions in different settings to help spark ideas. Please keep in mind: nature likes to keep us on our toes! The exact look of a location may change depending on the season, weather, or even recent landscaping. I've watched entire fields go from lush to dry in a matter of days—so flexibility is key!
Bonsall Preserve (Middle)
 2022_11_KELLEY_143
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 2021_11_Silk-045
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 2024_05_Rex_1234
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 2020_11_Chamness_279
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 2022_11_Gallade_125
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 2022_10_Decker_112
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Bonsall Preserve (Southside)
 2020_10_Uson_538
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 2021_11_Tiedeman-Bell_254
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 2019_11_SemOfar_215
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 2022_11_Chamness_402
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Bonsall Preserve (Northside)
 2022_11_LIAN_146
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 2022_12_VANHORN_135
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 2022_12_Hulsey2022_145-Edit-2
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 2024_10_Workman-FA_013
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Olive Hill Preserve, Bonsall
 2023_11_Gordon-Family_121
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 2023_10_Rivera-Family_094
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 2024_11_Mitchell_097
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 2024_12_Semkin-FA_007
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Dinwiddie Preserve, Fallbrook
 2021_11_Dabney-008
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 2021_11_MCCHESNEY-088
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 2021_11_Hamblin_055
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 2024_11_Kelley-FA_074
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Los Jilgueros Preserve, Fallbrook
 2023_10_Kelley-Family_057
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 2020_10_SemkinO'Farrell_336
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 2021_05_FATHOM_103
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 2024_11_MacMillan-Family_207
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Santa Margarita, Fallbrook
 2020_09_Hughes_154
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 2024_10_HOFFMAN-FAMILY_013
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 2024_10_HOFFMAN-FAMILY_071
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 2024_10_HOFFMAN-FAMILY_053
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Live Oak Park, Fallbrook
 2020_02_Alexis_219
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 2020_02_Alexis_152
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Pala Mesa Resort, Fallbrook
 2025_10_Hughes-FA_125
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 20_12_FayeWalters_112
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 20_12_FayeWalters_154
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 2025_10_Hughes-FA_176
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Monserate Winery, Fallbrook
 2023_11_Bortner-Family_015
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 2023_09_Pineda_001
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 2024_12_Kettering-EXT-FA_271
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 2024_12_Kettering-EXT-FA_065
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The Old Bonsall Bridge, Bonsall
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 2023_05_Ryan-Nicholson_476
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 2023_05_Ryan-Nicholson_356
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 2023_05_Ryan-Nicholson_520
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San Luis Ray Mission, Oceanside
 2024_11_Rivera-FA_173
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 2024_11_Rivera-FA_128
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 2024_11_Rivera-FA_196
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 2024_11_Rivera-FA_149
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The Studio Bonsall, Bonsall CA
 2024_05_Rex_875
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 2023_07_Fogleman-Angela-NB_254
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 2025_03_Cooper-Evans-NB_007
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 Anaya-MD-22
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 2025_01_DIMOCK-FA_167
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 2025_03_Thomas-Pilchowski-MI_068
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 2025_04_Miles-Simonds_030
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 2025_04_Miles-Simonds_014
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 Anaya-MD-47
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 2025_01_DIMOCK-FA_209
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