Locations
So, you’ve booked your session but your hung up a bit on the location? Many of my clients don't have a preferred location in mind when they first contact me, so I've dedicated this page to assisting them in making that decision. The location is an important part of your photo session and depending on where you choose, it can dictate the whole vibe of your session. I’ve included several suggestions of places I’ve already photographed and some I haven’t. I encourage you to explore all these options and even some on your own to be sure it’s a place you like and best represents you.
It is the client's responsibility to obtain permission to photograph at locations that require it.
Lompoc
LA PURISIMA MISSION
2295 Purisima Road
Beautiful, stately, and full of history; ideal for any time of year and for any type of photo session. You can go for a more natural look by sticking to the surrounding landscapes or use the beautiful salmon-colored and distressed brick as your backdrop. Either way, La Purisima is a great “go-to” place for photos.
The Mission Club
4300 Club House Rd
Beautifully manicured green lawns are set off by the stark contrast of the scrub oak trees, where the amazing branch formations create a hauntingly cool atmosphere. The golf course is surrounded by trees of various species, each with its own unique character. This location is ideal for senior and couple sessions.
Ken Adam Park
Hancock Dr & Highway 1
Even though it isn't the most well-known park in Lompoc or one of the most popular options for photo sessions, this park is special thanks to its bounty of scrub oaks, a cool gazebo, and an expansive area of chaparral brush.
Miguelito Park
3051 San Miguelito Rd
There is this park with tall pine trees, a beautiful bridge, and lush green grass nestled between the hills at the way end of I Street, you know when you lose cell phone service, that’s the park.
Babcock Winery*
5175 CA-246
Babcock has the best tasting room with neon signs, swanky seating, and tons of old vinyl for a more retro and edgy photo session. To change it up, we can go outdoors and discover a beautiful field of tall grass or a forest full of peppercorn trees, whose feathery leaves let the light dapple through them.
Hidden Canyon Ranch & Farms*
5425 Campbell Road
Just a short drive from Lompoc, you'll find the enchanting Hidden Canyon Ranch & Farms. There are numerous quaint settings, such as paths lined with trees, vineyards, a log cabin, and breathtaking views.
Jalama Beach
9999 Jalama Rd
I'm not usually a fan of beaches, but when the conditions are just right, there's no better place to be. From Lompoc, a trip to Jalama will take about an hour because it is one of those hidden gems. The water reflects the sun's rays on sunny days, but photographs taken on overcast or foggy days can have a dramatic effect.
Lompoc Airport*
1801 N H St
I bet the Lompoc Airport wasn't on your list of potential destinations, but it's actually a pretty snazzy spot. Permission to use the airstrip and a couple of planes would be ideal. Even if we don't have access to the runway, there are a number of other locations that will lend an urban, gritty vibe to your session.
Providence Landing Greenspace
Located smack dab in the middle of Providence Landing, this greenspace is full of long, natural grass, and lots of chaparral landscape, making for a truly one-of-a-kind setting for your session.
Mission Back Entrance
Mission Hills
It's still La Purisima Mission, but this is a different, less-famous entrance that's worth checking out. A cute little spot for your next photo session, with tall pine trees covered in colorful paint and long natural grass.
More Lompoc Location Ideas:
Lompoc Murals, various locations
Lompoc Flower Fields, various locations, seasonal
Ocean Beach Park, 6851 Ocean Park Rd
Surf Beach, West Ocean Ave
La Purisima Golf Course, 3455 CA-246*
Burton Mesa Ecological Reserve, 4602 Titan Ave
Old Drive-In, 2200–2204 N H St
*Subject to permission prior to photo session and possible fees
Additional Locations
Pioneer Park
1150 W Foster Rd, Santa Maria
Although small in area, Pioneer Park offers a wealth of naturally beautiful spaces. Scrub oaks and towering eucalyptus trees give this park an eye-catching feel all year long. There are a number of charming corners with patches of green grass or quaint old fences.
RiverView Park
151 Sycamore Dr, Buellton
There are enchanting natural arches, cozy benches, dozens of birch trees, and during certain times of the year, the air is filled with the fragrance of floods of wisteria blooms.
Hans Christian Anderson Park
633 Chalk Hill Rd, Solvang
This park, located in the middle of Solvang, is known for its abundance of trees and the stunning autumn foliage it provides.
Los Alamos
The town of Los Alamos exudes a hip, vintage Western vibe. The weathered old wood at the old Los Alamos Hotel makes for a beautiful textured backdrop for your photographs. Take a stroll down Main Street and you'll find plenty of other old storefronts to use as backdrops for your next photo session.
Cambria Pines Lodge
The Cambria Pines Lodge is surrounded by enchanted gardens, providing a one-of-a-kind setting with plenty of photogenic lush greenery. It's so unusual that you won't even realize you're in California.
Avila Beach
Avila Beach's diverse scenery—from the beachy water scenes to the boardwalk and some cool rock formations—allows for a wide range of moods. Walk along the storefronts or settle into the sand. Beautiful views can be found just about anywhere, but they're especially stunning during the afternoon golden hour.
Santa Barbara Courthouse
1100 Anacapa Street, Santa Barbara
The Santa Barbara Courthouse, with its charming old-world Spanish architecture, is a popular location for any sort of photo session. Take a seat on the gorgeous, tiled stairs, rest under one of the historic queen palms, or just bask in the typical sunny warmth of a Santa Barbara day.
Nojoqui Falls Park
3250 Alisal Rd, Solvang
It's a half-mile walk through a native plant and tree forest to reach Nojoqui Falls. The park's old fencing, rocks, and trees make for a picturesque backdrop.
Other locations
Subject to additional mileage fees
Santa Ynez Valley
Santa Ynez Valley Botanical Garden, 151 Sycamore Dr, Buellton
Old Mission Santa Ines, 1760 Mission Dr, Solvang
San Luis Obispo County
Oso Flaco Lake, Oso Flaco Lake Rd, Arroyo Grande
San Luis Obispo Botanical Garden, 3450 Dairy Creek Road, San Luis Obispo
Montana de Oro, 3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos
Santa Barbara County
Orcutt Community Park, 5800 S Bradley Rd, Orcutt
Rancho Maria Golf Club, 2124–2324 Cabrillo Hwy, Santa Maria
Waller Park, 3107 Orcutt Rd, Santa Maria
Los Alamos Park, 500 Drum Canyon Rd, Los Alamos
Santa Barbara Botanical Garden, 1212 Mission Canyon Rd, Santa Barbara
Old Mission Santa Barbara, 2201 Laguna Street, Santa Barbara
Alice Keck Park Memorial Garden, 1557–1567 Garden St, Santa Barbara