Best Photo Locations in Los Angeles

September 30, 2025

Looking for top Los Angeles photography spots? Explore famous outdoor locations like Griffith Park, Santa Monica, Venice, and FD Photo Studio’s creative photo studios for your next trip to sunny Los Angeles.

Los Angeles is a photographer’s dream. From famous landmarks to hidden gems, the City of Angels offers endless chances to capture amazing shots. Whether you’re a pro photographer, brand creator, or social media lover, LA has the perfect backdrop for your next project.

But popular outdoor spots can get crowded, require permits, and depend on weather. That’s where smart photographers choose professional photo studio for rent that offer the same creative power without the hassle.

Top Outdoor Photo Spots in Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory – The LA Icon

Griffith Observatory sits high above LA in Griffith Park, giving you amazing views of downtown and the Hollywood Sign. This Art Deco building looks stunning day or night.

Best Times to Visit: Sunset views are amazing but also the busiest time. For a quiet experience, visit for sunrise.

What Makes It Great: The Observatory allows photography for personal use both inside and outside the building.

Photo Tips:

Walk around the circular path that wraps around the building for different angles
Get there early to secure a parking spot
Use public transit with the DASH Observatory shuttle if parking is full

Santa Monica Pier – Classic Beach Vibes

The historic Santa Monica Pier, with its vibrant Ferris wheel and classic amusement park attractions, has nostalgic charm. This spot gives you that perfect California beach feeling.

Best Photo Spots: My favorite spot on the pier to take photos is Pier Burger, which is pretty photogenic.

Pro Tips: For the sun behind the pier as it sets, March/April and September/October are the best months.

Venice Beach – Street Art and Culture

Venice Beach offers the boardwalk, world famous Muscle Beach, skatepark, and pier. It’s perfect for capturing LA’s creative energy.

Must-See Photo Spots:

Graffiti walls sanctioned by the city for outdoor artists
Venice Canals for sunset strolls and peaceful shots
Abbot Kinney Blvd with many Instagrammable shops and cafes

Malibu – Natural Beauty

El Matador Beach in Malibu has dramatic cliffs and rock formations, making it one of the most photogenic beaches in LA.

What to Know: A permit is required for professional shoots and must be obtained at least 4 days in advance.

Source: Cara Jourdan

Downtown LA – Urban Architecture

Downtown LA offers amazing urban photography with modern skyscrapers and historic buildings creating perfect contrasts.

Walt Disney Concert Hall: Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this building features curved stainless-steel panels that reflect light in unpredictable ways, making it perfect for photography at any time of day. The architecture creates stunning wide-angle shots and close-up detail work.

Union Station Los Angeles: This downtown landmark opened in 1939 and combines Dutch Colonial, Mission Revival, and Art Deco styles. Known as “the last of the great train stations,” this historic terminal offers stunning architectural photography with its grand waiting room, beautiful tilework, and dramatic lighting.

Source: Randall De Leon

The Bradbury Building: Built in 1893, this historic building features an extraordinary skylit atrium with walkways and stairs in a blend of stone, marble, tile, and iron. Famous for appearing in movies like “Blade Runner,” this architectural gem offers unique lighting and vintage charm perfect for dramatic photography.

Source: Away Lands

Why Choose FD Photo Studio Instead

Skip the Crowds and Permits

While outdoor locations are beautiful, they come with challenges:

Heavy crowds at popular spots
Expensive permits required for professional shoots
Weather-dependent shooting
Limited parking
Time restrictions

Professional Studios

FD Photo Studio offers 6 LA-area locations with 38 unique studios. Each space is designed for different creative needs, giving you professional results without outdoor hassles.

FD Photo Studio Locations in Los Angeles

Art 3: Daylight and delicate studio with southwest windows and rose wall. This romantic studio features a stunning 10×15 foot rose wall, white clawfoot bathtub, natural southwest light through large windows, and white furniture with golden trim. Perfect for elegant portraits, fashion shoots, and romantic photography session.

Los Angeles Photo Studio for rent Olympic 3 features overhead RGB lights designed for cyc wall photo or video shoots, plus an RGB LED tunnel, professional turntable perfect for car photography, and a Vintage TV Wall. The large white cyclorama wall creates seamless backgrounds, making it ideal for commercial fashion and product work requiring precise color control.

Yukon 3: Revolutionary rain room studio features water effects and special setups including a 14×12 foot pool filled with water (7 inches deep), surrounded by black and white curtains for customizable backgrounds. Perfect for editorial, fashion, and conceptual projects that need distinctive water effects and creative backgrounds.

Studio A: Classic white walls and concrete floor studio has excellent natural light from large east and south-facing windows, making it ideal for portraits, fashion photography, and commercial shoots that benefit from authentic daylight.

Rain Room Photo Studio Hill 7 in Los Angeles features overhead RGB lights combined with rain feature. This specialized studio offers unique creative possibilities for fashion and artistic shoots with rain and dynamic colored lighting for extraordinary visual effects.

What’s Included When You Rent Studio

Professional photo studio starting at only $29.99 per hour, including basic lighting and grip equipment.

What’s Included:

Professional lighting and grip equipment included
Makeup stations, range of paper backdrops, and complimentary Wi-Fi
No permits required
Flexible scheduling with 1-hour minimum booking

Real Client Reviews

“I have been using FD Photo Studio for the past 6 months and the experience has been nothing short of excellent”

– Product D., Los Angeles

“Having shot at FD Photo Studio about 5 times, I can’t help but say that this place is a gem in the middle of LA”

– Andrey K., Los Angeles

“FD Studios is probably the most convenient, least expensive, most accommodating and accessible studio I could find”

– Yelp Review

Ready to Rent Studio Space?

Los Angeles offers incredible photo opportunities both outdoors and indoors. While iconic spots like Griffith Observatory and Venice Beach provide amazing backdrops, professional studios give you the control and convenience that busy creators need.

For your next LA photo project, consider the smart choice: rent studio space that delivers professional results without the outdoor hassles. Your photos will thank you.

1. Browse Available Studios: Visit our studio rental page to explore all 62+ locations

2. Check Equipment Lists: Review our comprehensive equipment offerings

3. Rent Your Studio: Use our 24/7 online booking system to secure your preferred date and time

4. Receive Your Check-In Code: Get your self-check-in code to access your studio seamlessly

Call us at +1 (323) 454-2323, or email us at info@fdphotostudio.com. We also have a live support chat on our website where you can get directions, request help, or ask questions.

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Kokodaw EYEAMshooter Photography

My first time here and had a ball. Great experience. Beautiful view! Perfect natural lighting and had use of equipment. Great ...

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Used FD multiple times for photo shoots for Volga Verdi clothing line – the results are amazing! Great rates, convenient locatio...

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I love FD studio. This place is like a home to me :). I use this studio a lot to shoot portraits, engagements, fashion and artwor...

Julia Shema CreativeSwirls

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Maryna Rybalka MarinaRybalka.com

This was my first experience of working in a professional photo studio. To tell you the truth, I didn’t quite know how to set th...

Steven Pressler

First time using the studio and I must say the experience was terrific. Alex was great to work with and could not be any nicer. Th...

Anonym

Toba was fantastic to deal with throughout. From our first call to the point when we had wrapped out - she was great. Thank you...

Anonym

The lady at the front desk helped me with setting up the light. I had a few questions and was humble in response. Definitely comin...

Anonym

Great staff, easy to work with and very helpful.

Anonym

Just great location and very chill!

Mj L. Glendale, CA

I actually haven't rented studio space here yet, but I felt like I should write a review based on the customer service I've experi...

Steven A. Studio City, CA

I have been using FD Photo Studio for the past 6 months and the experience has been nothing short of excellent. The studios are cl...

Product D. Los Angeles, CA

Great place!

Ilia K. Los Angeles, CA

It's BEST place to implement any ideas for photo and video shooting. The location inspires to create unique work. Thank you guys f...

Lana K. Los Angeles, CA

I had a superb experience with FD Photostudio. I had no problems reserving the studio, confirming it and shooting there! The staff...

Lida K. Glendale, CA

Having shot at FD Photo Studio for about 5 times, I can't help but say that this place is a gem in the middle of LA. It is really ...

Andrey K. Los Angeles, CA

The best studio in town no doubt, lots of space plus latest equipment, strongly recommend!

Alex B. Los Angeles, CA

Great place! Been there for a few times and will definitely shoot more up there!

Guys who work there are cool and the ...

Marla D. Long Beach, CA

Update, I posted some snap shots of studio C. Seriously quick snap shots but you get the idea! I would love to keep the studio as...

Marla D. Long Beach, CA

I shot here a few times and have been happy each time. The staff have been more than helpful and accommodating. Parking is easy...

Hunter J. El Segundo, CA

Shot at FD Photo Studio last week and it was a pleasure shooting there. They have a full bathroom with shower for models, alien...

Mrs G. Los Angeles, CA

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Kendall G. Redondo Beach, Los Angeles, CA

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Carlo P. Los Angeles, CA

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Serg I. Lakeside, CA

Awesome place and very good rates. Alex is always helpful . That's my first time at the new location and it's just perfect, lar...

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I love this place! Such an inspiring and versatile studio! Great atmosphere and amazing people working there! So friendly and h...

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I've shot at FD Photo Studio several times. The place is huge with 3 different spacious studios. I've honestly had the best exper...

Gerardo M. Orange, CA

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Mo H. Los Angeles, CA

Great place. the set up, the rooftop access is a wonderful plus and the rates are great.

Anonym

Everyone was so nice working there. The płace was fantastic and price was amazing. Very happy

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Frank Ross FrankRossPhotography.com

Love the natural lighting. Great place to shoot. Nice friendly staff.

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LOVE this studio! SHOOT HERE!! I ll be in to shoot tomorrow for the 2nd time this week. Grateful!

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Eric B. Social Finger Imagery

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Mua Sherry O Make up Artist

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We had a great experience LOVED shooting there!! Staff was fantastic as was the location. Ease of use and exactly what was pictu...

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I've used FD Studios Several times & every time I go, I'm always leaving satisfied. Keep up with the amazing stages! I hear you ma...

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Best Photo Locations in Los Angeles

Top Outdoor Photo Spots in Los Angeles

Griffith Observatory – The LA Icon

Santa Monica Pier – Classic Beach Vibes

Venice Beach – Street Art and Culture

Malibu – Natural Beauty

Downtown LA – Urban Architecture

Why Choose FD Photo Studio Instead

Skip the Crowds and Permits

Professional Studios

FD Photo Studio Locations in Los Angeles

What’s Included When You Rent Studio

Real Client Reviews

Ready to Rent Studio Space?

Find a Photo Studio near you

L.A. Studios

N.Y.C Studios

Rent Studio

Clients Review

Events

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