For models, content creators, influencers, music artists, and creative professionals of all stripes, Los Angeles is an unparalleled canvas for unforgettable photoshoots and content creation. The city’s diverse tapestry of settings, from the sun-kissed beaches of Malibu to the vibrant street art of Downtown’s Arts District, provides a rich array of backdrops to elevate any creative vision.
Whether you’re seeking to capture the essence of your latest fashion line, craft visually stunning content that captivates your audience, or immortalize the energy of your live performances, Los Angeles offers the ultimate playground. With its unique blend of natural beauty, architectural marvels, and cultural richness, this city promises to inspire and empower your artistry, allowing you to craft visuals that leave a lasting impression and elevate your brand to new heights.
Here are 20 unique places in Los Angeles to have a photoshoot at no cost:
1. Walt Disney Concert Hall
The Walt Disney Concert Hall in Los Angeles is a symphony of architecture and content creation potential. Capture the building’s iconic, billowing curves bathed in golden hour light for a stunning introduction. For architecture enthusiasts, close-up shots of the steel facade or the Douglas fir-lined interior highlight the building’s unique design. Don’t forget the expansive gardens – use them as a serene backdrop for portraits or film a calming yoga routine amidst the greenery. The Walt Disney Concert Hall offers a stage for a variety of content, from capturing the beauty of music to showcasing innovative architecture and design.
Address: 111 S Grand Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90012
2. Abbot Kinney Boulevard
Abbot Kinney Boulevard in Los Angeles is a treasure trove for content creators seeking a vibrant blend of style, design, and bohemian vibes. Also known as the “Coolest Block in America”, the unique storefronts with their eye-catching murals and curated product displays, are perfect for lifestyle or fashion content. Film yourself window shopping or explore the trendy boutiques to discover hidden gems. The street is a haven for people-watching, so grab candid shots of the diverse crowd or capture influencers sporting the latest trends. Duck into a trendy cafe and film a delicious brunch spread or create a recipe video using local ingredients. Don’t forget the art scene – capture close-up shots of sculptures lining the street or use the vibrant atmosphere as a backdrop for your artistic creations. Whether you’re a fashionista, a foodie, or simply a creative soul, Abbot Kinney Boulevard offers endless inspiration to tell your unique story.
Address: 1225 Abbot Kinney Blvd, Venice, CA 90291
3. Character Graffiti Wall DTLA
Tucked away on a side street, lies an explosion of urban art: an elaborate graffiti wall. Towering murals by renowned street artists sprawl across the concrete canvas, a kaleidoscope of color and social commentary. Bold characters and intricate details beg to be captured in a close-up shot. Step back to take in the full scale of the artwork, the vibrant colors contrasting with the grittiness of the surrounding cityscape. Find a unique angle that incorporates the surrounding architecture for a photo that tells a story. This graffiti wall isn’t just a backdrop – it’s a dynamic piece of art itself, waiting to be explored through the lens of your camera.
Address: Hidden in an apartment complex is Tilt Coffee Bar at 334 Main St Kiosk#1, Los Angeles, CA 90013. The entrance is on East 4th Street. Walk past the coffee bar and head down the stairs to the left. Make a right and then the wall is on your left-hand side.
4. Beverly Hills Hotel
The Beverly Hills Hotel is a portal to old Hollywood glamour for content creators. Capture the iconic pink façade bathed in warm California sunlight, perfect for travel or lifestyle content. Step inside and shoot the elegant lobby with its checkered floors and banana leaf wallpaper – it’s a timeless backdrop that oozes sophistication. The Polo Lounge, a legendary Hollywood hangout, provides a scene steeped in history. Film a luxurious staycation vlog or capture a chic outfit post amidst the bygone era vibes. The expansive pool area offers a taste of resort life, ideal for showcasing swimwear or poolside cocktails. For a touch of whimsy, photograph the meticulously manicured gardens with their vibrant flowers. Remember, the Beverly Hills Hotel is all about exclusivity and luxury. So curate your content with a touch of sophistication, whether it’s a fashion shoot, a travel vlog highlighting the hotel’s amenities, or a behind-the-scenes peek at the opulent lifestyle it represents.
Address: 9641 Sunset Blvd, Beverly Hills, CA 90210
5. Lower Grand Overpass
Model: Monet Anais
This gritty industrial playground is a photographer’s dream for streetwear, athletic apparel, or sportscar product shoots in the City of Angels. A semi-enclosed tunnel, it offers a blank canvas for creatives to play with backlight, shadows, and aperture, bending the elements to suit their stylistic demands. The raw concrete finish provides the perfect cyber-punk, modern, or futuristic backdrop, allowing your vision to truly come to life.
Address: Head to DTLA and make your way to W General Thaddeus Kosciuszko Way. From there, turn left onto Grand Lower. During the day, you can park nearby at the 221 S Grand Ave Garage, but if you’re planning a nighttime shoot, street parking is available on either side of the road.
6. The Getty Center
The Getty Center is a paradise for photographers and content creators. The iconic architecture, with its clean lines and travertine facade, provides a stunning backdrop for architectural shots. Play with light and shadow to capture the geometric patterns or focus on details. The Central Garden offers a vibrant oasis, perfect for close-up florals, capturing the colorful plant life against the water features, or using the garden’s design for unique compositions. While flash photography is restricted inside the museum, interesting angles and details of art and sculptures can be captured. Even outside the museum, the Getty Center’s expansive views of Los Angeles provide breathtaking backdrops for cityscape shots, portraits bathed in soft light (arrive early or late for the best lighting), or a chic backdrop for fashion shoots.
Address: 1200 Getty Center Drive, Los Angeles, CA 90049
7. Santa Monica Pier
The Santa Monica Pier is a visual playground for photographers and content creators. Capture the iconic Ferris wheel silhouetted against a vibrant sunset, or use its whimsical lights as the centerpiece of a nighttime shot. The energetic atmosphere provides opportunities for candid street photography, capturing people enjoying carnival rides or strolling along the pier. Zoom in on the quirky performers or capture the vastness of the Pacific Ocean stretching towards the horizon. The pier itself offers classic beach photography backdrops – think colorful lifeguard stands against the blue sky or surfers riding the waves. Head over to Pacific Park for vintage amusement park vibes, perfect for capturing families enjoying the rides or couples sharing cotton candy. Don’t forget the Santa Monica Pier carousel – its intricate details and vibrant colors make it a charming subject. The pier caters to all kinds of content creation – film a fun vlog exploring the pier’s offerings, showcase your skateboarding skills on the nearby skatepark, or use the beach setting for a laid-back fashion shoot.
Address: 200 Santa Monica Pier, Santa Monica, CA 90401
8. The Bradbury Building – DTLA
Built in 1893, the Bradbury Building is an architectural marvel that transports visitors to a realm where past and future converge. An extraordinary skylit atrium frames walkways and stairs in a magical blend of stone, marble, tile, and iron, creating an iconic Los Angeles site that beckons photographers. This timeless gem can be lit to cast various hues, while cloudy dusks lend an eerie, futuristic ambiance that has graced numerous TV shows and movies, most famously Blade Runner.
Address: 304 S Broadway, Los Angeles, CA 90013
9. Urban Lights at LACMA
Model: Taylor A. Williams
Outfit: Angel Brinks
At the front entrance of the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), a striking installation titled “Urban Light” stands as a captivating amalgam of past and present. Created by artist Chris Burden, this unique artwork features 202 vintage street lamps, each painted a uniform steel grey, adorning the western edge of the Miracle Mile. The lamps’ symmetrical arrangement blends old-world stylings with a contemporary setting, offering photographers a chance to capture its ever-changing moods, from the warm glow of bright sunlight to the ethereal ambiance of its illuminated nighttime presence.
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
10. Huntington Library, Art Museum, and Gardens
The Huntington Library and Gardens is a treasure trove for photographers and content creators seeking a fusion of beauty and history. Step back in time and capture the elegance of the Huntington Mansion against a backdrop of meticulously manicured gardens. The rose gardens offer a riot of color and fragrance, perfect for close-up flower photography. Wisteria tunnels and sprawling lawns create enchanting scenes, while the various themed gardens, like the Japanese Garden or the Children’s Garden, provide diverse backdrops. Inside the Huntington Library, architectural details and curated exhibitions offer unique composition opportunities, though photography with flash is generally not permitted. For content creators, the Huntington provides endless inspiration. Film a historical vlog amidst the gardens, create content showcasing garden design or different plant varieties, or use the elegant backdrop for fashion or product shoots.
Address: 1151 Oxford Rd, San Marino, CA 91108
11. Historic 1st Street Bridge – DTLA
The iconic skyline of Downtown Los Angeles has served as a muse for countless photographers and filmmakers, and nowhere captures its essence quite like the historic 1st Street Bridge. Built in the early 1900s, this neo-classical marvel traverses the LA River, framing the city’s soaring skyscrapers in a manner that leaves shutters clicking in awe. Capture the bridge’s grand scale and intricate ironwork with close-up details or wide-angle shots that showcase its dominance over the surrounding streets. Play with perspective, using the bridge’s verticality and the lines of traffic to create dynamic compositions. At night, the bridge transforms with dramatic lighting, offering opportunities for long exposures and capturing the neon glow of downtown Los Angeles. The area under the bridge provides an alternative perspective, perfect for street photography or capturing urban art installations. For both photo and video shoots, the 1st Street Bridge truly shines, offering a sheer diversity of angles and perspectives that set it apart as one of Los Angeles’ most photogenic locations.
Address: For drivers, simply exit the 101 Freeway at Alameda Street and head south. Turn left onto First Street, and the bridge’s grandeur will soon come into view. Those opting for public transportation can make their way to Union Station, from which the bridge is just a 0.6-mile stroll away, allowing you to soak in the vibrant atmosphere of the city before capturing its essence through your lens.
12. Griffith Observatory
The observatory itself is instantly recognizable, offering classic LA landscape shots. Capture it during golden hour or capture the twinkling cityscape after dark with the glittering city lights below as it provides a stunning vantage point for LA panoramas. Shoot the sprawling city during golden hour or capture the twinkling cityscape after dark. The observatory’s exhibits and telescopes offer interesting close-up shots and a science-y aesthetic for content. If you visit on a clear night, capture the magic of the Los Angeles sky with the observatory in the foreground
Address: 2800 East Observatory Road, Los Angeles, CA 90027
13. Runyon Canyon
Runyon Canyon caters to photographers and content creators seeking a blend of nature and urban energy. Capture the panoramic vistas of the sprawling Los Angeles basin, dotted with iconic landmarks like the Hollywood sign. Hike to the top for golden hour shots bathed in warm light, or challenge yourself with capturing the twinkling cityscape after dark. The diverse flora and fauna offer opportunities for close-up nature photography, while the abundance of dog walkers provides a chance to capture adorable pet content. If fitness is your niche, film yourself conquering the trails or document your workout routine with the Hollywood Hills as your backdrop.
Location: 2000 N Fuller Ave, Los Angeles, CA 90046 – If you’re arriving by car, there are two main entrances to choose from:
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Fuller Avenue Entrance: This is the most popular entrance, located at the end of North Fuller Avenue. Look for the Runyon Canyon Park sign and parking on the surrounding streets (be prepared for competition for spots).
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Vista Street Entrance: Situated on the south side of the canyon at 2905 Runyon Canyon Road, this entrance offers an alternative access point. There’s limited street parking here as well.
14. The Last Bookstore
In the nook of Downtown Los Angeles is a haven for content creators with a unique blend of literature and aesthetics. At The Last Bookstore, the towering bookcases, meticulously crafted into tunnels and arches, offer a dreamlike backdrop for photography and videography. Capture the whimsical atmosphere or use the towering shelves to frame creative portraits. Film a book review or author interview surrounded by endless stories. The curated sections provide niche content opportunities – showcase a haul of vintage paperbacks for a bibliophile audience or highlight a specific genre with a creative flatlay. Don’t forget the details – capture close-up shots of interesting book spines, quirky signage, or the resident cat for an extra dose of charm. The Last Bookstore goes beyond books – capture the artistic energy with shots of the vinyl record section or the onsite Yuko Kitchen restaurant. It’s a place to truly get lost in a world of stories, all waiting to be brought to life through content creation.
Address: 453 S Spring St Ground Floor, Los Angeles, CA 90013
15. Deserted Shopping Center
Model: Rama Montakhabi
Imagine a forgotten relic of consumerism: a deserted shopping center in Downtown LA. Cracked concrete and faded signage hint at a bygone era. Sunlight streams through broken skylights, illuminating peeling paint and empty storefronts. This abandoned haven offers a photographer a haunting beauty – a canvas for capturing the passage of time and the impermanence of trends. Play with light and shadow to emphasize the decay, or use the emptiness to create a sense of solitude. With a creative eye, this deserted mall transforms into a captivating portrait of urban exploration and forgotten dreams.
Address: Hidden in an apartment complex is Tilt Coffee Bar at 334 Main St Kiosk#1, Los Angeles, CA 90013. The entrance is on East 4th street. Walk past the coffee bar and head to the empty warehouse-looking space behind it.
16. Famous Palm Trees – Beverly Hills
Beverly Hills’ famous palm tree-lined streets offer a quintessential LA vibe with the opportunity to capture the endless rows of swaying palms against a clear blue sky, perfect for travel or luxury car content. Walk or cycle underneath the leafy canopy, creating a verdant tunnel effect. The elegant mansions peeking through the palm fronds add a touch of grandeur. This iconic location is ideal for fashion shoots with a touch of California cool, or use the palm trees as a natural frame for portrait photography. Just remember to be respectful of private property and avoid blocking driveways.
Address: Carmelita Ave. + N Hillcrest Rd. or N Canon Dr. + Park Way
17. Rodeo Drive
The most popular spot in Beverly Hills is Rodeo Drive. It oozes sophistication, making it a dream location for influencer content. Imagine filming yourself browsing the racks of Gucci or Prada, capturing the latest designer trends for your audience. The impeccably dressed crowd and vibrant window displays provide a chic backdrop for outfit reveals or fashion hauls. Document your shopping experience, grabbing a peek inside a luxurious boutique or showcasing your coveted purchases. For a touch of playfulness, capture a content snippet with a gelato in hand under the iconic Rodeo Drive sign. Remember, Rodeo Drive is all about effortless luxury. Let your confidence and impeccable style take center stage, whether you’re showcasing your designer finds or simply strolling down this legendary street.
Address: Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, CA 90212
18. Rooftop Parking Structure 6 – Santa Monica
Santa Monica’s rooftop parking structures might sound unexpected, but they offer a unique platform for creating. Structure 6 in particular has panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean stretching towards the horizon, the perfect sunset backdrop for showcasing your summer outfit or filming a dreamy travel vlog. The geometric lines and concrete textures of the rooftop add an industrial edge, ideal for a more edgy or streetwear vibe. You can even use the structure’s staircases or railings for creative posing or incorporate them into a dance video. With a touch of creativity, this rooftop parking can transform into an unexpected gem for your next influencer post.
Address: Parking Structure 6, 1431 2nd St, Santa Monica, CA 90401
19. Levitated Mass Slot at LACMA
The Levitated Mass Slot at LACMA is more than just a sculpture; it’s an opportunity to create visually striking and thought-provoking content. Capture the massive granite boulder precariously balanced above the concrete trench. Play with perspective – stand underneath the rock for a dwarfed, almost comical effect, or climb the trench walls for a dramatic, head-on shot. The interplay of light and shadow creates a dynamic canvas, perfect for artistic black and white photography or showcasing architectural details.
Address: 5905 Wilshire Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90036
20. El Matador Beach
Capture the dramatic rock formations jutting out of the Pacific Ocean, perfect for a classic beach shot or an adventurous outfit reveal. The tide pools teeming with life offer close-up opportunities for nature enthusiasts, while the vastness of the ocean creates a serene backdrop for yoga or meditation videos. At sunrise, the golden light paints the cliffs with a warm glow, ideal for romantic couple shots or dreamy travel vlogs. For photographers, the contrast between the rugged rocks and the smooth sand provides endless composition possibilities. El Matador Beach offers a bit of everything – adventure, romance, nature, and tranquility – all waiting to be captured and shared through your unique lens.
Address: 32350 Pacific Coast Hwy, Malibu, CA 90265
Whether you’re a seasoned professional or an aspiring creative, Los Angeles offers an unparalleled tapestry of photographic and content creation opportunities. From iconic landmarks that have graced the silver screen to gritty urban landscapes and vibrant cultural enclaves, this city is a true photographer’s playground. With its ever-changing light, diverse backdrops, and endless supply of inspiration, Los Angeles promises to ignite your creativity and capture your imagination, one frame at a time. So, grab your camera, unleash your vision, and let the City of Angels work its magic – the perfect shot or unforgettable content piece is waiting for you around every corner.
