Sharing today some stunning photos I took as this family’s Santa Barbara family photographer!
Santa Barbara Family Photographer
As a UCSB alumna, it was very special to be back in town this summer! These clients were interested in Santa Barbara family photos and I was delighted to help out. For their location, we chose the rose garden near the Old Santa Barbara mission. With their background in theater, this location provided just the right amount of drama for their portraits.
Santa Barbara Photoshoot Locations
I’m sharing some of my favorite Santa Barbara photoshoot locations – but of course there are so many more in this lovely area! The goal with every client is to match the location to the client’s personality and needs – and I’m confident I can help you find the perfect fit!
The Old Santa Barbara Mission
As you can see from the images featured on this blog, the Old Santa Barbara Mission and rose garden is one of my favorite locations as a Santa Barbara family photographer. It’s a beautiful, central location and makes a lovely backdrop for photos. It’s particularly great for Santa Barbara family photography because there’s so much space for kids to run around safely and get those beautiful, authentic photos to showcase your family’s love. The mission does require a photo permit during working hours, 9-5 pm, but the rose garden across the street does not and allows you to get the iconic mission in the background of your portraits.
Butterfly Beach
Due to the south-facing nature of the beaches in Santa Barbara, they’re all well-situated from a flattering light perspective for nearly any time of day. If you’re down to get sandy toes I’m here to help and I’ll even bring a bottle of baby oil for the inevitable tar. 😉 I like Butterfly Beach as it is convenient for Montecito clients and has easy step access to the beach, which is helpful for grandparents or those with mobility issues.
Stow House
A beautiful estate with a Gothic house in nearby Goleta, this location has a beautiful, timeless vibe that would make a stunning backdrop for your Santa Barbara family photos. In addition to the outside of the farmhouse, the property also houses an arboretum, so there is the option for greenery in your portraits. Should you have train-loving family members, there is easy access to an old-fashioned train station at the South Coast Railway Museum on the estate. This could be an ideal “reward” for younger children to visit after their photoshoot, or could be the highlight. See a blog of my train station family photos here to get inspired!
Ellwood Mesa
Particularly if you have a dog, the walking trails on Ellwood Mesa to the west of Isla Vista make for a lovely spot for casual family photos. The geography of these areas makes them especially beautiful in the late afternoon. This area is filled with eucalyptus trees which photograph particularly well in the background of photos. I know that sounds fake, but as a photographer who has dealt with many a tree in the background of portraits, I definitely have tree preferences and eucalyptus is up there!
Funk Zone
If your family is looking for something a little more offbeat, let’s take your Santa Barbara family photos during a walk through the Funk Zone just south of Paseo Nuevo and north of Stearns Wharf. There are a variety of brightly colored murals in this district that would give more of a punk vibe to your photos!
Santa Barbara Botanic Garden
Looking for a cooler photoshoot under the trees? The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden could be a great option for your family. It has a lovely redwood grove just a short walk from the entrance, and has easy bathroom access. It does require a photo permit, and photos are only permitted during working hours 9-5 pm, which can lead to some fairly harsh sun during the summer months if you’re looking for that classic background of the meadow with the Santa Ynez mountains in the background. However, if you’re not set on that particular angle, it’s a really pretty choice in the fall, winter, or spring with the wildflowers.
Here’s what my client had to say about her experience!
Kristen Hazelton is an award-winning Oak Park, IL (West Chicagoland) and Livermore, CA (San Francisco East Bay Area) graduating senior, and family photographer. She occasionally photographs in San Diego, CA, Santa Barbara, CA, Monterey, CA, and Seattle, WA. You can inquire about your own photoshoot here!
