Santa Monica is a haven for photographers and travelers alike. With its iconic pier, sandy beaches, lush parks, and vibrant neighborhoods, it offers countless opportunities for stunning photos. Whether you’re after a professional portrait or spontaneous shots of surfers on the beach, Santa Monica’s diverse scenery makes it ideal for photography enthusiasts. We especially like the Private Los Angeles Photoshoot in Sunny Santa Monica because it combines personalized guidance with iconic locations, ensuring you walk away with images you’ll treasure. Plus, receiving 50 professionally edited photos makes this experience a standout for Instagrammers and bloggers.
If you’re short on time but want quality images, the Santa Monica: Photoshoot with Edited Images provides a quick but professional photo walk that delivers 12 beautifully retouched photos. For those seeking a more adventurous and social media-ready experience, Hidden Los Angeles Private Photo Tour takes you beyond Santa Monica into LA’s coolest spots, perfect for creating share-worthy content. And if you’re interested in combining activity with photography, the 3 Hours Gravel Ride in Los Angeles with Photos Included offers a fun way to capture the city’s rugged beauty from a bike seat.
Below, you’ll find eight fantastic options, each suited to different interests and budgets.
1. Private Los Angeles Photoshoot in Sunny Santa Monica with Personal Photographer
Santa Monica’s panoramic vistas and vibrant neighborhoods are perfect for a customized photoshoot. During this 2-hour private experience, your photographer will find the best locations tailored to your style, whether that’s the bustling Santa Monica Pier or the chic Third Street Promenade. The highlight is definitely the 50 professionally edited photos you’ll receive afterward, ideal for social media, family albums, or just bragging rights.
What makes this experience stand out is its flexibility—you can customize the schedule and locations. The guide is adept at finding that picture-perfect shot, whether it’s the colorful murals or the ocean backdrop. Reviewers love the professional approach, with one saying, “Lil was such an amazing photographer! So kind and professional. My 15-year-old daughter and I had such a wonderful experience!” This shoot is perfect for anyone wanting high-quality, personalized photos in Santa Monica.
Bottom Line: If you value a tailored experience and stunning, ready-to-share images, this private photoshoot is worth the investment.
2. Santa Monica: Photoshoot with Edited Images
For about $150, this one-hour professional photo walk around Santa Monica offers a great way to get some polished shots. The session focuses on capturing high-quality portraits with expert editing, including color correction and skin retouching. You’ll explore the picturesque Santa Monica Pier and surrounding areas, making it a good option for travelers short on time but wanting professional results.
What makes this tour different is its personalized approach. The photographer will tailor the session to your style, ensuring the photos reflect your personality. The 12 edited images are delivered promptly, perfect for social media or printing. While it’s a shorter experience, it packs a punch and is ideal if you’re not looking for a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: This is a solid choice if you want quick, high-quality photos, especially if you’re in Santa Monica for just a day and want images that stand out.
$150 per person
3. Hidden Los Angeles Private Photo Tour – Best for social media
Spanning about 8 hours, this comprehensive tour is designed for those who want to explore LA and elevate their social media game. It’s perfect if you’re eager to visit lesser-known spots like Hollywood Sign, Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Venice Canals, while honing your photography skills along the way. This experience is great for professional photographers, hobbyists, or anyone who loves capturing beautiful moments.
What’s unique is the focus on hidden gems that travelers often overlook. The guides are knowledgeable and can reveal the best angles and times of day to shoot. The tour includes multiple stops, each offering opportunities for creative shots. While no reviews are listed, the itinerary suggests a well-rounded, in-depth experience for dedicated shutterbugs.
Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for those wanting a full day of exploring and capturing LA’s coolest spots, especially if social media content is a priority.
$164.00 per person
4. Hire Photographer, Professional Photo Shoot – Santa Monica
If you want to create lasting memories in Santa Monica, this 4-hour professional photo shoot allows you to explore iconic locations with a dedicated photographer. The tailored approach means you can choose your favorite spots or let the guide suggest hidden locations for more authentic images. The session is flexible—you can travel to your preferred site or stick to suggested locations.
This tour is ideal for solo travelers, couples, groups, or special occasions like hen parties or family outings. The photos are high-quality, and the experience is designed to produce a variety of images in different settings, from beaches to urban landscapes. While no specific reviews are available, the longer duration offers plenty of time to get natural, candid shots and well-posed portraits.
Bottom Line: For those who want a customized, in-depth photoshoot experience and high-quality images, this is a top choice.
$210.41 per person
5. Photoshoot at Los Angeles’ Most Beautiful Beaches and Parks
At around $90, this 1.5-hour session takes you to the most scenic spots in LA, including beaches, parks, and gardens. You can choose to be photographed with the ocean, hills, or lush greenery as your backdrop. The tour comes with a variety of camera gear, and the photographer is prepared to capture your best angles amid LA’s natural beauty.
What makes this experience appealing is its flexibility—you can opt for views from hillside parks, beachfronts, or even urban settings. It’s perfect for those wanting a variety of shots in a short period. Guests can expect professionally composed images that highlight LA’s landscapes.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want scenic, high-quality photos without spending hours on a shoot, especially if you love outdoor settings.
$90.00 per person
6. Private Photoshoot on the Beaches of Los Angeles
This private session for up to six people at Venice Beach, the canals, or the Boardwalk offers a personalized experience. For around $420, you get about an hour of relaxed shooting with a photographer who speaks French and English. You can choose the most meaningful location for your group, making it an ideal option for families, couples, or solo travelers wanting a professional touch.
The photographer will help you capture your best angles and create a set of images that reflect your personality and style. Reviews aren’t available, but the private aspect and flexible location make it appealing for special occasions or family portraits.
Bottom Line: If you prefer a dedicated session with up to six people at Venice Beach or nearby, this experience offers both privacy and quality.
$420.00 per group (up to 6)
7. Private Professional Vacation Photoshoot in Santa Monica
This one-hour professional photoshoot guides you through Santa Monica’s most photogenic landmarks. The experience includes insider tips and tricks to improve your holiday photos, making it perfect for travelers who want to learn while they shoot. You can choose your favorite spots or explore suggested hidden locations for more authentic images.
It’s suited for solo travelers, couples, or families wanting to capture their trip with a professional touch. The guide’s knowledge adds value, helping you find the best angles and moments. It’s a good option for those seeking quality without a lengthy commitment.
Bottom Line: For a quick, personalized session that combines sightseeing and photography tips, this is a recommended choice.
$172.48 per person
8. 3 Hours Gravel Ride in Los Angeles with Photos Included
This 3-hour gravel biking tour offers a different way to see LA’s scenery. Starting with the challenging Sullivan Ridge climb, the ride traverses dirt trails and offers spectacular views of the city, ocean, and hills. Photos are included, so you can share your adventure afterward.
It’s ideal for active travelers who want to combine sport with photography. The tour is led by an experienced cyclist familiar with LA’s best trails, ensuring a safe and rewarding ride. While reviews are not listed, the focus on dirt trails and panoramic vistas makes this a unique option for adventurous photo buffs.
Bottom Line: If you’re a motivated cyclist looking to combine outdoor activity with memorable photos, this tour provides a fun, energetic experience.
$75.00 per person
How to Choose Your Perfect Photography Experience
When selecting a Santa Monica photography experience, consider your budget, time availability, and your personal interests. For a quick but high-quality portrait session, the Santa Monica: Photoshoot with Edited Images is ideal. If you want a full-day adventure exploring LA’s hidden spots, the Hidden Los Angeles Private Photo Tour is well worth it. For those who prefer a more active experience, the 3 Hours Gravel Ride combines biking with photography.
Budget-conscious travelers should check out the Photoshoot at LA’s Beaches and Parks for scenic shots at a reasonable price. If privacy and personalized attention are priorities, the Private Photoshoot on Venice Beach offers a flexible, intimate experience.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak summer months or weekends, to secure your preferred time slot.
Final Thoughts
Santa Monica offers a wealth of photography options, from professional shoots to adventurous bike rides. If you want a quick, polished set of images, the Santa Monica Photoshoot with Edited Images is a practical choice. For a full day of exploring unique spots, the Hidden LA Tour stands out. Active travelers will appreciate the Gravel Ride, combining fitness and photography.
No matter your style or budget, Santa Monica’s diverse scenery guarantees memorable images. Early booking ensures you won’t miss out on these popular experiences. Now, grab your camera and start planning your perfect shot!