A Photographer’s Guide to Capturing Los Angeles: From Venice Beach to Downtown

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, offers a stunning range of landscapes, vibrant street scenes, and iconic landmarks that make it one of the most photogenic places in the world. Whether you’re an amateur photographer or a seasoned pro, LA’s diversity is a playground for capturing stunning photos—especially when you’re armed with just your smartphone. In this photo guide, I’ll walk you through some of LA’s most photographable spots, offering practical tips on how to snap pro-level shots using your phone. From the bustling streets of Venice Beach to the architectural marvels in Downtown LA, let’s dive in!

1. Venice Beach: A Street Photographer’s Dream

Start your journey in Venice Beach, a vibrant mix of street art, quirky performers, local icons, and beach life. Venice is a photographer’s paradise, offering endless photo ops.

2. Santa Monica Pier: A California Icon

Just a short walk up the coast lies the iconic Santa Monica Pier. This location is quintessential California with its Ferris wheel, carnival games, and beach views.

Photo Tip:

• Start with the Entrance: The entrance to the pier is iconic and perfect for capturing the spirit of Santa Monica. Make sure to capture the famed “Route 66” sign, a popular landmark for tourists.
• Capture Movement: At Pacific Park, the Ferris wheel and roller coasters provide dynamic shots. For a unique perspective, try using slow motion or burst mode to capture the action.

3. Beverly Hills: Palm Trees and Luxury

Beverly Hills offers an entirely different vibe, full of luxury and old-Hollywood charm. While Rodeo Drive is the shopping mecca, Beverly Hills also provides some iconic shots of palm trees, expensive cars, and glamorous hotels.

Photo Tip:

• Photographing Palm Trees: The best palm tree shots are taken low to the ground. Get really low to the pavement and use the ultra-wide lens on your phone to capture the full expanse of the palms framing the streets.
• Hotel Shots: When photographing places like the Beverly Hills Hotel, reposition yourself to avoid distractions like palm trees or parked cars. Move the camera low to catch the marquee without any obstructions.

4. Hollywood: Starstruck and Full of Character

No visit to LA would be complete without a stop at the Hollywood Walk of Fame. Though crowded and a bit gritty, it’s a must-see for anyone interested in iconic LA sights. From the stars on the sidewalk to the famous Chinese Theatre and costumed characters, Hollywood is perfect for capturing the essence of celebrity culture.

Photo Tip:

• Hollywood Sign: The elusive Hollywood sign can be hard to get close to, but you can get a good shot from the official viewing area or hike the Brush Canyon Trail for a clear view from above. A wide-angle lens will help you capture the sign in context with the surrounding hills.
• People Photography: You’ll find plenty of performers around Hollywood Boulevard. Be sure to tip them for their efforts! This is a great spot to practice candid street photography and capture unique characters.

5. Griffith Observatory: City Views and Star Gazing

For panoramic views of Los Angeles, head to Griffith Observatory. From here, you can photograph sweeping vistas of the city skyline by day or the twinkling lights at night. The observatory itself, immortalized in movies like La La Land and Rebel Without a Cause, offers excellent photo opportunities.

Photo Tip:

• Nighttime Photography: The best time to photograph Griffith Observatory is after sunset when the city lights start to twinkle. Use a tripod to stabilize your phone for sharp long-exposure shots.
• Unique Perspectives: For a more unique shot, walk around the observatory and find an angle where you can capture both the building and the cityscape in the background.

6. Downtown LA: Modern Architecture Meets Historic Landmarks

On day two of your photo journey, venture into Downtown LA. Start at Vista Hermosa Park for a killer shot of the skyline, then head to the Walt Disney Concert Hall—a Frank Gehry masterpiece known for its curvaceous and reflective metal exterior. Afterward, check out Union Station, a stunning blend of Art Deco and Spanish Colonial Revival architecture.

Photo Tip:

• Walt Disney Concert Hall: Disney Hall is a challenging building to photograph because of all the distractions—light poles, moving cars, and busy streets. My best advice is to get low and wide to capture the intricate curves and reflections.
• Union Station: This 1930s railroad terminal is perfect for capturing dramatic architectural shots, especially at night when it’s lit in purple. Inside, the dramatic lighting and high ceilings are perfect for a wedding or portrait shot.

7. Union Station and Broadway: LA’s Historic Heart

Finish your day by exploring the old movie theaters, the Bradbury Building, and Grand Central Market along Broadway. The Bradbury Building, a century-old landmark, offers intricate staircases and ironwork. Nearby, the Grand Central Market offers rich street life and food photography opportunities, perfect for capturing the eclectic spirit of downtown.

Photo Tip:

• Bradbury Building: It’s hard to fit the entire building into a single shot, so zoom in to capture the details of the ornate ironwork and architectural features.
• Grand Central Market: For food photography, focus on close-up shots of colorful dishes or busy chefs at work. Lighting can be dim, so increase your ISO to avoid blurry shots.

Los Angeles offers so much more to explore and photograph beyond these highlights. From the trendy neighborhoods like Silver Lake to the more relaxed beach cities of Malibu and Hermosa Beach, LA is a visual feast for photographers.

Whether you’re snapping a quick selfie at Santa Monica Pier or capturing the sunset over Venice Beach, LA’s unique landscape and vibrant culture will undoubtedly inspire your next photo adventure.

So, grab your phone, explore the streets, and start documenting your own version of LA!