There's a certain kind of family that books a standard session, gets beautiful photos, and is completely happy. And there's another kind of family — maybe yours — that looks at those photos and thinks: beautiful, but not quite us.
If your family spends weekends on trails. If your kids have opinions about which peaks they've summited. If your idea of a perfect Saturday involves a thermos of coffee, a map, and a destination that requires some effort to reach — this post is for you.
What makes an adventure session different
A standard family session happens in a predetermined, accessible location — a park, a preserve, a charming neighborhood street. Beautiful, efficient, predictable.
An adventure session happens somewhere you earn with your feet. We might hike to a ridgeline at sunrise. Drive out to the desert and shoot among Joshua Tree's boulders at golden hour. Find a waterfall in the San Bernardino National Forest that most people have never seen. Camp overnight and shoot at both dawn and dusk.
The location isn't a backdrop. It's a destination. And reaching it together — as a family — becomes part of the story the photos tell.
Southern California adventure session locations I love
The San Gabriel Mountains above the Inland Empire are endlessly photogenic and surprisingly accessible. The Ice House Canyon area, the upper San Antonio Canyon, and the ridgelines above Mount Baldy offer alpine terrain that feels nothing like suburban Southern California.
Joshua Tree National Park is two hours from Rancho Cucamonga and worth every minute. The boulder formations at sunset are unlike anything else in California. Sunrise sessions here start in the dark and end in some of the most extraordinary light I've ever worked in.
Big Bear and Lake Arrowhead are less than an hour from the Inland Empire and offer pine forests, lake views, and genuine four-season variation. Fall sessions up here, when the aspens turn gold along the north shore of Big Bear Lake, are extraordinary.
The Mojave Desert offers sweeping flats, volcanic formations, and impossibly wide sky for something truly cinematic and remote.
Catalina Island is completely different — ocean bluffs, Mediterranean-feeling villages, and a landscape that doesn't look like anywhere else in Southern California.
How adventure sessions are planned
Every adventure session starts with a conversation about where your family loves to go and what kind of experience you want to have. From there I research the location thoroughly — light angles, trail conditions, timing, access, parking, any permits required — so that by the time we show up, I know exactly where we're going and why.
I handle all the planning. You just need to show up, wear layers, and be ready to have fun.
Adventure sessions are priced based on location and travel time. Reach out to discuss your vision and I'll put together a custom plan.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Southern California locations do you recommend for adventure sessions?
Joshua Tree for desert drama, the San Gabriel Mountains for alpine scenery, Big Bear for forest and lake views, and the Mojave for something truly cinematic. Each offers a completely different look and feel.
How long do adventure sessions last?
Adventure sessions typically run 2–3 hours including travel to the shooting location. Sessions in more remote areas may run longer depending on logistics.
Are adventure sessions appropriate for families with toddlers?
With the right location selection, yes. I help choose locations that work for your youngest family member. Not every adventure session requires a difficult hike.
What should we bring to an adventure session?
Water, snacks, comfortable layers, and shoes you can walk in. I'll send a detailed prep guide specific to your location after booking.
Do you photograph couples on adventure sessions?
Yes — adventure sessions are wonderful for couples. Anniversary shoots, engagement-adjacent sessions, or simply wanting beautiful photos of the two of you somewhere extraordinary. These are some of my favorite shoots to plan.
Related reading
Adventure family sessions — why your photos don't have to happen in a park