Top 5 San Fernando Valley Parks for Portraits

It's a neighborhood home to nearly thirty-four different sub-cities where summers are almost always in the triple digits and you're for sure guaranteed to find a ton of Thai restaurants lined up on Sherman Way Boulevard in North Hollywood.

So often do clients ask me for suggestions on where to do their portrait sessions, and while I do love photographing sessions outside of the San Fernando Valley there is just something that can be just as charming in the valley as other locations like the famous Hollywood Trail in Griffith Park.

While there are tons of options to choose from, I want to highlight some of my favorite locations I personally shooting in when shooting in the valley.

Here are my Top 5 San Fernando Valley Parks for Portrait Sessions:

1. Abraham Lincoln Park

This locations is fairly small and is part of the Abraham Lincoln Burbank Library which is surrounded by a residential area (just like most valley parks) alongside Buena Vista Blvd. and West Verdugo  Ave. and a good 3 minute stretch to the Burbank Disney Studios which always me feel uberly excited/dorky. . 

2. Veterans Memorial Park

I first learned about Veterans Memorial Park through one my friends on a hike which nearly killed me (okay, I may be a bit dramatic-- I was just very unfit to be going up that trail. Haha.) This 97-acre park lies at the northern lining of the San Fernando Valley of Sylmar, California.
Not only are there hiking trails and pretty walk way underneath symmetrical trees, you can occasionally see a group of Frisbee competitions going on during the weekends which can be quite entertaining. 
The stone cobble path makes a dramatic fairytale-esque vibe to your portraits and pretty scenery for a nice run with the dogs.

3. O'Melveney Park

This hidden little gem of a park is so a-dor-a-ble. During a quest to find more local hiking spots, I came across O'Melveney Park in Granada Hills, California. The sweet little walk up from the parking lot gives you an orange grove as you enter the park which make really fun hide-and-seek opportunities. As you continue walking, you'll notice the cobble stone balancing walkways which also can make cute photos with kids as they attempt to balance themselves as they walk. 
This park is typically pretty quiet (even on weekends) and sure to give you a good workout when hiking up the trail.

4. Lake Balboa Park

If one just drove by the main streets that surround Lake Balboa Park, you would think that the name of this sub-city was just a name and not an actual lake. This was literally me for years. Yeah, I know.

Once I found my way there on a bike ride with my dad, I was astonished at how big and beautiful this place was. With a little over three-squared mile neighborhood, this place has your typical park jungle-gym area, picnic area and a beautiful view of the lake filled with ducks I've never seen anywhere else. 

It's definitely one of my favorite parks in the San Fernando Valley to shoot portraits. 

5. Hansen Dam Recreational Park

Last, but not least--the Hansen Dam Recreational Park is not your typical park with swings, slides and sandboxes; but what it does have you won't even miss your typical playground. With tons of open space, this park can give you the feeling of being up in the middle of nowhere which for portraits, gives more of a interesting photograph. 

Since this park is in Lake View Terrace, Ca.,which is home to many ranches, you're almost guaranteed to run into a horse or two walking alongside the dirt paths. So be mindful when walking around this area (especially if you have your pups with you).

You see, there really is some pretty locations in the valley of Los Angeles for photos, picnics and hikes. 
If you're in the area, let me know--I'll be ready with my camera in my hands, and my hiking shoes on. ;)

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