Morro Rock - Morro Bay, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Location Spotlight

Morro Rock is one of the most iconic scenes along the Californian coast. That’s why it would make an amazing location for your next photo session! This volcanic plug sits on the coastline, stretching 576 feet tall. Not only is this one of the most stunning views along the coast, but it holds a ton of historical significance to our state.

Including this massive rock in your photos will lend a sense of character to your images, setting them apart from ordinary photo shoots. Whether it's a portrait, engagement session, or family photo, Morro Rock adds an unmistakable touch of grandeur and distinction.

The allure of the Pacific Ocean is undeniable, and Morro Rock provides an enchanting coastal setting for your photo session. The rhythmic crashing of waves against the rocky shores, coupled with the vast expanse of the ocean, creates an atmosphere that will infuse your pictures with a sense of tranquility and natural wonder.

Morro Rock and its surroundings offer a diverse range of photography opportunities. From golden sandy beaches to rugged coastal cliffs, we'll find the perfect backdrop to match your desired aesthetic.

We can even walk right up to the rock itself if you want, but we can’t climb it because it’s an ecological preserve for peregrine falcons, and it holds strong cultural significance to Native Americans.

On calm days, the waters of Morro Bay mirror the rock's imposing presence, creating stunning reflections that will amplify the beauty of your photographs. These mirror-like reflections offer an artistic and surreal touch, making your images truly stand out.

However, there are days when Morro Rock isn’t very visible due to fog or rain. If this happens during our session, we can either make the most of it or reschedule. While it is disappointing, this has happened a few times.

That said, nothing is better than a perfect day here. Morro Rock is a stunning location with tons of history and cultural significance. I highly recommend it!

If you love California as much as I do, consider choosing Morro Rock for your next photo session! I can’t wait to see you there.

San Lorenzo Park - King City, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Location Spotlight

If one of my clients expresses interest in going to a park for their photo session, I always recommend San Lorenzo Park in King City. There are so many great park options in the area, but San Lorenzo Park is great for a lot of reasons. Here’s why you should consider it for your next photo session!

First off, this park is huge! There are 200 acres of recreational space, which means that there will be plenty of room for us to move around and make the most of our surroundings. The paths are easy to navigate and are perfect for family members of any accessibility level.

Having so much room also means that we won’t have to worry about potential photo-bombers! While this park can be popular during the summer, I’ve never had a problem with it being too crowded.

Sometimes, I like to use prompts to get some candid moments of movement between you and your loved ones. At San Lorenzo Park, we won’t have to worry about bumping into anyone or anything while you and your little ones run and play.

If your little ones are nervous about being photographed, parks like San Lorenzo are a great place to take them because it will give them a chance to do what they do best—be kids—in an environment that is familiar to them.

There is plenty of natural light, too. If the sun is too harsh on the day of our session, we will easily be able to find shade amongst the graceful trees or rustic buildings.

When you come to your session, be prepared for the entry fee. San Lorenzo Park charges $6 per car during the week and $8 during the weekend.

After your session, there’s plenty to do in the area. They have an agriculture museum with lots of old farm equipment, and the park also has plenty of camping and picnic spots.

If you want to make the most of your entry fee, spend the afternoon here! There’s plenty to do. They have playgrounds, volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, a softball field, and plenty of hiking trails.

Ready to choose San Lorenzo Park for your photo session? I can’t wait to book with you! Let me know, and we can get the ball rolling.

Woodsy Location on 17 Mile Drive - Pacific Grove, CA - Drew Zavala Photography - Location Spotlight

If you’re looking for a woodsy location for your photoshoot, I’ve got to share with you one of my secret photo session locations. This is one of my all-time favorites and for good reason!

Since Jackie and I are probably the only photographers who shoot here, one of the major highlights of this woodsy location is that you’ll have one-of-a-kind photos! It’s our secret spot, one of those places only a seasoned photographer will think to take you.

We originally stumbled across this woodsy location out of desperation. One of our clients was looking for the kind of whimsical theme that only an old forest can give you. We thought long and hard about where to take this client and eventually scouted 17 Mile Drive for the perfect spot.

And we found it! After that first client fell head over heels for the final gallery, we knew that we had found a place too precious not to keep on our radar. This secret location has been a staple of ours for years, and it will remain on our list of top locations for many more to come.

Since it’s along 17 Mile Drive, I often pair this location with Asilomar State Beach. This gives your gallery an extra level of variation, which is great if you only take family photos once per year.

We are also the only people who know about this spot, so there is absolutely zero chance of photo bombers in the background. We’ve got the place all to ourselves, so we can focus on creating genuine moments of authenticity.

We don’t even have to worry about lighting. For the most part, the trees around us give enough shade so that you and your loved ones look your best.

This location is perfect for family sessions, but I have done many other kinds here, too! The kids love playing with the leaves or climbing over tree limbs. If you’ve got little ones, I highly recommend coming here!

There is no specific address for this spot except for coordinates and landmarks. It can be tricky to find, so Jackie and I will probably meet you at another location and lead you the rest of the way.

Ready to book this location? Let me know! I can’t wait to see what lies ahead for our photo session together. See you there!