One of the things I absolutely love about living in San Luis Obispo, CA, and being a photographer here, is the abundance of diverse and stunning backdrops for outdoor photos, all within close proximity! Selecting the right location for family photos is crucial, as it can set the tone for the final images. It’s essential to ensure that the vibe of the location matches your family’s style. In this post, I’m excited to highlight the features of Montana de Oro and explain why as a photographer I love it as a backdrop for family photos.
Why I Love Montana De Oro
Montana de Oro holds a special place in my heart due to its unique and captivating features. One of my favorite aspects of this location is its breathtaking scenery. The dramatic coastal cliffs, expansive sandy beaches, and vibrant wildflower-covered hills create a picturesque setting that is perfect for family photos. The lighting here is exceptional, with soft, golden hues during sunrise and sunset that add a magical touch to any photo session.
Key Details
Montana de Oro is conveniently located, making it easy for everyone to meet there. The parking lot is just a short, easy walk from the main photo spots, which is particularly helpful when you have kids in tow. Additionally, there are nearby restrooms, ensuring comfort throughout your session.
One of the best features of this location is its distraction-free environment. With no playgrounds nearby, kids can stay focused and engaged during the photo session. Plus, Montana de Oro is usually not crowded, providing a peaceful and serene atmosphere perfect for capturing beautiful family moments.
Best Time to Shoot at Montana De Oro
The ideal times for a photo session at Montana de Oro are during the golden hours—shortly after sunrise and before sunset. These times offer the best lighting, with soft, warm tones that enhance the natural beauty of the location. Additionally, scheduling your session during these times helps avoid the crowds, ensuring a more private and uninterrupted experience.
Hours of Operation
Montana de Oro is open daily from sunrise to sunset, giving ample opportunity to schedule your photo session during the best lighting conditions.
Directions/Links:
Address: 3550 Pecho Valley Rd, Los Osos, CA 93402
Google Maps Driving Directions
Montana de Oro State Park Website
To give you a glimpse of the beauty Montana de Oro offers, here are a few photos taken at this stunning location:
I hope this post inspires you to consider Montana de Oro for your next family photo session. Its unique features, convenient location, and stunning scenery make it a top choice for capturing beautiful, timeless memories. Sign me up for another visit to this breathtaking location!
If you are near Montana de Oro and need a local photographer, click the link below to schedule a session.
If you enjoyed this article, you will also enjoy the following:
- Pismo Beach Family Session
- Four Locations in the Central Coast for Family Photos
- 6 Tips for Beach Photos in San Luis Obispo
Rosa Clark is an award-winning San Luis Obispo Photographer. She has been recognized by the National Association of Portrait and Child Photographers (NAPCP) as a Master Photographer in the category of Lifestyle Family Photography. Her work has appeared in local publications like New Times San Luis Obispo and SLO Life Magazine. Rosa is a volunteer photographer for The Gold Hope Project, a childhood cancer non-profit organization.
Rosa specializes in maternity, senior/graduate, and family photography. In addition, she offers custom artwork options like framed prints and photo albums.
Before you go make sure to check out this blog from my friend Jillian, a Calgary Event Photographer highlighting a photography conference event.
