Best places for portrait photos in Monterey
Planning portrait photos in Monterey? These are the spots worth shortlisting, chosen for the light, the backdrop, and how easily a session comes together.
12 places to shoot portrait photos & videos in Monterey
Lovers Point Park
A rocky coastal point with turquoise coves, dramatic granite outcrops and a small sandy beach. Vivid water and rugged rocks make it a top spot for engagement and couple sessions.
For portrait photos: clean backdrops that keep the focus on the subject.
Monterey Bay Coastal Recreation Trail
A scenic paved trail hugging the bay past beaches, dunes, cypress and old cannery structures. Its varied coastal backdrops suit family, maternity and engagement portraits.
For portrait photos: an environment that says something about the work.
Asilomar State Beach
A rugged shoreline of tide pools, rocky coves and sand dunes with a wooden dune boardwalk. Wild coastal beauty and soft evening light suit engagement, maternity and family shoots.
For portrait photos: a setting that suits both headshots and wider frames.
Point Lobos State Natural Reserve
The crown jewel of the state park system, with dramatic cliffs, cypress groves and crystalline coves. Spectacular coastal scenery suits adventurous engagement and couple sessions.
For portrait photos: uncluttered lines behind a single subject.
Old Fisherman's Wharf
A working wharf of colorful shops, bobbing boats and harbor views ringed by sea lions. The lively maritime backdrop suits family, engagement and lifestyle sessions.
For portrait photos: texture that adds interest without pulling the eye.
Cannery Row
The historic waterfront street of Steinbeck fame with weathered cannery facades, murals and bay views. Its rustic industrial character suits senior, couple and lifestyle sessions.
For portrait photos: somewhere to change look between setups.
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17-Mile Drive (Lone Cypress)
A famed private coastal drive past the Lone Cypress, wind-sculpted trees, white beaches and rocky points. Iconic seascapes suit engagement and formal couple sessions.
For portrait photos: light that flatters skin without heavy retouching.
Monterey State Historic Park (Custom House Plaza)
A historic adobe district around the old Custom House plaza with early-California architecture and courtyards. The heritage setting suits family, engagement and portrait sessions.
For portrait photos: a backdrop that suits professional and personal use alike.
Carmel Beach
A wide crescent of white sand framed by wind-bent cypress and turquoise surf below charming Carmel. Soft sand and dramatic sunsets suit engagement, maternity and family shoots.
For portrait photos: room to shoot at a longer focal length.
Del Monte Beach
A quieter city beach with dune boardwalks, tall grass and open bay views. Its uncrowded sand and dunes suit family, maternity and engagement sessions.
For portrait photos: a setting that photographs well in colour and mono.
Jacks Peak County Park
The highest point on the peninsula, with fragrant pine forest trails and ridge-top views of the bay and valley. Elevated vistas and shady groves suit engagement and family portraits.
For portrait photos: context that reads as your city in the background.
El Estero Park
A relaxed park around a small lake with willows, footbridges and grassy banks near downtown. Water reflections and greenery suit family, maternity and engagement shoots.
For portrait photos: a spot that stays usable across the working day.
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Shooting portrait photos in Monterey
It depends on the spot. Public streets and sidewalks usually don't, while many parks, gardens, and landmarks require a permit for professional sessions. Each location above notes what we found on permits — confirm the current rules and any fee with the venue or city before you book.
Golden hour — the hour after sunrise or before sunset — flatters almost every location, and each spot above lists the light that works best there. Early morning also means thinner crowds at the popular ones.
Snappr pricing is flat and set before you book, with no travel or editing surprises. Most sessions run one to two hours; you can see current rates and what each tier includes on the pricing page.
Pick your date and shoot type and we match you with a vetted local photographer who shoots in Monterey. Booking takes a couple of minutes, and you can reschedule for free if plans change.
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