I am always on the lookout for new and unique locations. A solid 20% of my work days are spent driving around LA and Orange County, and ever once in a while I hit on a winner.

Last week I discovered a large, park-like setting, away from people and traffic. In fact, the commercial building on which it stands, is vacant, making it a perfect place for a family photo shoot. Ok…, truth is, it’s probably a stretch to say the grassy area is free for portrait use, but I didn’t see any signs….

This week, Amber and I were on the hunt for an open field–giving the look and feel of somewhere near the fictitious, Little House town of “Walnut Grove.” We found it!

Some of these rural-looking locations may be in the middle of the city, or down the street. A good location is all about lighting, background and accessibility, which begs the question: “When was your last family photo shoot….?”