Los Angeles Family Photographer – Debs Park Session

SUNSET VIEWS & OAK TRAILS AT DEBS PARK

Family of 4 smiling for a portrait at Debs Regional Park.

Finding true wilderness in Los Angeles can be a challenge, but Ernest E. Debs Regional Park in Montecito Heights is a hidden gem. It offers a rare combination of dense oak forests and sweeping views of the DTLA skyline. For the Farber family, this location provided the perfect 'urban nature' backdrop—giving us the feeling of a remote hike while being just minutes from downtown.

Dad laughing with daughter making silly face at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.

Why Debs Park is LA's Best Urban Hike

THE TURTLE POND

Most people don't realize there is a hidden pond at the top of Debs Park. The "Turtle Pond" is surrounded by tall grasses and oak trees, creating a serene, reflective backdrop that feels completely removed from the city noise. It’s the perfect spot for quiet, intimate family portraits before we head to the ridge.

Dad giving daughter a piggy back ride at Debs Park.
Family enjoying panoramic view of Los Angeles skyline at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park.
Happy family of four posing outdoors with a large tree in the background.

DTLA SKYLINE VIEWS

The payoff for the hike up is the view. From the ridge trails, you get a sweeping panorama of the Downtown Los Angeles skyline framed by nature. We timed the Farber session to catch the sunset hitting the skyscrapers, giving their gallery a unique mix of rustic wilderness and iconic city energy.

Girl in pink sweater cuddling with mom at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park family photoshoot.
Happy family of four poses by a tree in Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, Los Angeles.
Smiling girl with curly brown hair in a cute grey cat sweater poses on a park bench for a family photoshoot.
Family photography at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park in Los Angeles, CA, with a young girl jumping off a bench.
Family portrait, father and daughters, Debs Park, Los Angeles.
Playful sisters with dad at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park - Venya Manzyuk Photography.
Playful girl with her dad at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, Los Angeles. Family photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Colombian mother and daughter embrace in a sunlit portrait.
Jewish man and his Colombian wife posing for a family portrait with their two daughters at Debs Park.

OAK TREE TUNNELS

The trails leading up to the pond are lined with dense California Live Oaks. These trees create natural tunnels of shade, allowing us to shoot in soft, filtered light even before golden hour. The texture of the oak bark and the golden grass creates that classic California "golden state" look that photographs beautifully year-round.

Adorable girl, age 5, with big eyes, wearing a cute grey cat sweater, hand on cheek. Family photography by Venya Manzyuk.
Playful sisters standing with their arms out during a family photo session at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, Los Angeles.
Two sisters at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park in California.
Two sisters climbing a tree trunk at Debs Park during family photoshoot.
Farber family portrait, Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, Los Angeles, California.
Little girl making a sad face.
Playful young girl with fingers in ears, making a silly face.
Couple wearing leather jackets in Debs Park, Los Angeles.
Gene Farber headshot, dramatic sunset backdrop, Debs Park, Los Angeles. By Venya Manzyuk Photography.
Happy couples portrait of Gene and Louisa Farber at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, Los Angeles.
Romantic couple gazing at each other at sunset.
Happy mother and daughter enjoy nature walk at Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, Los Angeles.
Happy Farber family portrait, Ernest E. Debs Regional Park, Los Angeles, California, sunset.

Related Sessions

Two brothers jumping across large rocks and laughing during a playful family photo session at Jeffrey Open Space Trail in Irvine.

YOUNG FAMILY

JEFFREY OPEN SPACE TRAIL

Parents crouching down to hold their toddler daughter's hands on a dirt path under the trees at Jeffrey Open Space Trail.

PATEL FAMILY

JEFFREY OPEN SPACE TRAIL

A father laughing while holding his young son during a golden hour family photography session at Capistrano Beach.

WEINGARTEN FAMILY

CAPISTRANO BEACH

Frequently Asked Questions

  • It is an uphill walk from the parking lot to the pond (about 10-15 minutes). We take it slow, but I recommend comfortable shoes for the walk up. We can switch into dressier shoes once we reach the top.

  • Yes, there is a free lot off Griffin Avenue near the Audubon Center. It can fill up on weekends, so arriving early or choosing a weekday session is smart.

  • Absolutely. One of the best features of Debs Park is the ridge trail. We usually end the session there to catch the sunset glowing over the downtown Los Angeles skyline.