Irvine family photographer at Debs Park in Los Angeles
FARBER FAMILY PHOTOS AT DEBS PARK
I’ve been an Irvine family photographer for years, working with families across Southern California. This session with the Farber family at Debs Park in Los Angeles was a favorite. The fall colors were stunning, and the lake made for an awesome setting. I’ve known Gene Farber a long time, so getting to photograph his family—especially his two smiling daughters—was special. We kept things fun, relaxed, and full of real connection. That’s what family photography is all about. If you’re in Irvine or Orange County and want photos that feel authentic, let’s talk. I’d love to help you make something memorable.
Why Ernest E. Debs Regional Park Was Perfect For This Session
A HIDDEN GEM IN THE HEART OF LOS ANGELES
Most parks in LA feel either too crowded or too stripped down. Debs Park is different. We had the trails mostly to ourselves, and the light coming through the oak trees made every part of the walk feel photographable. There’s also this high-up ridge that looks out over downtown and the San Gabriels, which gives you some great wide shots if you want them. It’s one of those places where you don’t have to force anything—the landscape does a lot of the work for you. It’s one of my go-to spots when I’m photographing families in Los Angeles or making the drive up from Irvine.
EASY TO GET TO, HARD TO BEAT
Parking’s easy, which isn’t something I can say about most LA parks. And the layout of the park makes it easy to shoot without hiking a mile uphill with kids. The Audubon Center is right there too, which makes it a cool option if your family’s into nature or birds. But really, what makes this place work is how open and relaxed it feels—exactly the kind of place that lets kids be themselves and gives us time to get something real on camera.
A LAYOUT THAT GIVES YOU A TON OF OPTIONS
Debs Park has this mix of open hills, oak-covered trails, and a little pond tucked right in the middle. You can start in one spot and get five completely different looks without walking too far—which is ideal when you’re working with kids. We used the wide dirt paths for some candid shots, then found shade under the trees when the sun got harsh. That kind of layout makes it easy to keep things moving without having to plan every frame in advance.
Session Details & Pricing
I. HOW LONG WE SHOOT
Most sessions last around 90–120 minutes. That gives us time to ease into it, move around a bit, and not feel rushed. This one at Debs Park was about two hours — enough time to explore the trails, pause by the lake, and still catch that late-afternoon light. No timers, no stress — just a comfortable window to get what we need without forcing it.
II. WHAT YOU GET
You’ll receive a full gallery of high-resolution, edited images delivered online — no watermark, no hidden charges. You’ll also get personal print rights, so you can make albums, wall prints, or whatever else feels right. I don’t put a cap on the final image count, but most galleries include anywhere from 40 to 80 photos depending on how the session goes.
III. PRICING & BOOKING
Sessions start at $600, with everything included up front — your session time, final images, and all post-processing. No sales pitches or surprise fees later. If you’re interested in booking a family session in Los Angeles or Orange County, just shoot me a message through the contact page and we’ll set it up. Weekend spots go fast, but weekdays are more flexible.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Ernest E. Debs Regional Park is in Montecito Heights, just northeast of downtown Los Angeles. It’s easy to get to from most parts of LA, and if you're coming from Irvine or Orange County, it’s about an hour depending on traffic. There’s a main entrance off Griffin Avenue with free parking close to the Audubon Center.
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For small, non-commercial shoots (just your family and a camera), no permit is needed. If you’re planning something bigger — extended family, video, or props — it’s smart to check with LA Parks & Rec. I keep my setups minimal, so we’ve never had an issue shooting there.
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Debs Park has a lot of earth tones — dry grasses, oaks, dusty trails — so softer colors and simple patterns usually work best. Neutrals, rusts, denim, and olive all photograph well here. But honestly, wear what feels like you. Comfortable outfits always photograph better than the “perfect” ones.