There is more to Los Angeles than Malibu beaches (although those are pretty spectacular). I lived in the area for six years and had plenty of time to explore some great locations for photos.

My friend Halle and I recently traveled to Iceland for a week to hike the famous Laugavegur trail, a 34 mile trek through other worldly landscapes and waterfalls. I, of course, brought my travel camera!

The uniqueness of Santa Barbara is the ability to easily access both beaches and mountains, with the added benefit of smaller crowds. This guide can help you choose from the many location options for photos.

My hometown has so many diverse locations: from the epic Sunset Cliffs to the historic Balboa Park. Timing and patience are key factors for navigating the crowds in these San Diego photo spots.