3 Reasons I Love Being a Malibu Photographer

Who doesn’t absolutely love Malibu? It’s arguably one of the most beautiful places in the country and I feel so fortunate to be able to be a Malibu photographer. Whether you’re a local or are in town enjoying a beach vacation, there is something just so amazing about Malibu. Here are 3 reasons why I’m enamored with being a Malibu photographer…

Photo of the rock arch at El Matador Beach by Malibu photographer Daniele Rose

1. The Scenery is Unparalleled

Malibu’s coastline is like a postcard come to life, with dramatic cliffs, golden beaches, and endless ocean vistas. We have so many gorgeous locations from green fields, to hiking trails with show-stopping views, and of course the many beautiful beaches which are far too numerous to mention them all. Here’s a bit more about a few of my favorites.

Photo of a surfer at Leo Carrillo beach in Malibu, California

Top Beaches for Malibu Photos:

El Matador Beach

Think towering cliffs, arched rock formations, and golden sands—El Matador Beach is a Malibu photographer’s dream. While this beach can be busy and is a bit of a challenge to get down to (many sets of stairs and a fairly steep path), it can be worth the effort! If there are no members of your group who have mobility issues, and you’re up for an adventure, El Matador is an iconic Malibu location for portraits. Take a peek at an El Madador Beach photoshoot here.

A mother kisses her baby on the head while standing on the bluffs overlooking the ocean at El Matador Beach in Malibu.

El Pescador Beach

Tucked away along the coast, El Pescador Beach is a local fave for its secluded feel and amazing sunsets. It’s the perfect spot for capturing a more laid-back beach vibes with your loved ones. It’s far less crowded than El Matador, has easier parking, and an easier path to get down to the water. Like El Matador it has gorgeous cliffs overlooking the water so that there is some variety in the backdrop of the photos. We can start with overlook images up on the cliffs with the ocean in the background, and then head down to the beach for images on the sand.

A mom and her two little boys playing on the beach during their photo session at El Matador Beach by Malibu photographer Daniele Rose

Zuma Beach

With its wide sandy shores, easy paved parking, and iconic lifeguard stands, Zuma Beach is where it’s at for some classic Malibu beach fun. Think Baywatch! If you’re not up for hiking and prefer a straight and easy walk out to the sand, Zuma Beach might just be the perfect spot for you Malibu beach photos.

Point Mugu Beach

A bit further North up the coast, Point Mugu Beach offers rugged cliffs, pristine sand, and endless ocean views. This beach isn’t the best for swimming as it has bigger waves and a pretty harsh break. The water gets deep close to shore which makes it photograph a more vibrant blue color. It’s gorgeous and is probably my favorite local beach as a Malibu photographer. It also has plenty of easy parking and is a straight and simple walk out to the sand.

A mom and dad kiss on the beach while the dad hold their baby boy by Malibu photographer Daniele Rose

2. We Have Gorgeous Weather

Let’s talk about Malibu’s weather—it’s seriously something else and we are seriously so lucky the vast majority of the time! With sunny skies, gentle breezes, and mild temperatures year-round, it’s like living in a perpetual summer paradise. Whether it’s a sunrise maternity shoot or a sunset family session, you can pretty much always count on perfect weather to enhance the beauty of our coastal landscape.

Malibu’s weather isn’t just about sunny days and clear skies, it’s about the laid-back and magical vibe that comes with it. There’s something about the warm sunshine, the salty sea breeze, and the sound of waves crashing against the shore that just makes you feel alive! As a photographer, I love capturing that sense of magic and tranquility, and Malibu’s weather plays a big part in making that happen.

Photos of the overlook at El Matador Beach in Malibu, California

3. It’s Perfect for Many Different Types of Photo Sessions

Family Photography in Malibu

As a Malibu photographer specializing in family photography, I love to capture playful and fun moments shared by families against the stunning backdrop of Malibu’s beaches. Whether it’s a playful romp in the sand or splashing around in the waves, every session is an opportunity to create memories for your family that will be cherished for a lifetime.

Photos of a family playing at the beach during their photos with Malibu photographer Daniele Rose

Extended Family Photography in Malibu

Extended family photography sessions in Malibu are a chance to celebrate the bonds that unite us across generations, and I find that a lot of families plan trips to Malibu to enjoy the beach and reconnect. As a Malibu photographer, I specialize in capturing the warmth and connection shared by family members against the backdrop of Malibu’s scenic beauty. From grandparents to grandchildren, multiple generations can come together to capture classic and timeless images that celebrate your family’s time together.

An extended family photo session at Mugu Rock Beach in Malibu.

Maternity Photography in Malibu

The stunning beaches of Malibu are the absolute perfect location for maternity portraits! As a Malibu photographer specializing in maternity photography, I strive to create classic and timeless images that celebrate this special (and very fleeting!) time in your life. With the soft, golden light of Malibu’s beaches as a backdrop, every maternity session becomes a magical moment frozen in time.

A mother to be walks on the beach in Malibu wearing a beautiful gold dress.

Need some ideas on what to wear for your maternity session? Read this post that I wrote about what to wear for a maternity photo session.

Maternity portrait of a couple wearing white standing on the rocks at El Matador Beach by Malibu photographer Daniele Rose

So there you have it, folks—three reasons why I’m absolutely obsessed with being a Malibu photographer. Whether it’s capturing laid-back family beach vibes, or photographing the magic of pregnancy, there’s nowhere else I’d rather be behind the lens!

Want to know about more of my favorite Malibu locations? Click here for more info from a Malibu photographer.

3 Reasons I Love Being a Malibu Photographer

Further Reading:

Baby shower in Washington D.C.


Daniele Rose is an award winning maternity, newborn, and family photographer in Southern California. Her timeless and classic imagery has been featured in magazines and online blogs worldwide. She is know for her light & airy aesthetic and the authentic and emotive feel that her photographs evoke. Daniele’s natural light studio is located in Camarillo and she serves the Ventura County, Malibu, Santa Barbara, and Los Angeles areas.

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I'm Daniele Rose, your custom portrait photographer. You'll find me capturing emotive and timeless images of newborns, babies, children and families. I would love to chat with you about documenting your most special family moments!

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  1. I can totally see why you love being a photographer in Malibu. California is lucky to have you!

  2. Your photos are absolutely beautiful! These are stunning locations.

  3. Malibu is gorgeous. It’s just one of the reasons I want my daughter to go to Pepperdine. Lovely photos.

  4. Ashlie says:

    These are all such beautiful images. I can tell why you love being a Malibu Photographer!

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