About Calabasas
Where the Santa Monica Mountain foothills meet the San Fernando Valley, you can find the city of Calabasas, California. It’s roughly 30 miles away from downtown Los Angeles. The name of the city supposedly means “where the wild geese fly” in the Native American Chumash language. Calabasas is also said to be named for the Spanish word that means gourd, Calabaza.
The Chumash people originally lived in the region before settlers moved in during the 18th century. In the 19th century, Calabasas became part of the estate of Miguel Leonis, an immigrant, and his Native wife Espiritu. Leonis was known as the “king of Calabasas,” and when he died in 1889 many sites in his estate were developed into tourist amenities.
Since then, Calabasas has become a popular residential area for the Los Angeles upper class. The smaller Hidden Hills neighborhood to the north is popular among celebrities. As of 2010, over 20,000 were living in Calabasas. Each year, the community hosts an annual pumpkin festival.
Photo Shoot Venue Options in Calabasas
Calabasas doesn’t have as many options as other California cities, but you will have plenty to choose from for your photo shoot venue. Not to mention the proximity of LA means you can utilize the big city amenities.
- Cameras
A Calabasas photo shoot venue will need proper cameras and lenses. If you don’t have your own gear, you can rent whatever equipment you need from a number of companies around Calabasas. Most of them offer the same gear used by industry professionals.
- Lights
Lights are another important aspect of a Calabasas photo shoot venue and work to bring your entire project together. You can rent lighting setups and rigs, or hire a professional lighting technician to work with you.
- Space
An indoor photo shoot will need the proper space, and Calabasas has plenty of options to offer. Some studio spaces will come with all the gear you need, or offer post-production spaces you can work in.
- Catering
Catering isn’t necessary for your photo shoot venue, but it will certainly be appreciated by your team. Calabasas is surrounded by catering options, offering everything from buffets to to-go meals.
Photo Shoot Venue Companies in Calabasas
Calabasas is home to plenty of companies that can work on your photo shoot, no matter what kind of budget you have. There are surely some excellent local businesses in the area to help you out so there is no reason to do it all on your own.
- Lovi's Delicatessen
At Lovi's Delicatessen, you can find all-day breakfast, sushi, deli sandwiches, and cocktails. The company aims to combine traditional and modern eating in order to create unique menus. They can provide tasty refreshments for your next Calabasas photo shoot. For more than three decades, this family-friendly business has been offering full-service catering.
- T-REV Productions
T-REV Productions is a full-service audiovisual company that can work with clients around the world. They create lighting for stage events and more and can take your next photo shoot venue above and beyond. They customize all of their lighting solutions to each individual client's needs and strive to always provide reliable service.
- NoHo Photo Studio Rentals
For more than a decade, NoHo Photo Studio Rentals has been serving the North Hollywood area and surrounding regions. You can rent a studio space, which includes some equipment on hand. Studio rental includes a parking space, lounge access, and more. The creative spaces here are designed to inspire you as you work.
Pros and Cons of Photo Shoot Venues in Calabasas
Choosing a Calabasas photo shoot venue will have its good and bad sides. Every city has its pros and cons that should be considered. Even Calabasas, as beautiful and sunny as it is, has some points you need to take into consideration before packing your bags.
Advantages
- Low crime rate
Many major cities in California are known for having high crime rates, but Calabasas has one of the lowest crime rates of California cities. The crime rates in this area are below both the state and national average.
- Low costs
Unlike some of the nearby California cities, Calabasas has relatively low costs. The average cost of living is below the state average, and daily costs like restaurants and hotels aren’t that expensive either.
- Small town vibe
A major draw of Calabasas is the small-town vibe of the community. It’s a small city with a small population, which can be a nice change of pace from places like Los Angeles.
Disadvantages
- Lack of nightlife
There isn’t much of a nightlife in Calabasas, especially not like the one found in Los Angeles. However, it’s close enough to LA for a quick trip.
- Declining population
While the small population of Calabasas is a major benefit to the community, the population has been decking steadily. This could eventually have negative impacts.
- No seasons
You won’t experience much of a seasonal change in Calabasas. For the most part, the weather is warm and can reach highs during the peak of summer.
Famous Locations in Calabasas
- Malibu Creek State Park
Calabasas has plenty of outdoor recreation to offer, including Malibu Creek State Park. It highlights some of the most beautiful features of the city and allows for plenty of outdoor activities. Visitors can enjoy hiking, horseback riding, fishing, and rock climbing. A trail runs along the stream through the park for fifteen miles, offering plenty of places to enjoy the nature views.
- Leonis Adobe Museum
The Leonis Adobe was once home to Miguel Leonis and has since been turned into a museum to honor him. The “king of Calabasas” was a major figure in the area while he was alive, and his influence can still be seen today. The two-story building is just as unique as the artifacts it houses. There’s Victorian fretwork in many rooms, a wrap-around veranda, and traditional wooden features.
- Calabasas Creek Park
The Calabasas Creek Park combines the history of the area with the natural beauty of the land. The Calabasas Creek runs all year, and the north end features a recreated Chumash village. There are multiple exhibits in the park, including garden furniture, a recreation of the Calabasas Jail, and an antique park. There are plenty of scenic views to be found around the park, and countless areas to just relax.
