About Topanga
Topanga can be found in the western part of Los Angeles County, California. It’s located in the Santa Monica mountains and has acted as an escape from the busy LA lifestyle for decades. The small census-designated town sits in Topanga Canyon, giving locals and visitors easy access to some of the most beautiful scenic landscapes in Southern California.
As of 2010, Topanga had a population of just under nine thousand, and it has hardly grown since then. The small neighborhood grew in popularity in the 1920s when it became a go-to weekend getaway for celebrities in Hollywood. In the 1960s, several artists flocked to Topanga, including Neil Young and Wallace Berman.
A nightclub in Topanga, The Corral, hosted many up-and-coming musicians. It was burned down once in the 1970s and rebuilt. The Topanga Corral was destroyed by fire again in 1986 but was never rebuilt. The neighborhood continues to be a popular home and weekend destination for many artists and musicians.
Photo Shoot Options in Topanga
You can find great backdrops for your next photo shoot venue in Topanga, and you can utilize the same options available in greater Los Angeles County. There is a range of professional services that can fit into nearly any budget.
- Equipment
If you don’t already have the equipment you need, you’ll have to find professional services to provide it for your photo shoot venue. There are options to rent the equipment to use yourself, or you can employ professionals who will bring their own equipment.
- Space
You’ll need a proper space for your photo shoot venue, and some of the best options in Los Angeles are found close to Topanga. There are options for any size space you need, and they can fit into nearly any budget.
- Transportation
You’ll need some kind of transportation to get around Los Angeles County, and sometimes private options provide the best services. They offer a range of luxury vehicles that can give you a comfortable way to get to and from Topanga.
- Refreshments
If you want to provide some kind of simple refreshments at your next photo shoot venue, Los Angeles County is full of options. Most catering companies in LA will provide services in Topanga, offering a tasty way to show your crew appreciation.
Photo Shoot Companies in Topanga
Your Topanga photo shoot venue can benefit from nearly any company in Los Angeles County. There are countless professional companies across the entire county that can turn your photo shoot into everything you want.
- Apex Photo Studios
If you need a space to rent for your Topanga photo shoot, you can turn to Apex Photo Studios. They have a number of spaces available and have catered to all kinds of filmmakers and photographers. In addition, Apex can come to your place to do setup, do some shooting, or even help take care of editing.
- Woodland Hills Camera & Telescopes
You will be able to find a range of photography equipment at Woodland Hills Camera & Telescopes. They have various cameras, lenses, and accessories that you can purchase or rent. If you need help setting up or using the equipment, Woodland Hills can help with that as well.
- Woodland Hills Limo Service
Woodland Hills Limo Service can provide private transportation options for your photo shoot venue in Topanga. They can take you into the region from any LA airport and offer a number of other luxury car services. They have an array of vehicles in their fleet including limousines, party buses, and sophisticated black car service.
Pros and Cons of Photo Shoots in Topanga
There are good and bad sides when it comes to choosing your Topanga photo shoot venue. Make sure to consider the pros and cons, and keep in mind how they could impact your photo shoot.
Advantages
- Music festivals
Since Topanga is known as a magnet for creatives and artists, it’s no surprise how many music festivals are held in the region each year. The Topanga Earth Day and Topanga Days Festival are hosted in the canyon annually. There is also a film festival held every year by the Topanga Film Institute.
- Theater
In addition to musicians and filmmakers, Topanga also attracts theater lovers from all over California. The Will Geer Theatricum Botanicum, found on land formerly owned by actor Will Greer, hosts a number of plays each year. These include original productions, Shakespeare classics, and modern works.
- Low crime rate
One of the major advantages of Topanga is the low crime rate. Both the violent crime and property crime rates are below the national average and fall well below the rate in other Southern California suburbs. It continues to be one of the main reasons residents have for living there.
Disadvantages
- Small population
One drawback of Topanga is the small population. Only a few thousand people call this Los Angeles suburb home, and that number has been on a steady decline over the past decade. The lack of people in Topanga, plus the declining population, is a major con for some.
- Commuting
While there is a lot to do for fun in Topanga, getting to nearby major cities will require at least half an hour of commute time. Many locals take day trips to Santa Monica or Los Angeles to enjoy everything they have to offer. It won't take long for you to explore Topanga, and start having to venture further from the suburb to find something to do.
- Expensive
Compared to other suburbs in Los Angeles County, Topanga is pretty expensive. The cost of living is above the national average, but even everyday costs like groceries and transportation are going to be expensive in Topanga. This means your photo shoot venue might need to adjust for a higher budget.
Famous Locations in Topanga
- Topanga State Park
One of the top places to visit in Topanga, California is Topanga State Park. The park is full of hiking trails, meadows, and open spaces for outdoor enthusiasts to enjoy any time of year. Many hikers encounter deer or other wildlife along the trails.
- Will Geer’s Theatricum Botanicum
This outdoor theatre was founded by Will Greer, an actor known for The Waltons, and is regularly used today for theatrical acts and other venues. It hosts a number of classic and modern plays each year, but the focus is on Shakespeare's works.
- Tuna Canyon Park
Tuna Canyon Park is the best place in Topanga to take in the view of nearby beaches. You can catch glimpses of the Santa Monica Pier, the Malibu Pier, and Catalina Island. It’s also dog friendly, making it perfect for anyone bringing their furry friend to Topanga.
