Growing up in Simi Valley...


Growing up in Simi Valley, I used to think it was so boring. Nothing but hills, dry brush, and the occasional strip mall. Close to Los Angeles, but not close enough to do much when you're a preteen with no car. But now — as a photographer — I think it’s so cool. We’re surrounded by this incredible natural beauty and history that most people drive right past. The mountains, trails, and canyons are full of stories. It’s no wonder that Corriganville Regional Park in East Simi Valley is still a hot spot for film shoots and photography sessions alike.


This park isn’t just another hiking spot. It was once a full-blown movie ranch, created by stuntman and actor Ray “Crash” Corrigan in the 1940s. Back in Hollywood’s golden age, Westerns and adventure movies were filmed here almost daily. Later, it became a backdrop for countless TV shows — The Lone Ranger, The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin, and more. And recently, even Once Upon a Time in Hollywood filmed scenes here. I actually did a session around that time (not this one) and saw all the trailers set up and areas blocked off. Sadly, no Leonardo DiCaprio sightings — but how cool to live so close to a real Hollywood filming location!

Couple holds hands while walking on dusty path with golden sunlight filtering through trees in Simi Valley.
Couple playfully dances together on dirt path surrounded by desert landscape at sunset in Simi Valley.
Romantic couple embraces on desert trail with mountains in background during golden hour.
Close-up of two hands making pinky promise gesture against blurred outdoor background.

The Neighbor Down the Street: Hummingbird Nest Ranch


Just down the road from Corriganville is another gem — Hummingbird Nest Ranch, one of the most stunning wedding venues in Simi Valley. It’s got the same incredible sandstone backdrop and mountain views but with the added romance of Mediterranean architecture, olive groves, and glowing courtyards. It’s also a popular filming location (you might’ve seen it in The Bachelorette or 9-1-1), and it’s hosted several celebrity weddings, including Kaley Cuoco’s. It’s no exaggeration to say that Hummingbird Nest Ranch feels like something out of a dream — the kind of venue where every angle looks straight out of a movie.


And honestly? It’s high on my dream list to photograph a wedding there especially on 35mm film. When I took Heather and Kenny’s photos, I was shooting only digital, and while I love how their gallery turned out, I can’t help but imagine how magical this area would look on film. The way 35mm picks up sunlight on natural elements like rocks and oak trees — it’s pure California nostalgia.

Couple shares joyful moment during outdoor engagement photoshoot with ring visible in Simi Valley.
Intimate moment between couple sitting on fallen tree with sunlight streaming through branches.
Black and white close-up of tattooed hands clasped together in intimate gesture in Simi Valley.
A couple wearing black snuggle for engagement photos in Simi Valley.
A man and woman laugh at their engagement session in Simi Valley.

Why I Love Shooting in Simi Valley

Simi Valley often flies under the radar compared to Malibu or Santa Barbara, but for couples who love nature and want that peaceful, cinematic landscape without the crowds, it’s a hidden gem. You’re close to everything — mountains, trails, wedding venues, and just a 45-minute drive to Los Angeles.


Some of my favorite Simi Valley wedding venues include:

  • Quail Ranch – Spanish-style architecture, lush gardens, and mountain views. It’s elegant but laid-back.
  • The Vineyards – Where Heather and Kenny got married! Nestled in the hills with twinkling lights and both indoor and outdoor ceremony options.
  • Strathearn Historic Park – Perfect for couples who love rustic charm and vintage vibes.
  • Hummingbird Nest Ranch – I know I mentioned it already, but I can’t help it. It’s the dream.

Each location has its own personality, but Corriganville remains one of my favorites for engagements and maternity photography. It’s wild, warm, and full of texture — all the things that make California light so irresistible.

Couple dances playfully on desert trail with rocky formations and vegetation in background in Simi Valley.

Making It Personal


Heather and Kenny’s session reminded me why I love engagement shoots so much — they’re a chance to throw the rulebook out the window and just do whatever you want to do as a couple. Their wedding theme was “’Til Death Do Us Part,” so they leaned into that moody, romantic vibe with all-black outfits that looked absolutely killer against the golden, sunlit rocks of Corriganville. The contrast between their dark wardrobe and the warm tones of the landscape gave the whole session this cinematic, editorial edge — it was a bold choice that totally reflected their personalities.

But what really made their photos shine wasn’t just the styling — it was their energy. Heather and Kenny were playful, goofy, and completely themselves. At one point, Heather spanked Kenny, so I asked her to do it again so I could get a photo. Those moments — the laughter, the teasing, the real connection — are what make engagement sessions so special without the overwhelming feelings that sometimes come with wedding days.

I always tell couples: don’t worry about doing what you think you should do in front of the camera. The best photos happen when you let go, have fun, and bring your own sense of humor and personality into it. Whether that means dressing to match your theme, sharing an inside joke, or breaking into a spontaneous dance, those authentic interactions are what make your photos yours and not Pinterest Polly's.

If you’re planning your own photography session here in Simi Valley, make a day of it! Hike the Corriganville trails, stop for tacos at one of the local gems (the best place is in the back of a Mexican market on Tapo Street), or grab a drink in town afterward to celebrate.

A romantic black and white portrait of a couple embracing outdoors with trees in the background in Simi Valley.
A couple in black outfits posing playfully on a desert trail with mountains in the distance.
A joyful couple sharing an intimate moment at sunset in a desert landscape in Simi Valley.
A couple laughing together on a desert trail during golden hour in Simi Valley.
A playful couple striking fun poses on a dirt path with rocky mountains behind them.
An intimate portrait of a couple in black clothing against a desert backdrop.
A tender moment between a couple on a desert trail during sunset.

Dreaming of 35mm Film at Hummingbird Nest Ranch


Now that I shoot both digital and 35mm film, I find myself constantly thinking about places like Hummingbird Nest Ranch in a new way. The glow of sunset across the stucco walls, the vintage cars that sometimes park near the entrance, the way the light hits the rocky hills behind the venue — all of it feels like film wedding photography was made for that space. Film photography adds a warmth and timelessness that matches the energy of locations like these — cinematic, nostalgic, romantic. It’s why I’ve shifted my entire approach to include both mediums in every wedding and engagement session I do. So, if you’re planning an engagement photography session in Simi Valley, Los Angeles, or Santa Barbara, and want something that feels effortlessly nostalgic — something with that film-inspired magic — Corriganville and Hummingbird Nest Ranch are two incredible places to start.


Looking back, I love that Simi Valley’s the place where I grew up and now get to photograph love stories. From its Hollywood past to its hidden natural beauty, this area captures so much of what I adore about California. And whether I’m shooting digital, 35mm film, or a mix of both, I always come back to the same thing: real moments, honest emotion, and light that feels alive. If you’re dreaming up your own engagement session or wedding and want that same mix of cinematic beauty and authenticity, let’s make it happen — whether at Corriganville, Hummingbird Nest Ranch, or somewhere in between.