If you’re a milspouse photographer getting ready for a PCS to Presidio of Monterey, this location guide is for you! Randi Schuette is sharing her best local insight from her time stationed there to help you get started. Hope this Monterey, CA Photography Spotlight is helpful to you!

What are your top three favorite locations for sessions? Briefly share about each.

Garrapata State Park

Garrapata is a diverse state park that offers scenic coastal overlooks, sandy shores, and even wooded trails. A permit through the CA Film Commission is required to shoot here.

Carmel Beach

Carmel Beach is known for its stunning blue waters and light sand. Along with beach views, there is a walking path that has beautiful florals depending on the season. Carmel is a more popular photo location, for good reason, but no permit is required here.

Asilomar Beach

This is a very family- and dog-friendly state beach with unique rock formations close to shore. A permit through the CA Film Commission is required here as well.

Are there any particularly busy seasons for photographers in this area? Any events an incoming photographer should know about?

June and July seem to be the really busy season. Whether it’s from tourism or PCS season and families wanting photos before the next move, it’s a popular time for sessions.

What should an incoming photographer know about permits in this area?

This is a very permit heavy area. All state parks, state beaches, nature preserves, and even some city parks require permits. For state parks or beaches, you can obtain permits through the CA Film Commission website. They are usually very responsive!

If you’re a fellow drone pilot, Pacific Grove has their own city drone permit you need to obtain. Monterey Bay is a National Marine Sanctuary, meaning there is a good bit of restricted airspace here.

What is the biggest piece of advice you’d give to an incoming photographer?

Set up your website and SEO to optimize your time here. I love working with military families, but Monterey is a big tourist area and a lot of families want photoshoots on their trips here.

Any other local expertise you’d like to share?

Monterey and Carmel have beautiful, sunny, blue-sky days, but also cool, overcast, or even foggy days. It usually ranges from 55-75F year round here, and that surprises some visitors. Letting your clients know in advance to bring layers (especially by the water) can make for smooth sessions! However, in September and October we get a few weeks of warmer weather.

Where can other milspouse photographers connect with you?

Website: www.randischuette.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/randi.schuette

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Are you a milspouse photographer interested in contributing? I’d love to have your insight! Please send me an email at erin@erinthompsonphoto.com and I’ll be in touch with the details!

If you enjoyed this Monterey, CA photography spotlight, be sure to check out other featured location guides and tips for moving your business!