Griffith Observatory Photo Guide

Griffith Observatory sits on the slope of Mount Hollywood, high above the city, and it is one of the few places in Los Angeles where the skyline, the hills and a landmark building all fit in one frame. It works for engagements, proposals, couples, friends and family. Here is how I use the place, when it looks its best, and what to know before you come.

At a Glance

The terrace and dome: soft light on cloudy days, golden light before sunset.
The stairs: a good place for movement and for the hills behind you.
The skyline view: clearest after rain and in the evening.
The trail below: a quiet place with the Observatory behind you.

The Terrace and the Dome

The white walls and the round dome make a clean, simple backdrop, and the terrace gives you a long view over the city. The white surfaces also bounce soft light onto faces, so skin tones look natural even on a bright day. Dark or deep-colored outfits stand out beautifully against the white.

Two women in black outfits smiling in front of the Griffith Observatory dome with Los Angeles behind them — Griffith Observatory

Best time: the hour before sunset. The light turns warm, the city starts to glow, and the sky behind the dome gets more interesting.

Fun fact: the Observatory opened to the public on May 14, 1935. It was designed by John C. Austin and Frederic M. Ashley, and it blends Art Deco and Greek-inspired details. Admission to the building and grounds is free.

Arches and Corridors

Around the building, white arches and curved corridors with Greek-key details frame people beautifully. They are shaded and quiet, and they photograph well on bright days and in soft light.

Two women in black hugging and smiling under a white archway at Griffith Observatory — Under the arch

The Stairs

The curved stairs and the brass handrails give you lines and movement. Looking down the stairs, you get the hills behind you, which is the best view of the park's green side.

Two women in black outfits on the Griffith Observatory stairs with the Hollywood hills behind them — Observatory stairs

Best time: late afternoon, when the light is soft and the hills are warm.

The Views: Skyline and the Hollywood Sign

Look one way and you see the Hollywood Sign in the hills. Look the other way and you see downtown Los Angeles. A few steps along the terrace and the railings give you a different view each time.

Woman in a black dress leaning on a railing at Griffith Observatory with the Hollywood Sign in the hills behind her — Hollywood Sign view

The Skyline and Engagements

The view of downtown Los Angeles is the reason many people come, and it is the setting I use for most proposals and engagement photos here. With the right lens, the city softens into the background and the couple stays sharp.

Couple holding hands with an engagement ring and Griffith Observatory softly blurred behind — Holding hands

Newly engaged couple in cream fleece jackets laughing on the Griffith Observatory terrace with the Los Angeles skyline behind — Laughing together

Best time: after rain, or on a clear evening, when the air is cleanest and the skyline is sharpest. On hazy days the soft look is lovely too, and the sky stays even.

The Trail Below the Observatory

A short walk away from the terrace, the trails give you quiet and space. The Observatory sits behind you on the hill, and the crowds are gone. It is a good place for relaxed, seated portraits and for close-up details like hands and rings.

Couple seated on a bench on the trail below Griffith Observatory with the white dome behind them — On the trail bench

Best Time of Year

Spring and early summer: the coastal clouds, often called May Gray and June Gloom, give soft, even light that is very flattering.
Fall and winter: the clearest air and the best skyline views, especially after a rainstorm.
Summer evenings: long golden light, and the busiest crowds.

What to Know Before You Come

Weekday afternoons are far quieter than weekends. Sunset is busy any day of the week.
Parking near the Observatory fills up, so arrive early or plan extra time. Check the current hours and parking rules before you go, because they change.
It is breezy at the top, so bring a layer.
Wear shoes you can walk in. The paths and stairs can be uneven.
Photo permits may apply to professional sessions in Griffith Park. I check this for you before we book.

How I'd Plan Your Session

An hour is enough for the terrace, the stairs and a stretch of the trail. I usually start about 90 minutes before sunset, so we get the soft light first and the golden light at the end. Tell me your date and group size and I'll suggest the timing. See the Los Angeles photographer page or ask about a date.

Griffith Observatory Photo Guide: Where to Go, When to Go and What to Know