Looking for a beautiful and quiet SoCal location for a low-key portrait session? If you’re near Temecula, there’s a not-so-hidden gem that feels hidden if you time it right.

NATALIA AND HARLEY

I met Natalia last year in March when she got in touch for portraits of her dog Harley. Harley at the time was an eight-year-old Harlequin Great Dane, a soulful senior for this large breed. A little bit slower with each passing year, Natalia wanted portraits before getting around became too difficult for Harley.

So we met up at her place to get to know one another and discuss details. A rescue dog from a not-so-great situation, Harley developed a close bond with Natalia, as most rescue dogs do. She was so sweet and shy, hovering around Natalia like a bee to a flower.

As we discussed what she wanted to capture, one thing was certain. Because of Harley’s gentle nature and age, we needed a quiet location that was easy for Harley to navigate. After coming up with a shortlist of areas to consider, we settled on a beautiful trail system in Murrieta that checked all the boxes: the Santa Rosa Plateau.

THE LOCATION

This area of Riverside County is unique with trails that meander through the last remaining native bunchgrass prairie in Southern California. With its open fields and stately oak trees, it’s like gazing into California’s wild beautiful past.

A flat and well-maintained trail, Sylvan Meadows loop is the only dog-friendly trail in the Santa Rosa Plateau Reserve. It’s a shared space for dogs, equine, and bikers, so choosing your time wisely is important for that low-key experience. Fortunately for Harley, she lives among horses so this wasn’t a problem, and a start time of 7:00 am on a weekday meant a nearly empty trail. While there, we probably crossed paths with two very small groups of hikers. Keep in mind that here as with all inland trails in Southern California, leads are required, summers are hot, and predators do exist, so beware (snakes, coyotes, bob-cats, and mountain lions oh-my!)

THE PHOTO SHOOT

The morning of our photoshoot was met with perfect cool weather. As I loaded my gear, Natalia strolled over with her bright smile and easygoing nature. “What do you think?”, seeking opinion on her outfit. I’m pretty sure I just stood there gawking. Decked in denim and boots with her long hair cascading down her back, she was beautiful. And with Harley quietly padding along beside her, the three of us headed out on the beaten path.

As we walked the loop, we chatted, enjoying the early morning peace while Harley explored the sights and smells. Along the way, we stopped to take pictures in meadows, on paths, and near rocks. One of my favorite locations was a dead oak tree with prairie-covered hills and Englemann oaks in the background —once Natalia and Harley jumped into the frame, WOW!

This duo was a great team throughout their portrait session. While Natalia’s natural style shined, it was Harley with her sweet and gentle demeanor that proved you don’t have to have a larger-than-life personality to rock your photoshoot! As a dog photographer, capturing the bond between an owner and dog is one of the most rewarding experiences — and Natalia and Harley had it in spades!

PHOTO PRO-TIP

I have a great tip for owners having their pictures taken with their dogs. Sometimes it can’t be helped when something catches your dog’s attention and they look off-camera. Instead of struggling against the situation, roll with it! Look with your dog so they do what’s natural to them and you create a lovely image with a story-teller vibe leaving the viewer wondering, “What are they looking at?”

THE TRAIL DETAILS

Sylvan Meadow Loop Trail: Sylvan Meadows Multi-Use Area
Address: 39400 Clinton Keith Rd., Murrieta, CA 92562. Google Maps
Hours: 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Dogs allowed with 6ft leash on trails.
Trail Fees: $4 - adult, $3 - child, animals - extra. Payable in exact cash only via trailhead cash drop box.
Length: 2.7 mi
Time Commitment - minimally, 1 hour for the smaller loop.
Difficulty Rating - EASY (flat)

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

Human-Wildlife Conflicts Toolkit is a great website with tips on managing Southern California wildlife encounters.

AllTrails Member? Here’s the link

Interested in This Photo Shoot?