There is something special about California photography that cannot be replicated anywhere else in the world. History has seen men and women move West in search of gold, fame, fortune and a better life. This collection of California photography represents the idealism and hope associated with the mystical West Coast sanctuary of the United States.
As we move through the California photography oeuvre, we travel from the sweet surf beach sides of Huntington Beach to the modern metropolis oasis of San Francisco, these snaps highlight California at its most diverse and compelling.
Some of the subjects in this collection include venerable photographers RJ Shaughnessy and David Black, while others feature shots of massive California mansions and Cali-cool hipster roadtrips. Each shot brings us closer to the understanding the world's fantasy-like obsession with the most populous state in the U.S.
78 Cali-Cool Photo Shoots
From Venice Beach to the Canyons, California Photography is Hot:
Jordan Sowunmi — Jun 9, 2011 — Fashion
77
Masked Bridal Lingerie
The Victoria's Secret Bridal Lingerie 2010 Makes Getting Hitched Hot
76
Fierce Feminine Photography
Stephan Wurth Shoots Scantily Clad Ladies
75
Hipster Swimwear Shoots
Uncle York Displays Its Hot Clothing on Some Hot Models
74
California Cool Photography
Photographer RJ Shaughnessy Captures Moments of Calm Serenity
73
Gritty Habitual Photography
Andrew Quesada Captures the Essence of California Characters
72
California Rebeltography
Magdalenda Wosinksa Effortlessly Channels Cali-Cool
71
Eclectic Fashion Photography
Nick Aitken is Inspired by Daydreams and the Small Things in Life
70
Exploring Inmate Ink
Robert Gumpert 'American Prison Tattoos' Series Gets Skin-Deep
69
Hipster Adventure Photography
Ben Miller Takes a California Road Trip with Models
68
Postcard Polaroids
Photographer Graham Dunn & Kelley Ash Road Trip for Wild at Heart Vintage
67
Errand-Running Photography
The Irregular Choice Spring 2011 Lookbook Has Fun About Town
66
Hot Hillside Hipster Shoots
Nicole L. Hill Captures Beautiful Boho Looks in the Devil's Punchbowl
65
Creepy Kiddy Photography
The Corey Helford Gallery Promotes Trippy Nursery Art
64
Tough-Chic Photography
Miguel Starcevich Captures the Edgy and Elegant Side of Women
63
Mournful Melancholy Portraits
Kelsey Hannah Captures Images of Lonliness and Desolation
62
Free-Spirited Fashiontography
Noot Seear Poses Effortlessly for Foam June/July Editorial
61
Staggeringly Serene Photography
Amber Marie Chavez Deftly Captures Peace in Her Images
60
Epic Everyday Photography
Todd Cole Photographs Normal Moments With a Subtle Twist
59
Cali-Cool Illustrations
California-Based Hellen Jo Draws Images That Effuse West Coast Swagger
58
Sunny Surf Styles
The Beach Crew Collection by Opening Ceremony is Totally Beach-Ready
57
L-Shaped Beach Abodes
The 'Venice House' by Lewin Wertheimer Architect is in California
56
Sunny Snow Gear Spreads
The Spanish Moss Winter 2010 Lookbook is Bathed in Bright Light
55
Sincere Celeb Shoots
Eric Ray Davidson Photographs Famous Faces in a Candid Light
54
Stylish Surfer Shoots
Valentina Zelyaeva by Dan Martensen is Sun-Filled and Gorgeous
53
Cool Cali Surftography
The Hundreds Summer 2011 Collection Provides Style & Comfort for
52
Real Rock N' Roll Portraits
Photographer Lynn Goldsmith Presents Photoshop-Free Portraits
51
Cavernous Luxury Resorts
The Yunak Evleri Cave Hotel is Built into 5th Century Grottos
50
Adult Star Film Portraits
The Sasha Grey-Richard Phillips Mini-Movie Signifies Transformation
49
Hot Pensive Portraits
The Sisilia Piring Portfolio Highlights the Sweet, Sad and Solitary
48
Candid Urban Captures
Julian Berman Photographs the Carefree Streets of Los Angeles
47
Cinematic Sunset Photography
TJ Scott Captures Epically Lit Everday Scenes
46
Street Art Adventures
Kenny Scharf Teams With Levi's Workshop for 'Art in the Streets' Short Film
45
Surf-Inspired Streetwear
The Hundreds Spring 2011 Collection has a Beachy Vibe
44
Epic Street Art Exhibits
Artist RETNA Paints Mural for Museum of California Art Graffiti Series
43
BMX Fashion Spreads
Extreme Two-Wheelers Model for the Mishka DART 2011 Lookbook
42
West Coast Surfer Duds
The Warrior of Radness Spring 2011 Collection is for Hip Beach Bums
41
Hatted Hipster Beachtography
The 'Ampal Creative' Summer Hat Collection is California Cool
40
Hipster Beanie Hats
The Brixton Fall 2010 Line Features Some Rad Headwear
39
Sharp Steel Homes
The Montecito Residence by Barton Myers Associates is Industrial-Chic
38
Rebellious River Lookbooks
The Freshjive SS11 Lookbook Showcases Cool Californian Lifestyle
37
Facial Hair Exploration
MLB.com Lets You Explore World Series Champion Brian Wilson's Epic B
36
Stunning Skateography
Thrasher Magazine Celebrates 30 Years of Publication with Photo Exhibit
35
Social Media Airports
The Virgin America San Francisco Terminal Checks-In on Foursquare & Facebook
34
Cigar-Puffing Photography
Darren Pineda Captures a Prolific Moment in Time
33
Leather Surf Wear
The Blake Lively Vogue June Spread is Living 'The Swell Life'
32
Lavish Star Lairs
The Vincent Chase ‘Entourage' Home on the Market for $5.75 Million
31
Contemporary Art Workspaces
The Ron English Studio is a Monument to American Art
30
Playhouse Auctions
Net Zero Ocean Adventure Lab Playhouse will Raise Funds for Real Housing
29
Californian Hangout Clips
Brixton 2011 Summer Video Shows Good Times in the West Coast
28
Illustrated Friends Lookbooks
Unionmade 2011 Spring/Summer Lookbook is Fashionably Friendly
27
Barefoot Fashion Shorts
The Opening Ceremony Spring 2011 Video Displays Outfits California Style
26
Retro Lounging Editorials
Dan Martensen Photographs for Telegraph Men's Style SS 2011 Issue
25
Cliffhanging Green Roofs
The UCSF Institute for Regeneration Medicine Contours With Its Landscape
24
West Coast Water Shootouts
The Ray-Ban Never Hide ‘Watergun' Ad Showcases Summer Fun
23
Cultural Diversity Gardens
The Mobile Ethnic Garden Wants to Bring People Together
22
Harnessed Habiliments
'For Love and Lemons' Buckles Up to a Wild Fashion Ride
21
Hand-Carved Billboards
The Lay's Kettle Chips Billboard in California was Personally Crafted
20
Striped Spring Shoes
The Zapato Del Barco Pinstripe Shoes are Classy Kicks for the Warmer Weather
19
Microcommunity Artworks
Wendy MacNaughton Illustrates Small Communities in Big Cities
18
Badland Hipster Portraits
Alden Steimle is a Model-Turned-Photographer
17
Surfer Boy Editorials
Moritz Mitterbauer Shows Beach Bum Fashion in Style Up Your Life
16
Urban Grayscale Shoots
Introducing the Stussy Spring/Summer 2011 Collection
15
Musician Portrait Photography
David Black Captures the Musical Side of Life
14
Birds-Eye Skateboarding Shoots
'Altitude' by Simon Scott Takes to the Venice, CA Skies
13
Celeb Skateshop Shoots
The Lucy Hale Vans Girls Photoshoot is California Cool
12
Faded Footwear
The Vans California Washed Pack Has a Distressed Vintage Look
11
Super-Sized Skateboards
The World's Largest Skateboard Debuts at Camp Woodward
10
Laid-Back Lookbooks
The Freeman's Sporting Club Spring/Summer 2011 Lookbook is Cool and Casual
9
Weezerific Hipster Fashion
The Good Ol' & Co Spring 2010 Line Keeps it Real... Nerdy
8
Elegant Sustainable Wineries
Boisette Estates Updates to Bio-Friendly Wines and Wineries
7
Bridge Side Fashion
The Burberry Black Label 2010 Collection Keeps With its Winning Formula
6
New Age Rap Collectives
'OFWGKTA' and 'Tyler The Creator' May be the New Wu-Tang
5
Retrograde Power Meters
Leased SolarCity Solar Systems Reduce Electric Costs
4
Computerized Surfboards
Students Build the Ultimate Board Using a Computer-Equipped Version
3
Car-Free Street Parties
Oakland, California's ‘Oaklavia' Celebrates Pedestrians
2
Flash Mob Tax Protests
US Uncut Amuses and Confuses B of A Employees with 'Pay Up' Performance
1
Posthumous Memoirs
The Mark Twain Memoir to be Released 100 Years After His Death
Related Ideas
Cowboy-Inspired Retro Cameras
The 'Hello Kitty Howdy Partner Collection' Features Fringe Details
Nostalgic Computer Graphic Cameras
Retrospekt and Polaroid Collaborated on a New Camera
Contemporary Western Essentials
Wrangler x Pacsun Present a Line of Modernized Western Apparel
Chic Olympic Surfer Fashions
The Oakley Offshore Collection is for Team USA for the 2024 Olympics
Beautiful Automotive Design Books
Auto Photo Manual drives the car design coffee table book trend
Modernized West Hollywood Hotels
Short Stories Hotel Blends Californian and European Elements
Tailored Apparel Line-Expansions
The 'West Coast Ivy' Line Offers a Fresh Take on Timeless Styles
Sunsoaked Swimwear Campaigns
Triangl's Villa Livia Campaign Evokes Eternal Summer
Modular Point-and-Shoot Cameras
The 'Keepsake' Modular Camera Concept is Customizable
Co-Branded Californian Streetwear
The Levi's x Stussy Collaboration Line is Effortlessly Cool
National Park-Themed Eyewear Collections
The CAMP National Parks Collection Blends Style & Purpose
Naturalistic Taco Stand Campaigns
Coca-Cola Launched a Street Photography Campaign in Norway
Brand History-Honouring Capsules
Vans and WP Collaborate on a Head-to-Toe Fashion Collection
Charitable Underwater Photographs
Christy Lee Rogers Contributes to the Nature Conservancy
Comfortable Desert Retreats
IOAN Designs the Landing House with Minimized Nature Disruption
Blurry Abstract Photography Exhibits
Hiroshi Sugimoto Displays the Optical Allusion Exhibition
Practical Californian Streetwear
The Gramicci Spring Summer 2024 Collection is Comfort-Focused
Coastal Ivy League Apparel
Buck Mason's 'West Coast Ivy' Blends Tradition and Modernity
Rugged Adventure Vans
Vanspeed Introduces the California Coast Adventure Van Series
Ultra-Sophisticated Fashion Collections
The Cartolina Summer Collection is Ideal for Any Occassion
Movement-Inspired Fashion Campaigns
The Bottega Veneta's Going Places Features Going Places
Picturesque Family Retreats
Malcolm Davis Architects Adds to This Beautiful Building
Visual Museum Campaigns
MoMA’s New Museum Campaign Transforms NYC into an Art Lover’s Paradise
Cozy Luxury Winter Campaigns
The Burberry Winter 2023 Campaign Has Launched
Cinematic Fashion Campaigns
Norse Projects Partners with Mikkel Karstad for Its New Campaign
Minimal Mid-Century Hollywood Homes
Studio Qasabian Designs the Mulholland Home in LA
New York-Inspired Picnic Series
Nik Bentel's New York Picnic Series is Whimsical & Eye-Catching
Summer-Inspired Coffee Machines
Nespresso & PANTONE Drop an Unforgettable Mediterranean Summer
Ranch-Inspired Capsule Collections
Free People's Yellowstone Collection Merges Fashion and TV
Nostalgic 90s-Style Film Cameras
The Moment Long Weekend 35mm Film Camera is Retro
Female Empowerment Outerwear Ads
Canada Goose Honors Female Empowerment with New FW23 Campaign
Stunning Mid-Century Coastal Homes
Design Theory Updates a House from the 1960s
H-Shaped Structural Mountain Homes
Studio B Architecture + Interiors Designs the Villa H
Retro Doll-Themed Cameras
Retrospekt's Barbie Film Camera Collection is Nostalgically Vibrant
Memory-Making Retro Camera Concepts
The Polaroid Duo Modular Instant Camera is a Sleek Concept
Vintage Camera Experiences
Nikon’s Vintage Pop-Up Diner Teases the Past at Yorkdale Mall
Celebrity-Fronted Fashion Campaigns
The New Calvin Klein Campaign Features Many Celebrities
Limited-Edition Nightclub Prints
Sonic Editions' Studio 54 Collection Contains Rare Photos
Antique-Specializing Design Galleries
Emerson Bailey Recently Opened Its Third Location in Montana
Local Material-Elevated Californian Hotels
Home Studios Renovates the Lodge at Marconi Hotel
Vertical Co-Living Neighborhoods
West of West Wins an AIA Competition in San Francisco
Japanese-Inspired Renovated Homes
OWIU Designs the Mid-Century Modern Duane House in Los Angeles
California-Inspired Eyewear Collections
RAEN Introduces Its SS2024 Sunglasses & Optical Collection
Iconic Vacation Itineraries
Intrepid Travel Launches Epic Vacays Inspired by Blockbuster Films
Artful Travel-Inspired Children's Fashion
Janie and Jack Team Up with Photographer Gray Malin
Burgeoning Psychedelic Art Movements
The Chambers Project/PACT Embrace the Psychedelic Movement
Sculptural Sunken Gardens
Montalba Architects Renovates an Iconic Building in Los Angeles
Nature-Emphasizing Outdoor Campaigns
Craghoppers Introduces Its Spring/SSummer 2024 Collection
Sunset View-Inspired Campaigns
Corona Canada Has Launched Its First National 'Sunset Spots' Guide
Californian-Inspired Office Space
Studio Paul Toney Designs the Maximum Effort Office Space
Iconic LA-Inspired Jewelry
U Los Angeles Unveils LA-Inspired Jewelry with Vibrant Gemstones
Artist-Honoring Instant Cameras
Polaroid's Now Generation 2 Camera Honors the Work of Basquiat
Off-Grid Oceanside Homes
Campos Studio Designs a Sculptural Cliffside Home in Mexico
Retro Family Photoshoots
Blue Bunny is Inviting Families to Pop-Up 90s-Themed Photoshoots
Revamped Color-Blocked Cameras
MAD Paris and Casablanca Drop a Reimagined Contax G2
Palm Springs-Inspired Coastal Homes
The Tonal Bliss Home in Melbourne Evokes Summery Energy
London-Inspired Sporty Campaigns
Nike Presents the Pulse of London Campaign Honoring the City
Juxtaposing Minimal Artful Homes
Hino Studio Designs the Oceana Retreat in Florida
Large Structural Ceramic Lamps
Olivia Xognet Draws Inspiration from her Move to Vallauris
Vibrant Tonal Spanish Apartments
Colombo and Serboli Architecture Designs a Barcelona Apartment
High School-Inspired Autumn Fashion
ERL Presents a Look at its FW24 Collection of Retro Themes
Artfully Designed Cali Restaurants
Marc Ange Designs the MUSE Restaurant in Santa Monica
360 Photo Booths
PhotoboothTO Introduces the Future of Event Photography in Canada
Tranquil Cozy Canadian Cottages
Omar Gandhi Architects Designs the White Rock Cottage
Pop Art Skateboard Capsules
THE SKATEROOM Unveils a Collection Inspired by Roy Lichtenstein
Digital City-Inspired Art Works
New Digital Art is on Display in Grand Central Station
Cutting-Edge Lighting Collections
Roll & Hill Presents its Latest Handcrafted Light Collection
Brand Photography Marketplaces
VSCO Unveils a New Marketplace for Photographers to Find Work
Luxuriously Modern Beachside Resorts
The Regent Santa Monica Beach Reimagines L.A. Glamor
California-Inspired Ranch Hotels
Julia Ashwood Helps Design the New Sun Ranch with Retro Themes
Britpop Photography Exhibitions
London's Oasis Photography Exhibition Celebrates the Band's Legacy
Skateboard-Themed Photography Books
James Edson's Rabbit Hole Book Honors London's Skate Scene
Californian Canyon-Inspired Edifices
This Waterfront Building Pays Tribute to Rock Formations
Filmmaker-Inspired Pop-Ups
Montblanc Debuts Los Angeles Pop-Up Inspired by Wes Anderson Aesthetics
Thoughtful Outdoor Brand Campaigns
Craghoppers Launches the Cool, Still Campaign for AW 2023
Offline Newspaper Publications
County Highway Revives Print Culture
Equitable Design Capsule Exhibitions
Objective Studios Showcases the Calm Place Exhibition
Romantic Narrative-Inspired Fashion
Edward Cuming Unveils a New Capsule for the SS24 Season
Cult Movies-Inspired Graphic Streetwear
Place+Faces Presents the Film Club Collection
Wabi-Sabi-Inspired LA Residences
Lauri Design Studio Creates the Minimal Sierra Towers
Beach Club-Inspired Holiday Homes
YSG Re-Designs This Stunning Sydney Coastal Home
Earthy Off-Grid Textural Homes
Malek Alqadi Designs the Folly Mojave Wilderness Retreat
Sustainable Futures Exhibitions
SCI-Arc is Presenting 'Views of Planet City' in September
Photographer-Collab Card Games
Gray Malin's Work is Highlighted in the New UNO Artiste Series
Functionally Weatherproof Photo Gear
Long Weekend and Moment Join Forces on a Capsule
Tomato-Red Retro Cameras
Retrospekt’s New Hello Kitty 35mm Camera is Inspired by Summer Picnics
Venice Beach-Inspired Footwear Designs
Puma Hoops Partners with the Venice Basketball League
California-Inspired Gallery-Style Stores
Studio FB Designs the New Frame Store in London
Vintage Californian Hotels
The Hotel June Malibu Re-Opened in 2021 with a Truthful 1960s Theme
Juxtaposing South Californian Homes
Studio Gutow Designs the Emerald Bay House in Laguna Beach
LA-Inspired Spring Collections
7 For All Mankind Debuts the 'Forever LA, Forever Mankind' Campaign
Lively Reinterpreted Apparel
Thom Browne Pays Homage to California in a Saks Fifth Avenue Capsule
Tranquil Aesthetic Bungalow Renovations
OWIU Design Created the Echo Park Hillhouse
Sleek Printed Swimwear Collections
Dolly Presents a Look at its New Swimwear Collection
Beach-Overlooking Picturesque Homes
teamSTAR Designs the Villa A in Japan's Yokosuka-City
Dynamic Vibrant Rug Collections
Kevin McClellan Designs the Sedona Series of Artful Rugs
Creative Sun Safety Installations
Giant Beach Installation is a Reminder to Practice Sun Safety
Painting-Immersive Photo Exhibits
Abelardo Morell Presents the New Ground Exhibition
Travel-Inspired Canvas Paintings
SOLDIER Presents the Passport Series of Artful Looks
Historically Rooted Elevated Hotels
The Trilogy Montgomery Hotel Restores a Trio of Buildings
Monumental Concrete Hotel Suites
Malek Alqadi Designs the Folly Mojave Series in the Desert
Long Geometric Hawaiian Guesthomes
Hahn Lavsen Creates the Vipp Cold Hawaii Guesthouse
Drawings-Inspired Rug Collections
Cold Picnic Introduces the New Frames Collection
Park-Inspired Outdoor Fashion Capsules
Parks Project Sets out to Preserve National Parks
Bali Sun-Inspired Collaborative Apparel
Potato Head and Boiler Room Launch a Joint Collection
Industrial Spacious Beach Houses
Matthew Royce Designs the Oxford Triangle Home for Himself
Renovated Asymmetric Building Projects
Formation Association Designs the Atwater Canyon Building
Photo-Organizing Apps
Journeys Simplifies the Process of Organizing One's Photos
Retro-Futurism Video Cameras
This Super 8 Camera Concept by Juliana Iacono is Nostalgic
Hilltop Modern Rural Retreats
Studio VARA Completes the Fire Country Lookout Retreat
Surfing-Centric Podcast Series
This Podcast Was Created By 805 Beer and the World Surf League
Vintage Photo Camera Apps
mood.camera Brings Back Nostalgia in a Digital Age
British Youth-Culture Photography Books
Alasdair McLellan Unveils his HOME and AWAY Photo Book
Americana-Inspired Spring Fashion
Woolrich Presents Origin Stories: Americana for SS24
Historic Beachside Mediterranean Resorts
India Mahdavi Reimagines the Monte-Carlo Beach Resort
Photographer-Honoring Stamp Collections
The United States Postal Service Honors Ansel Adams
Artist Connection-Focused Initiatives
Summer VonHolten’s New Personal Blog is About Connection
Historic Building Architecture Offices
Paul R Williams Designs the New BIG Office in Santa Monica
Filipino-Perspective City Campaigns
'Of Course, Hong Kong' Features Four Local Filipino Creators
Coastal France-Inspired Fashion
Vilebrequin and Highsnobiety Join Forces on a Capsule
Kyoto-Inspired Solo Art Exhibitions
Philadelphia Gallery Displayed Ode to Kyoto and It's Wild Here
Miniature Artful Hip-Hop Landmarks
Danny Cortes Captures Iconic Hip-Hop Moments Through Art
Ranch-Converted Modern Residences
Klein Agency and SITU Development Transforms a Ranch
Fashion-Centric Co-Working Spaces
L.A. Fashion Weekend Partners with Hollywood Production Center
Volcanic Terrain Modern Homes
The Ranch Mine Designs the Noir Peaks House in Arizona
Mumbai-Inspired Eyewear Collections
The Vivienne Westwood Sun 2024 Eyewear Collection is Chic
Courtyard-Style Californian Homes
Schwartz and Architecture Designs the Modal Home in Cali
Modern Architectural Seaside Homes
XTEN Designs the Idyllic Strandhouse by the Beachside
Retro Coastal Home Updates
Feldman Architecture Renovates the Pebble Beach Residence
Local Hotspot Fashion Shoots
Marine Serre 'Heartbeat' Campaign Was Lensed in Hair Salons and Cafes
Strategic Brand Relocations
Serengeti Eyewear Announced Its Relocation from France to California
Island-Inspired Vibrant Fashion
Marni and No Vacancy Drop the Nature of the Broom Series
California Coastline Renovated Homes
Electric Bowery Renovates a Big Sur House in California
Restored 1900s Cabin Retreats
Bridgeton Studio Designs the Dawn Ranch in Guerneville
Vintage Hotel-Based Automobiles
Sunset Tower Now Allows Guests to Cruise in Rented Automobiles
Colorfully Bright Hillside Homes
SelgasCano and Diego Cano Design the Canary House in LA
Location-Based Photo Sharing
Harbor Creates Personalized Picture Albums Through location Sharing
Creative Work-Encouraging Homes
Mork-Ulnes Architects Designs the Silver Lining House
Beachfront-Inspired Tranquil Bungalows
The Captain Balfour Joins the McKinley Bungalows Capsule
Regional Modern Tropical Homes
Lijo Reny Architects Designs the Stoic Wall Residence