With the rise of picture-centered social media like Instagram and Snapchat, it has become more and more important for a place to be aesthetically pleasing, or "Instagrammable". After two years of living in LA, here are some of my best places to take good pictures without having to spend a single penny!
1. Rose Garden in Exposition Park
Located just across the street from the University of Southern California and right next to the LA Natural History Museum, this garden boasts hoards of rose bushes with walkways in between. This location is great not only for flower lovers but also for anyone looking for a place to picnic or have a chill date.
2. The Getty Museum
Although this location is harder to reach, the long trip is worth it. From the tram to get up there to the free art museums to the clean architecture, this place is as interesting as it gets. Come in the afternoon and you may get an extra bonus of a beautiful sunset.
3. "Urban Light"
As probably one of the most instagrammed place in LA, this art installation in front of the LA County Museum of Art is one of the easiest places to take good pictures. The pastel/cream colored lamps match with any outfit and any color.
4. The Last Bookstore
This multi-story bookstore sells new, used, and even antique books. Its high ceilings and dim lighting gives off a Harry Potter vibe, and there are even book tunnels and windows framed by books that allow visitors to take artsy photos.
5. University of Southern California
I may be slightly biased with this, but USC has some seriously beautiful places on campus that will produce amazing Insta pictures. From the pillars at Mudd Hall to the International Relations building's row of flags, there's a good picture site for every color scheme. This school is also home to some iconic "Ivy Leagues" from movies like Legally Blond and The Social Network.
6. Paul Smith's Pink Wall
Although it's literally just a large pink wall, this wall attracts a whole lot of tourists every day. This place is great for pink lovers or just anyone who believes in the single color background for the Instagram page.
7. Weller Court, Little Tokyo
There are tons of cool murals and backgrounds in Little Tokyo that could fill up a photographer's whole Instagram page, but Weller Court stands out with its hanging lights at night as well as its neon tunnel. Professional cameras aren't allowed at this place, but a phone camera will capture an equally cool photo.
8. Bradbury Building
This building isn't open every day, but if you're lucky and it happens to be open when you visit, definitely go inside and check out the interior.
9. Santa Monica
While the beach and the boardwalk are tourist favorites to take pictures, the real gem is under the pier, where there are wood pillars supporting the boardwalk. There, lighting is better, and you still get the beach and ocean vibe.
