Walt Disney Concert Hall Photos: A Complete Guide

As a photographer, it’s rare to find a location in Los Angeles that is captivating yet does not require expensive photo permits. One such unicorn does exist, however: the Walt Disney Concert Hall. This exquisite example of modern architecture also hides a beautiful garden on the roof. With two stunning backdrops to choose from, it’s easy to see why this venue is a favorite choice for local photographers. There are a few issues to watch out for though, and in today’s blog post, I’ll tell you everything you need to know to get the best Walt Disney Concert Hall photos. So, get your camera gear ready, we’re headed downtown.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Photos: Do You Need a Permit?

The quick answer is, no, you do not need a photo permit to shoot at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. I spoke with two security guards on site to confirm that taking photos on the grounds of the venue does not require a permit. The Walt Disney Concert Hall is private property, so the rules of FilmLA do not apply.

Please note that my advice regarding photo permits is only in regards to small scale wedding, engagement, or family portrait shoots. Any large-scale commercial shoots, such as a feature film shoot, would necessitate a permit.

Walt Disney Concert Hall Photography Rules

While you may not have to file for a photo permit, there are rules you need to follow at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. First and foremost, no tripods or other non-handheld equipment are allowed. Furthermore, you are not allowed to block the pathways for other visitors. This is a public space, and the general public must have access to the venue at all times.

The Best Time to Take Photos at the Walt Disney Concert Hall

The Walt Disney Concert Hall is quite generous with its hours of operation. The exterior staircases of the building can be accessed 24/7. However, the Blue Ribbon Garden, located on the roof, technically has hours of operation from 5 AM to 10 PM.

Note that the garden does close approximately two hours prior to any performance in the concert hall. As such, make sure you check the event schedule prior to any photo shoot to confirm that the garden will indeed be open.

Best Photo Locations at the Walt Disney Concert Hall

You’ve got plenty of options to choose from for great photo locations both on the ground and in the Blue Ribbon Garden. Here are my personal favorites.

Front Exterior

Front entrance steps. You can’t beat a wide horizontal hero shot of the Walt Disney Concert Hall in all its glory. Seeing the entrance to Frank Gehry’s glorious building is truly breathtaking. The building is best shot from the corner opposite the building. I recommend taking photos here first thing in the morning when there is no traffic and no tourists. Conversely, you could take some night shots with traffic blurring past for a completely different vibe.

Darkly lit interior staircase with sky above leading to mezzanine level for an article on Walt Disney Concert Hall photos — Interior staircase leading to mezzanine level

Interior staircase leading to the mezzanine level. There’s not much to see on the side mezzanine level, but the interior staircase has quite a mysterious feel to it. I like this staircase for silhouette shots.

Grand side staircase. This staircase gives you another epic view of Gehry’s architecture. You could do an epic kiss on the stairs or some other gesture that can compete with the ambitious architecture around you.

Blue Ribbon Garden

I always enter the garden from the stairs at the corner of First and Hope Streets, so the directions given here are in reference to this starting point.

Hope Street Entrance to Fountain

Side alleyway at First Street and Hope Street Entrance. This is a tiny alleyway in between two sections of the main building. The alleyway created is a nice little niche that you can slip into and use for some interesting stylized photos. You don’t have a lot of room to move, so you’ll have to get cozy – but that’s kind of the point.

Main pathway and landscaped entrance. You’ll find your best landscaping at the First and Hope Street entrance to the garden. If you would like to take photos on the roof to play up the garden aspect of the venue, this is the spot to do it. I use the plants here for bokeh shots and for most of my portraits.

Concrete railing with skyscraper view. This is going to be your best spot for your downtown shots, though I recommend taking photos on the street as well. Lean in, literally, to the wall here and get a view down Hope Street for some tall, vertical shots of the buildings in the background.

‘A Rose for Lilly’ Fountain. This quiet, mosaic-covered fountain is a beautiful centerpiece for the main garden patio. You can shoot through the leaves of the fountain or simply lean your subject up against the fountain as well.

Staircase and Beyond

Back staircase. This staircase usually gets forgotten, but it is a great place for private photos. I like the fact that you have a view of the trees at the top of your shots.

Main silver alleyway. This has got to be the coolest photo location in the Blue Ribbon Garden. Whether you are using the sides of the pathway for reflective shots or simply having your subject walk straight through the space, this pathway can draw out the imagination in just about any photographer.

Garden labyrinth. I’m not sure if this actually qualifies as a labyrinth, but the cool circular drawing at the back of the garden is a great area for photos, especially if you are shooting over the plants surrounding the space. To the left of the circular structure is a silver wall of the building that gets great light and is fantastic for portraits.

Things to Consider Before Your Photo Shoot

Once you have your shot list, here are a few things to plan around before you hit the ground for your photo shoot.

Parking

This is LA, so I don’t have to tell you that parking is a pain. The good news is that the Walt Disney Concert Hall has a parking deck conveniently located right beneath the venue. On non-event days, the rates are $3.50 for every 15 minutes, and $20 maximum. If you don’t want to pay for the parking deck, you can find street parking, which I found to be readily available on weekend mornings. For weekend afternoons, your best bet may be Flower Street at Fourth Street where you can find street parking for a dollar an hour.

For those of you looking to avoid the traffic downtown altogether, the Civic Center/Grand Park Metro stop is located right next to the Walt Disney Concert Hall.

Weekend Crowds

As with all popular attractions, you can expect that the Walt Disney Concert Hall is a popular attraction on the weekends. This venue is right next to The Broad, which makes it an easy visit for tourists. Do yourself a favor and schedule your shoot on a weekday morning and avoid the crowds.

No Public Restroom

Finally, know that there is no public restroom at the venue which means no place for outfit changes, so plan to arrive ready to shoot.

Final Thoughts

I love taking photos at the Walt Disney Concert Hall. This venue perfectly blends modern architecture with tranquil gardens, all with a view of downtown Los Angeles. And best of all, you can take photos here without the hassle of having to deal with FilmLA. If you’re going to shoot here, my recommendation is to schedule your session for a weekday morning and just be considerate to remember that this is above all a public park. A kind reminder to all my fellow photographers: only if we treat this venue well will we be able to keep taking photos without the constraints of other venues.

Enjoy the images, and I’ll have more photo adventures for you next week!

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