I've made many street photographs in Southern California and Orange County is one of the hardest places to do street photography. Not that it's not beautiful here because it absolutely is; but Orange County is a "need-a-car" kind of place. Not many people walk in the streets and we do not have many downtown areas where you could find interesting subjects.
However if you want to do some street photography here in Orange County, California–check out these places:
#1. Huntington Beach, California
Huntington Beach, CA. 2017. © Ron Mariano. See more "Life in Color" Street Photography.
Surf City as they call it. Downtown Huntington Beach has a lot of shops, restaurants, bars, and cafes that you will surely find many people walking about. Also, don't forget about the beach scene. You will surely find interesting subjects here.
#2. Fullerton, California
Fullerton, California. © Ron Mariano.
Downtown Fullerton exemplifies a modern "Main Street U.S.A." It is very lovely in the weekends as you'll see many people walking about. There are also a lot of bars and cafes and if you want to do night street photography, it is not a bad place at all to make some good photographs. Although, I have to warn you that there are a lot of intoxicated people in the weekends due to the number of bars in the area. Be careful!
#3. Balboa Island, Newport Beach, California
Balboa Pier, Newport Beach, California. © Ron Mariano.
Another beach town but definitely Orange County. So many Mexican restaurants that serve margaritas and beer. The families over at the Balboa Fun Zone are fun to watch too. If you want to make pictures of boats, sunsets, palm trees, and the such--I definitely suggest coming to Balboa Island. It can get a bit crowded and the busy areas might have narrow streets but you'll have a great time!
#4. Orange, California
Old town Orange is one of the most charming places I've ever explored. There are countless ice cream parlors, diners, boutiques, bars, restaurants, and parks to go to. If downtown Fullerton is more of a "Modern Main Street U.S.A.," then Old-Town Orange is definitely "Classic Main Street U.S.A."
By the way, these places are good for any kind of photoshoots too: dance photography, portrait, editorial, and etc.
#5. Anaheim, California
Anaheim is a little more spread out. The downtown area needs to be revitalized a little bit more. You also need a car to get around everywhere here. But you can find good subjects at the Anaheim Packing District, Downtown Disney, Harbor Blvd, and Disneyland. You just really have to be patient.
What do you think of my list? Are you from Orange County and do you have any other suggestions? Am I missing.... Laguna Beach? Well, I haven't really done street photography there but I will soon and I'll let you know about it!