Can a wall be seen as a destination? Quite the opposite in Los Angeles. There are sections of the city that have been developed by artists where enormous mural walls have become popular locations for photography, and it is along Melrose Avenue where this phenomenon is most common. Instead of typical tourist photos, LA’s walls provide a better sense of the location.
Anyone with Instagram has seen these photos; high color saturation with a burst of color as the walls act as backdrops. Each of LA's mural sites becomes a unique gallery. Melrose Avenue in West Hollywood, is a major focal point. The Avenue features trendy boutiques and restaurants, making it an ideal location for a photo shoot. With their cameras and stylish clothes, visitors pose on the streets in front of walls. Choosing the right outfit, timing, and composition increases the chances of getting a good photo.
If you are preparing for a visit to Melrose Avenue, here is some information about the popular photo walls.
Instagram Photo Walls in LA
The Pink Wall at Paul Smith
The Paul Smith Pink Wall on Melrose Avenue is a major social media wall, and is the first of its kind in Los Angeles. The wall is a single, unbroken, solid color and allows plenty of space for photos, making it easy to take a photo without other visitors in the frame.
Location: 8221 Melrose Avenue, West Hollywood
This all-pink wall has been a popular photo backdrop for tourists and friends on a casual outing, as well as serious influencers. It has an all-pink solid wall background theme that has become one of the most popular locations in LA because of the hashtags.
Photo Tips: The wall has some sun, which can make photography challenging.
The parking lot wall might have security stopping patrons from using a DSLR there. Los Angeles' afternoon light is harsh so morning is typically better. The wall is good for full body shots and portraits so be ready to take a bunch of pics to get the right one. \n\nThe pink wall is a single color wall so your outfit should be solid colors. Sunglasses are also a nice addition for the bright sun. Make sure to wear clothes that give a more elongated silhouette for a more polished look. \n\nLocated at Cisco Home on 8025 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles the 'Made In LA' Wall is a text mural with some of the simplicities designs. It's minimal and large graphic letters go great with the tones of the mural. \n\nYou should visit the mural in the morning so you can get the best lighting on the wall and the image. The right time is specific as it can all look different because of the timing. A full body photo is the most natural to take and you can use a small prop to help add personality to the mural without overwhelming it. You will stand out against the neutral gray wall so don’t wear gray.
Almost any outfit is suitable;
the secret is to make a strong contrast and pick a style that visually elongates your legs. The Global Angel Wings Project Wall | Angel Wings Wall Locations are: Regent Theater, Downtown Los Angeles Angel City Brewery 8401 West 3rd Street, etc. It was like these huge, bright wings just showed up on walls all of a sudden. This is the work of artist Colette Miller, whose Global Angel Wings Project started in 2012. The very first pair was in Downtown Arts District in LA, then wings were made in Hollywood, Beverly Hills, and even as far as Mexico and Australia. Photo tips Avoid shooting into the sun as the subject could come out too dark. An entire body shot works best because the main point is to capture the wings. What to wear Like the Pink Wall, a lot of different styles will work. White and denim are especially easy choices. Make sure the whole pair of wings fit into the frame and try a strong pose to give the shot an intentional feel instead of a staged one. Rainbow Wall | Rainbow Wall This busy backdrop is ideal for full-body portraits. Simple outfits work best so pick solid colors. Start with a silhouette that defines your proportions;
short skirts or long trousers can help emphasize the legs in a full-length image. Pay attention to your posture, and small props can make a difference. White, red, yellow, and other bright colors photograph particularly well here.
It is also a fun space for child portraits.
Styling and photo tips
The rainbow pattern is busy, so it’s best to keep outfits simple and solid. Strong or pale white, red, or yellow pieces can stand out against the mural, and simple posing can help keep the photo more uncluttered.
Made In LA Wall | Color-Block Backdrop
Color blocks in the frame makes it look so much more graphic. They are all over the wall and make a boring photo feel so much more fun.
Location: Cisco Home, 8025 Melrose Avenue, Los Angeles
The large smiley face that used to be here was very well liked. It was replaced with a heart window display, next to the pastel Alfred Tea Room.
Photo tips
Close up or full body photos work. The most important thing is to keep the frame uncluttered and be deliberate about the edges of the mural.
Outfit Ideas
A solid color top is a good start, flex more on the bottom. Use color blocks in the photo, not fight against them.
How to Pose at an Instagram Wall | More Than One Way to Shoot
Of course you can wear any outfit or do any pose at an Instagram-famous wall, but some guidance makes the final image more unique. Try these ideas.
Simple outfit + side profile
You don’t need an elaborate outfit. Wear everyday clothes in a contrasting color to the pink wall, and picture yourself just strolling past.
When focusing on capturing moving subjects from a side view, they tend to create authentic looking street style pictures without appearing too staged.
Props and action shot
If posed pictures appear to be too unnatural, too sweet, or too forced, try incorporating jumping or action shots to create more dynamic movement. Adding props like balloons, ice cream, and sunglasses will add a playful touch to the pictures and make everything look even more spontaneous.
Line up in a row and take a group photo
These walls are too beautiful to be photographed with only one person at a time. Grab a friend or a whole group, and go take a silly picture or organized pose. The more people in the picture, the more fun activities can be done and a more vibrant atmosphere.
Change perspective and take a still life photo
If you want to avoid the typical headshot or full body photo, you can also try some simpler and first more creative ideas, such as a dog or a coffee or a small plant or even a shadow on the wall. The main subject of the picture doesn’t always have to be a human, the bot in the picture can provide a lot of natural beauty.
Make sure to include enough of the top, bottom, and sides of the wall in the shot to help balance the composition. Don’t place the main subject at the center of the shot; rather adjust the position to include more of the main subject while still keeping it off center. The right outfit, perfect lighting and angle of LA’s mural walls provide a great opportunity to create polished pictures along Melrose.
