Icons in the Frame: Influential Moments in Cerritos Photography
While Cerritos is often celebrated for its "Tree City" status and architectural innovation, it has also served as the backdrop for some of the most influential images in the Gateway Cities. From political legends to comedy icons, the history of Cerritos photography is a visual record of a community that has always punched above its weight.
For those interested in portrait photography, understanding these influential moments provides more than just a history lesson—it offers inspiration for your own next session.
Pat Nixon: The First Lady of Cerritos
Perhaps the most globally recognized figure in the history of Cerritos photography is Thelma Catherine Ryan, known to the world as Pat Nixon.
Before she was First Lady, Pat Nixon grew up on a small truck farm in what was then Dairy Valley (now Cerritos). Early portrait photography of Pat Nixon in the 1920s and 30s captured her as a resilient young woman working her way through college and teaching at Whittier High School. These images remain influential today, documenting the humble, agricultural roots of a woman who would eventually travel the world as a global diplomat.
Jim Varney and the "Ernest" Era
In the 1980s, a different kind of icon became synonymous with the city. Actor and comedian Jim Varney, famous for his character "Ernest P. Worrell," shot a series of legendary commercials at the Cerritos Auto Square.
The photography and film stills from these campaigns became a staple of American pop culture. The "Hey Vern!" character was captured in hundreds of expressive, high-energy portraits that put Cerritos on the map for millions of television viewers. Today, these images are a masterclass in character portraiture, showing how a specific location—the Cerritos Auto Square—can become a recognizable character in its own right.
The Stage of Stars: Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts
Since its opening in 1993, the Cerritos Center for the Performing Arts (CCPA) has hosted some of the most influential performers in history. The photography archives of the CCPA are a treasure trove of portrait photography, featuring icons such as:
Frank Sinatra: Capturing the "Chairman of the Board" during his legendary 1993 performances.
Whitney Houston: Stunning live-action portraits of the vocal powerhouse in her prime.
Wayne Newton: Known as "Mr. Las Vegas," his vibrant, gold-microphone portraits are a fixture of the venue’s visual history.
These portraits are influential because they showcase how architecture and lighting—specifically the CCPA's polished red granite and French limestone—can elevate a standard headshot into a work of art.
Architecture as a Portrait Backdrop
In modern Cerritos photography, the city’s landmarks have become "influential" in their own right. Photographers from across Southern California flock to Cerritos to use its unique structures as the "second subject" in their portraits.
The "Titanium" Portrait
The Cerritos Library, with its titanium skin that changes color depending on the angle of the sun, has become a global favorite for architectural and fashion photography. Portraits taken here often utilize the "Guggenheim-inspired" curves to create a futuristic, high-end look that is impossible to replicate elsewhere.
The Sculpture Garden
Established for the city's 50th anniversary, the Cerritos Sculpture Garden provides a serene setting for influential professional headshots. The mix of modern bronze sculptures and the "Air Disaster Memorial" offers a somber yet beautiful environment for portraits that require depth and reflection.
Legacy in Every Lens
From the Bixby family portraits of the 19th-century Rancho era to the digital influencer shoots of today, Cerritos photography continues to evolve. Whether you are looking for a classic portrait photography session or a modern branding shoot, you are stepping into a city with a rich tradition of capturing the extraordinary.
Want to be the next face in the Cerritos archive? Would you like me to help you find a list of the most photogenic "Hidden Spots" in Cerritos for a truly unique portrait session?