MLK Weekend: Photo hikes at King Gillette Ranch, Franklin Canyon

Ever heard of Heavenly Pond or Franklin Canyon Lake? Both are part of a serene canyon not far from Southern California’s urban edge. Here’s a chance to explore the area -- and learn how to take better photographs of these and other natural spots.

Capture a Nature Moment is a free walk/photo workshop with photographer Joanne Chase-Mattillo. This weekend, she leads easy nature walks showcasing King Gillette Ranch in Calabasas on Saturday and Franklin Canyon, with the duck pond and lake, above Beverly Hills on Sunday.

Chase-Mattillo shares tips on how to improve photo skills by turning the camera on these little-known parks managed by the Mountains Recreation and Conservancy Authority. No prior experience necessary (you don’t even need to bring a camera) to attend the hikes that last about two hours.

Meet 2 p.m. Saturday at King Gillette Ranch (26800 Mulholland Highway, Calabasas; [(818) 878-0866, Ext. 228] and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Franklin Canyon Ranch [2600 Franklin Canyon Drive, Beverly Hills; (310) 858-7272, Ext. 131].