LIFESTYLE SESSIONS
info guide
WELCOME
HI! I'm so glad you inquired.
I'm thrilled you are considering me to photograph your family!
From big events, like welcoming a new baby, to ordinary everyday moments like snuggling up for story time or splashing in the surf together, I find beauty in the details and love discovering the in-between moments that capture the essence of your family.
If there is one thing I realized when having children of my own, it is how time flies and how quickly children grow and change—especially in those first years. Let’s keep those memories alive!
THIS GUIDE WILL GIVE YOU AN OVERVIEW OF WHAT TO EXPECT WHEN WE WORK TOGETHER AND THE OPTIONS TO BEST SHOWCASE THE HEIRLOOMS WE WILL CREATE.
What ARE LIFESTYLE SESSIONS?
• typically lasts between 1-2 hours
• is very much child led
• should not be a high-pressure situation to
appear perfect
• works best when planned around a simple, fun
activity
• aims to capture your family together in a
natural way with minimal posing
• is all about genuine connections and in-
between moments
…let’s go for a walk and grab some ice cream or
blow bubbles in the park. Let’s do what your kids enjoy most!
I’ll follow their lead, honor their personalities
and gently guide them through a fun session.
LET’ S BAKE COOKIES, BUILD A SAND CASTLE, OR CHASE THE WAVES...
lifestyle BABY sessions focus on your family together in your space with natural portraits of baby and plenty of details like little lips, toes & lashes.
WHat to expect
a lifestyle session...
learn more about baby sessions
If you have good natural light in your house, I'd love to come over and shoot in and around your home because the kids will feel at ease here and we will get wonderful, candid lifestyle shots of them running wild, dancing, jumping on the bed, or snuggling up next to you. Of course there are many other fun spots to choose from...the beach, a park or canyon, a fun museum, a pier, your stables or sailboat — the sky is the limit!
the best coast
home sweet home
out & about
explore the "location-inspired" galleries ABOVE and think about what type of images speak most to you.
HOme is where
the heart is!
SESSION DETAILS
choosing a location
WEEKDAY BEACH MINIS
• 45 min session
• 30 hi-res digital files
• printing rights
≤ 5 people • Venice Beach • weekday mornings (no holidays)
special
WHat to wear
IF YOUR KIDS ARE LIKE MINE, THEN WHAT THEY ARE WEARING PLAYS A BIG ROLE IN HOW THEY ARE FEELING . START WITH CLOTHES YOUR KIDS ARE COMFORTABLE IN AND ALLOW THEM TO FEEL LIKE THEMSELVES. TUTUS AND TIARAS ARE WELCOME :)
Natural, muted colors and pastels are great. Stick to a color palette of 3-4 colors (i.e. grey / cream / blue / tan or beige / lavender / rose / white) and loosely alternate those colors throughout everyone’s outfits. A pop of color here and there is fabulous too - just use it sparingly. >> Unless everyone is dressed in all black as a statement, stay away from very dark shades since they tend to dominate the shot. ++ With newborn shoots, stick to natural, light colors and simple clothing.
Think about the style of clothes matching the location!! If you are in the woods or at the beach, it may look out of place to be wearing heels and a fancy dress. > If you are at the beach, wear colors that you would see at the beach (white, cream, soft blues or pinks). > If your shoot is in the park, consider contrasting with the greenery with warm colors such as red, oranges or yellows, in addition to some neutral colors. > With lifestyle shoots at home, wear casual clothes you would normally wear at home.
For siblings and families, outfits should coordinate but NOT all be matching!! (No blue jeans and white t-shirts for everyone please)
Textures, layers and light patterns look great! Consider a soft kimono wrap, chunky knit cardigan with a textured dress or flow-y skirt. But avoid clashing patterns. Florals are beautiful for little girls and women. Stripes and spots can also be great, but stick to one person wearing them.
I BELIEVE THAT CASUAL, EFFORTLESS, COMFORTABLE OUTFITS ARE ESSENTIAL IN CREATING NATURAL , INTIMATE AND TIMELESS PHOTOGRAPHS!
Please avoid wearing: big logos, crazy patterns, really dark colors, sunday best or all matching outfits!
PINTEREST BOARD
FAQ
WHAT TIME OF DAY IS BEST?
That totally depends on the location and the season! As a rule of thumb… I schedule beach sessions as close to sunrise and sunset as possible. Canyon session are doable in the brighter part of the day b/c big trees will provide shade. Home sessions are good mid-morning or mid-afternoon (whichever is brighter). Studio sessions are booked all day long. Also think about when your kids are happiest!
HOW SHOULD I ACT IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA?
Just be yourself! My focus will be to capture you as a family, interacting with each other as naturally as possible. At times, I will direct you into more formal poses or ask you to snuggle, tickle, play or hold hands. This approach allows me to capture classic portraits the grand parents will appreciate as well as the “in-between” moments you cherish so much.
HOW SOON SHOULD WE BOOK OUR SESSION?
Being bi-coastal now, I have limited availability and typically book sessions about 12 weeks in advance. The sooner we lock down your date, the better. The fall / winter season in particular gets booked up quickly.
WHAT IF WE NEED TO RESCHEDULE?
Yes, it is possible to reschedule if your child gets sick or it’s raining that day. But unless it’s an emergency, I ask you to give me at least two weeks notice when postponing your session. I will do my best to get you on the calendar as soon as possible - either that same week or during my next trip to LA.
CAN WE MAKE OUR OWN PRINTS?
Once you purchase the full session package, you are welcome to make your own prints for personal use.
Figuring out your order together in one brief zoom meeting will cost less time than emailing back and forth and second guessing your choices. I encourage you to make the time. If that isn’t possible, then we will make it work via email.
I’M BUSY, DO WE HAVE TO get on zoom?
WHEN IS PAYMENT DUE?
Your deposit must be paid when you book your session. The remainder of your session package is due one week prior to your session. Payments for prints and products are due at time of your order. All prints, products and packages are subject to CA tax.
HOW CAN WE SUBMIT PAYMENT?
I accept all major credit cards & paypal.
WHEN WILL MY ORDER BE READY?
Your order will be ready within 3-4 weeks for either pick up or delivery. The exact time frame depends on the items you ordered. The sooner you approve your book design, the sooner it will be ordered.
CAN YOU RETOUCH, BOO BOOS, SCARS AND WRINKLES?
Yes! My clients love this extra service. All products and prints larger than 8x10 come with a little extra “love”. A la carte retouching on digital files is available too. Many images get some extra attention before you see them already.
CAN WE POST OUR PHOTOS ON SOCIAL MEDIA?
Once you purchase the full session package, you are welcome to post your images on social media. Please make sure to always give proper image credit via tag and mention: @lovebucketphoto
INTERESTED IN CAPTURING BABY'S FIRST YEAR IN MORE THAN ONE SESSION? INQUIRE ABOUT SPECIAL PACKAGES.
love your light