FAQs
WHERE ARE YOUR SESSIONS?
SOUTH BAY + WEST LA
I hold a variety of family, newborn, maternity, engagement, and headshot sessions all over Los Angeles from Palos Verdes to Pacific Palisades.
Sessions can be held at your home, office, or one of the South Bay studios I like to use.
And if you prefer an outdoor session, here are a few of my favorite nearby locations to check out.
WHAT SHOULD WE WEAR?
ADDITIONAL FAQ'S
WHERE ARE YOU LOCATED?
I'm located in Redondo Beach and love serving my clients in the South Bay Beach Cities from Playa Vista to Palos Verdes and beyond.
If you want me to photograph your story and it's outside of the South Bay area, I charge a travel fee unless I'm already planning to be up in that area.
Feel free to reach out and we can coordinate a plan that works well for you and your family!
WHAT IS YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY STYLE?
I'm a lifestyle, portrait and event photographer who takes great pride in helping my clients commemorate their most special moments and milestones with bright and vibrant images.
Getting your portraits taken should be fun! That's why I'm all about creating the most laid-back, warm, and welcoming atmosphere that encourages your unique personality to shine through in your images.
As my client, you're welcome to message me anytime leading up to your shoot for styling consultations, location suggestions and any other questions you might have.
I'm at your service! :)
WHEN DO WE RECEIVE OUR PHOTOS?
For most sessions - digital galleries are delivered within 2-3 weeks of your session date. Faster delivery may be available with a rush fee paid in advance.
You have unlimited downloads to mobile and desktop while your gallery is active, so feel free to share it with friends and family!
You're also welcome to print wherever you'd like or conveniently order prints and other beautiful products directly through your gallery.
Bar/bat mitzvahs and wedding galleries are delivered within 4-6 weeks with a handful of sneak peeks (10-15 digitals) provided within 72 hours.
HOW DO I PREP FOR A NEWBORN SESSION?
Congratulations! I can't wait to meet you and your family! Below are a few ideas to prep for your shoot, but absolutely no worries if any of the suggestions below aren't feasible! We'll have fun capturing all of the sweet, magical moments of this perfectly imperfect time with beautiful portraits you'll cherish!
HOUSE PREP & FINDING THE NATURAL LIGHT:
- Whenever possible, try to stash away any distracting items or clutter from the areas where we'll be shooting.
- The best areas to shoot are those where lots of natural light is available (usually near bigger windows, sliding glass doors, etc.)
- Generally, we'll want to turn off all the ambient light to avoid multiple lighting sources coming into the images.
- The living room, nursery / playroom, master bedroom, kitchen, and front yard/backyard are all options we'll want to consider shooting in.
MASTER BEDROOM:
- A large bed with a clean, white or lighter colored comforter or bedspread that has been freshly made (with all of the pillows neatly arranged) makes for a perfect spot to shoot!
CLOTHING:
- Please have a few outfits on hand for you, your partner and your little one(s).
- As you may already know - spits ups, blow outs and other random messes can happen unexpectedly! :)
PROPS:
- Please have any toys, blankets, or other sentimental items that you may wish to capture handy for us to use.
BABY ACNE / ILLNESSES / OTHER CONCERNS?
- Please let me know 24-48 hours before your upcoming session and we can reschedule! I totally get how unpredictable family life can be! :)
WHAT FORMS OF PAYMENT ARE ACCEPTED?
Once we've honed in on a date, I accept a 50% non-refundable (but fully transferable) deposit to confirm your booking via Venmo or Zelle.
The remaining balance is due on the date of your session (or event) via Venmo, Zelle, cash or check made out to Heather Leven Photography. I also accept Stripe if you prefer to pay directly by credit card, but additional fees will be applied to cover the transaction costs.
WHAT IS YOUR RESCHEDULING POLICY?
All deposits are fully transferable to a new date as long as reasonable notice is provided (24-48 hours prior to your session date).
Late cancellations / rescheduling requests (within 24 hours or less) may be subject to forfeiture of the full deposit or subject to extra travel fees for locations based outside of the South Bay.
Thank you in advance for your understanding and cooperation with these policies.