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 South Redondo Beach and love serving my clients throughout the South Bay from Playa Vista to Palos Verdes.
If you want me to capture your family, headshots or event and it's a location 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?
DELIVERY:
Portrait sessions (mini, half, full, and headshot sessions) are delivered within 3 weeks of your session date assuming final payment has been received on or before the date of your session.
Bar/bat mitzvahs, wedding galleries and larger extended family sessions are delivered within 4-6 weeks.
All event based sessions / packages include a handful of sneak peeks (10-15 digitals) provided within 72 hours.
RUSH DELIVERY: Depending on availability, faster delivery may be an option with an agreed upon rush fee paid in advance.
PAYMENT / DELIVERY DELAYS: Delivery timeline begins from the date of the session, when the remaining balance has been paid in full. The delivery timeline does not begin until full payment has been received.
UNLIMITED DOWNLOADS / PRINT RELEASE: For the majority of portrait sessions, you have unlimited downloads to mobile and desktop while your gallery is active (typically 6+ months), so you can print them wherever you please and share with friends and family as desired.
GALLERY PRINT STORE: You also have the convenient option to order prints and other beautiful products directly through your gallery.
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 - spit 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.
DOMESTIC / INTERNATIONAL CREDIT CARDS: I also accept payment via Stripe if you prefer to pay via credit card. Additional fees will be applied to cover the related transaction costs involved.
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.
DO YOU OFFER STUDIO SESSIONS?
Yes, I offer studio sessions in Redondo Beach and Palos Verdes. Studio time can be used to capture maternity, newborn, family, baby milestones and headshot sessions. Please visit my studio page for sample images.