Santa Barbara Film Lifestyle Session

So, a few weeks back, I found myself in beautiful Santa Barbara for my Color Me Happy Film Photography Workshop. And let me tell you, it was pure magic – from the stunning home to the amazing new friends who attended. We basically ate our weight in delicious food, chased the sun on some epic film walks, photographed two incredible family sessions, and had the coziest evenings around the fire. Honestly, I could do it all over again in a heartbeat.

Now, let’s dive into this shoot from the workshop. This family right here? Pure adorableness, right?!? During our in-home film lifestyle session, they stole our hearts with their overflowing love, hugs, and infectious smiles that light up a room.

Balancing teaching and capturing those genuine moments for the families we work with is key. I want my film workshop attendees to see how I approach these sessions while ensuring our hosts have beautiful memories to cherish, too.

So, how do I do it? Well, it all starts with creating a relaxed vibe. I want everyone to feel comfortable and have a blast. We take a bit of time to let the kids warm up to us, and then I love getting input from the older ones on what they want from the shoot. In this case, the older daughter wanted some special shots with her mom – adorable, right?

I’m all about setting up scenes where families can just be themselves. Since we didn’t have sun during the shoot, we hugged the window in the living room to get all the light we could, which turned out beautifully. Shooting through things like windows or doors adds depth, and being outside lets the family interact naturally without feeling like they’re in a photoshoot.

Flexibility is key, too. Life, especially with kids, is unpredictable. So, I’m always ready to roll with whatever comes our way – rain or shine, or, for this shoot, lack of sun!

To me, the most important part of the shoot is for the family to have fun! As a film family photographer, capturing those genuine moments of joy is what fuels me. It’s not about perfect poses; it’s about those real connections and belly laughs that make life so sweet.

Here’s to more belly laughs, warm embraces, and unforgettable moments captured on film because those are the moments that fill our lives with happiness.

If you love this shoot and want one for yourself, shoot me a message! And if you’re interested in joining the next Color Me Happy, follow along on my IG to learn about the next one coming up soon!

Pentax 645n | Canon 1v
Portra 800
The FIND Lab