If you are a photographer planning Christmas mini sessions in Los Angeles, a vintage red truck gives you one set that every family recognizes as Christmas the moment they see it. Red Truck LA rents a running 1972 Ford F-100, delivered anywhere in Los Angeles County, for $1,000 a day, and session pricing is negotiable.
Why a truck works for mini sessions
Mini sessions live or die on turnover. You need a setup that looks finished from the first family to the last, and that you do not have to rebuild between bookings. A truck bed is that setup. Families sit in the bed, kids climb onto the tailgate, couples lean on the side, and the backdrop stays put all day.
It also reads as Christmas without explaining itself. A red pickup with a tree in the back is the picture people already have in their heads when they think of a holiday card, so clients book it on the strength of one example.
What comes with the truck
- A running, registered 1972 Ford F-100, driven to your location.
- The owner, who stays on set to position the truck and keeps out of your frame.
- Set dressing on request. The kit in these photos includes JOY letters, a Santa mailbox, knit blankets, holiday pillows, small potted trees and wreaths. Tell us the look and we will say what is handled and what to bring.
How to plan the day
- Pick a spot with room to park and turn. The truck needs level ground and space to angle it toward the light. Public parks often require a permit for commercial shoots, so check before you announce dates.
- Schedule back to back. Most Los Angeles holiday minis run around 20 minutes a family. Leave a few minutes between bookings for reshuffling blankets and letting kids settle.
- Work the light. Open shade or the last hour before sunset is kindest to faces and to red paint. Midday sun blows out the paint and squints everyone.
- Plan the dressing once. Decide the setup before the first family arrives and keep it consistent, so the whole gallery feels like one collection.
When to book
Photographers usually announce Christmas minis in October so families have photos back before the holidays. December weekends for the truck are usually claimed by the first week of November, so hold your dates before you open booking to clients.
Four years of Red Truck minis
Tiny Toes Photography has run Red Truck holiday mini sessions in Los Angeles for four years running. The photos on this page are from those sessions.
Questions photographers ask
- How much does it cost to rent the red truck for Christmas mini sessions in Los Angeles?
- The day rate is $1,000. Session pricing is negotiable, so tell us your hours and how many families you are booking and we will quote the session.
- Where can the truck go?
- Anywhere in Los Angeles County. Ventura and Orange County work with enough notice. The truck is based in West Hills.
- Can the truck come decorated for Christmas?
- Yes. Set dressing such as JOY letters, a Santa mailbox, blankets, pillows, small trees and wreaths can be arranged. Describe the look you want and we will tell you what is included.
- How far ahead should I book December dates?
- Book December weekends by the first week of November, before you open your mini session dates to clients.
- Does someone come with the truck?
- Yes. The owner drives the truck to your location and stays on set to position it.