Lisa Wiseman

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
Personality Mini sessions are $395 per child (new studio pricing for a limited time!) and take place in my downtown Mill Valley studio. They are shot against a solid white backdrop and are delivered in timeless black and white. Consider gifting a session to someone you love, perhaps a grandparent or spouse! Each child requires a separate booking. A $200 non-refundable booking fee is required to reserve your session, with the remaining balance due upon arrival at the studio before the session begins. Booking fees are non-transferable except in extenuating circumstances.

WHAT’S INCLUDED IN A SESSION?
Personality Mini sessions include 3 high-resolution digital files, selected, retouched, and delivered by me in approximately 4–6 weeks (often sooner). Files are sized for large-format printing, perfect for framing or putting on your wall. You’ll also receive a curated gallery of additional images available for purchase (see “After The Shoot” below). Once you leave the studio, everything else is taken care of and all you have to do is relax!

HOW LONG IS A SESSION?
Each session is approximately 30 minutes long. This allows ample time for you to arrive, get settled and to ask any last minute questions. Kids will be photographed for roughly 10-15 minutes (or less if they nail it!) because kids do best when it’s spontaneous, quick, and low pressure.

WHAT AGES DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH?
Personality Minis are for under-18s. Babies need to be able to sit up on their own. I love photographing adults too - please see “What Else Do You Photograph” below for more information.

ARE THERE DISCOUNTS?
Yes! Booking fees remain $200 per session regardless, but the final balance due will be adjusted for discounts:
- Multi Booking / Sibling Discount: Do you want Personality Minis of siblings or need an adult headshot along with a Personality Mini? A 10% discount applies if you book two or more back-to-back sessions on the same day.
- Portrait Party Discount: Get together with other families and bring 5 or more kids for back-to-back Personality Mini sessions on the same day and get 20% off each session!
- Return Clients: I love seeing kids grow up! Get a 10% discount if you book another session within 12 months of your last session.
- Referrals: If you refer a new client who books a session within 3 months, you’ll get an added 15% off your next session booked within 12 months from your last session.
Discounts do not combine with the exception of referral discounts.

CANCELLATION POLICY
If you need to reschedule your session, please give me at least one week notice so that I have a chance to fill the spot.

WHAT CAN I USE THE PHOTOS FOR?
Personality Minis are for personal non-commercial/non-professional use only. If you want your child photographed for a professional need (such as modeling or acting headshots) or you have any other needs, please see “What Else Do You Photograph” below.

WHAT TO WEAR
Choose a simple solid-color shirt with no logos, no characters and no words on it. Avoid patterns, graphics or anything overly adorned. The kiddo is the focus, not the clothing.

FACE AND SKIN
Please clean and moisturize their face, arms and hands. Remove temporary tattoos. With little ones, try to wipe/moisturize prior to arriving so the session can be stress-free. Fragrance allergy: please do your best to not use/wear or bring anything perfumed or scented into the studio, thank you!

HAIR AND NAILS
Keep their hair as natural and simple as possible without accessories unless it’s a cultural or religious hairstyle. Please remove chipped nail polish.

IS PRACTICING EXPRESSIONS HELPFUL?
Nope, it’s best to let the session unfold naturally and spontaneously. Preparation can actually make a kiddo less willing to participate. The session should feel low key and fun.

DO YOU RETOUCH / REMOVE CUTS AND SCRATCHES?
I keep kids looking natural in my portraits but I’m a parent too and I know how often kids get owies. I will remove small scratches and scabs that aren’t permanent. Swelling and discolorations don’t lend themselves to natural editing, so I don’t remove bruises or larger injuries. If your kid gets an injury prior to the session, just send over a snapshot to determine if rescheduling is required.

WHAT SHOULD I DO DURING THE PHOTOSHOOT?
Kids (even toddlers) typically do best with their parents nearby but not behind the camera. This enables me to capture their full attention and focus. I have a comfy sitting area where you can watch, or you’re welcome to hang out on the patio. The best results come from quick, low pressure sessions.

WILL YOU PHOTOGRAPH SIBLINGS TOGETHER?
If you book back-to-back Personality Mini sessions for siblings, we can leave a few minutes and try to get them together at the end. That said, I can’t guarantee group participation - sometimes it’s magic and sometimes it doesn’t work out.

WHEN DO I GET THE FINAL PHOTOS
Final photos are sent out approximately 4-6 weeks after the shoot, often sooner.

CAN I PURCHASE ADDITIONAL FILES OR PRINTS?
Yes, additional files are $75/each. If you want prints, I can put you in touch with my trusted local lab where you can submit files yourself, or for a fee, I can have prints made for you.

"Love these so much, Lisa! Thank you for capturing him so beautifully. You're amazingly talented! These photos are seriously my favorite ever! ❤️"

"Lisa, These are incredible. The depth and the character and everything. Love them so much. Thanks for bringing both of their personalities to life. What a gift."

"I feel like you captured his soul."

“Photos of the kids are so lovely. Can’t thank you enough ❤️”

“There is a thoughtfulness that goes into every aspect of the planning and execution of Lisa’s shoot—the clothing guidelines, the length of the session, the role of the parent, the interactions she has with the kids as she shoots. The results are magical and such a gift: not just beautiful photos capturing my kids’ personalities, but an unselfconscious interest and pleasure my boys now show in being found through the lens in this way. They actually ask me to take photos like they’re not looking and want to know when they can return to the studio! Thank you truly and deeply, Lisa. Your work is astounding.”

“They are beautiful!!! Thank you so much! 🩷🩷🩷”

DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH FAMILIES?
Personality Minis are focused on solo kid/teen portraits. I offer limited family sessions which start at $1495. Please inquire for details.

DO YOU OFFER KIDS HEADSHOTS
Personality Minis are for for personal non-commercial/non-professional use only. If your child is an actor or model and they need headshots, I offer custom sessions for professional use which start at $895. Please inquire for details.

DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH ADULTS?
Yes of course! While Personality Minis are just for kids/teens, I love shooting adults and am happy to create a professional portrait for you for your business or social needs. Adult sessions start at $895. Please inquire for details.

DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH PETS?
Nope, sorry. I know pets are a big part of the family but due to allergies, animals aren’t allowed in the studio.

I’ve been an advertising and editorial photographer / director for over 20 years, shooting everything from global campaigns and celebrities to newborns and plenty in between. Emotional, tender-hearted portraits are what clients request most, and I’m known for quickly enabling people to be fully themselves in front of the camera. As a parent and Mill Valley native, I’ve finally opened a studio and am now offering portrait sessions which were previously available only by referral. My work is rooted in joy, lightness, and a willingness to be completely myself when I'm behind the camera which enables others to do the same. I am immune to embarrassment, completely silly when needed, and I love creating the ease that turns ordinary moments into magic.