PERSONALITY MINIS
Personality Minis are quick and lighthearted kiddo/teen portrait sessions that bring out the shining inner human that your kiddo is! They remove the pressure that can weigh down a photoshoot and the process of booking one. I rely on play and delight to get images that will forever make you remember exactly who your kiddo was at this moment in time. Portraits are black & white and they’re shot in my studio in downtown Mill Valley against a white backdrop. I also shoot portraits of adults for professional needs. All the details are below.
ABOUT ME
I have been an advertising and editorial photographer / director for over 20 years, shooting everything from huge global campaigns to celebrities to newborns and everything in between. My tender-hearted emotional portraits are the single most requested thing that every client asks for. I am known for my ability to get right into the heart of my subjects in a way few other photographers can.
As a parent and Mill Valley native, I’ve finally decided to open a studio and offer kiddo sessions which previously were referral-only. I genuinely love humans, and I approach portraiture as a way to create space for people to feel seen and be themselves. My portraits come from deep joy and lightness - plus I’m immune to embarrassment so I’m often super silly! My ease helps people relax and be exactly who they are, and that turns the ordinary into magic.
COST
Personality Minis are $395/child (sibling discount available, see FAQ below). Sessions include 3 high resolution digital images which I choose and deliver to you - once you leave the studio all you have to do is relax! Additional files are available for purchase, see FAQ below. Please note, Personality Minis are for personal non-commercial/non-professional use only. If you would like a professional headshot for your child, or if you’d like an adult portrait or headshot, rates start at $1495, please email for details.
THE BASICS
Please have your kiddo wear a plain shirt, ideally black or white. Please avoid complicated buttons/collars/ruffles etc. because we want the personality to be the focus, not the clothing. Please no logos/graphics/characters as that bumps into copyright infringement. Bring kids with clean moisturized face and arms, with clean and natural hair. Remove nail polish, temporary tattoos, jewelry etc.
DETAILS
Please read through the FAQ below for all the information! In a nutshell, each session is for one individual, so each kiddo requires their own booking. This enables me to celebrate their individuality! Siblings can be photographed together at the end of the session (though group participation can’t be guaranteed!)
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
How much is a session?
The cost of the session is $395/child. Each child requires their own booking. You will receive 3 high resolution printable digital files within 4-6 weeks. Additional files are available for purchase, please see below. A $200 non-refundable booking fee is required for each session, with the balance of the session cost due upon arrival at the studio, prior to the session starting. Please inquire if you would like a headshot or other adult portrait.
Cancellation Policy
If you need to reschedule your session, please give me at least one week's notice so that I have a chance to fill the spot. Booking fees are non-transferable unless there are extenuating circumstances.
Is there a discount for siblings?
Yes, a 10% sibling discount applies to families booking two or more back-to-back sessions. Return clients get a 10% discount too! Booking fees remain $200 per session regardless, but the final balance due will be adjusted for discounts.
What can i use the photos for?
Personality Minis are for for personal non-commercial/non-professional use only. If you want your child photographed for a professional need (such as child modeling headshots) please inquire for a custom session. I also offer adult sessions for professional needs, please inquire for pricing.
How long is a session?
Each session is approximately 10-15 minutes. 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, so you can always add on an adult session; please inquire for pricing.
When do i get the FINAL PHOTOS?
Final photos are sent out approximately 4-6 weeks after the shoot, often sooner.
What to wear / HOW to prepare?
1. Wear: Dress your child in plain and simple clothing, ideally choose a solid black or white shirt with no logos/characters/patterns. Please avoid fancy ruffles/collars/sleeves etc. because we want to make sure the kiddo shines, not their clothes!
2. Face/Skin: Make sure that your child's face is clean *before* you arrive - kids don’t always love having their faces wiped so it’s best to do this prior to arriving so the portrait session can be joyful and easy. Please moisturize their face, arms, and hands the morning of the session and come free of crumbs and boogies. Please remove temporary tattoos.
3. Hair: Keep their hair as natural and simple as possible without accessories unless it’s a cultural or religious hairstyle.
4. Nails: Please remove chipped nail polish.
5. Please do not use/bring/wear anything perfumed or scented due to severe allergies!
Is practicing expressions helpful?
In a nutshell, nope it’s not! It’s best to let the session unfold naturally and spontaneously. Preparation can actually make a kiddo less willing to participate. This is pressure-free and low key so it’ll be a fun time!
Are you able to edit out scratches etc?
I try to keep kids looking natural, but as a parent myself I know how often kids get owies. I’ll remove small scratches and scabs that aren’t permanent, but swelling and discolorations don’t lend themselves to natural editing, so I don’t remove bruises or larger injuries. If you have any questions, just send over a snapshot and we can talk.
What should I do during the photoshoot?
Usually kids do best with their parents nearby but not behind the camera. This enables me to capture their attention and focus. I have a comfy sitting area for you to hang out nearby where you can watch, or you’re welcome to hang out on the patio. For younger kids, it can be a team effort! This said, I’m very flexible for whatever feels best to you, and the best results come from quick, low pressure sessions.
Will you photograph siblings together?
If you book back-to-back sessions for siblings, we can leave a few minutes and try to get them together at the end. However, I can’t guarantee group participation - sometimes it’s magic and sometimes it doesn’t work out.
Do you photograph families?
Personality Minis are focused on solo kid/teen portraits. I do offer occasional family sessions which can be booked separately and start at $1995.
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.
Do you offer photos in color?
Nope, Personality Minis are black and white only.
Can I purchase additional image files and prints?
Yes, additional files are $95/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 and drop shipped to you.
