PERSONALITY MINIS

Personality Minis are quick and lighthearted kid/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 shot in my studio in downtown Mill Valley and are in black & white against a solid backdrop.

In addition to Personality Minis, I also offer adult portrait sessions, family sessions and kids headshots. Everything you need to know is below!

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ABOUT ME

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 previously available only by referral. My work comes from joy, lightness, and a willingness to be completely myself when I'm behind the camera, enabling 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.

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!

  • HOW MUCH DOES IT COST AND WHAT IS INCLUDED?
    The cost of a session is $395/child. Each child requires their own booking. You will receive 3 black-and-white high resolution printable digital files which I choose, retouch, and deliver to you in about 4-6 weeks, often sooner. Additional files are available for purchase, please see “After The Shoot” below. Once you leave the studio all you have to do is relax!

    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. Booking fees are non-transferable unless there are extenuating circumstances. If you have other needs such as an adult portrait or headshot, please see “What Else Do You Photograph” below.

    ARE THERE DISCOUNTS?
    Yes! Booking fees remain $200 per session regardless, but the final balance due will be adjusted for discounts:
    - Sibling Discount: A 10% sibling discount applies to families booking two or more back-to-back sessions on the same day.
    - Return Clients: I love seeing kids grow up! Get a 10% discount if you book another session within 12 months.
    - Referrals: If you refer a new client who books a session, you’ll get an extra 15% off your next session.

    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.

    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 see “What Else Do You Photograph” below.

    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) or you have any other needs, please see “What Else Do You Photograph” below.

  • WHAT TO WEAR
    Aim for simple, solid-color logo/character-free clothing. Ideally choose a solid colored t-shirt (short or long sleeved) and avoid patterns, words, logos, characters etc. Try to avoid fancy ruffles, collars, sleeves etc. because we want the kiddo, not their clothing, to be the focus.

    FACE AND SKIN
    The goal is clean and moisturized skin, on both face and arms/hands since they’ll probably show up in some shots. With little ones, it’s best to try to wipe/moisturize before you arrive so the session can be joyful and easy. Try to come free of crumbs and boogies and remove temporary tattoos. Fragrance allergy: please do your best to not use/wear or bring anything perfumed or scented into the studio, thank you!

    HAIR
    Keep their hair as natural and simple as possible without accessories unless it’s a cultural or religious hairstyle.

    NAILS
    Please remove chipped nail polish.

    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!

    DO YOU EDIT OUT CUTS AND SCRATCHES?
    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. 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 and see if an injury requires rescheduling.

  • 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.

    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 $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.

  • 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. Please email for details.

    DO YOU OFFER KIDS HEADSHOTS
    Personality Minis are for for personal non-commercial/non-professional use only. If you want your child photographed for a professional need, such as modeling headshots, I offer custom sessions which can be booked separately starting at $1495. Please email 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 for professional needs can be booked separately and start at $1495. Please email 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.