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 black & white and they’re shot in my studio in downtown Mill Valley against a solid backdrop. In addition to Personality Minis, I also offer adult portrait sessions, family sessions and kids headshot - 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 I previously did by 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 which turns the ordinary into magic.
IN A NUTSHELL…
Personality Minis are $395/child. Each kiddo requires their own booking. Sessions include 3 high resolution black-and-white digital images which I choose and deliver to you. Once you leave the studio all you have to do is relax! Sibling discounts are available, and everything you need to know about what to expect, how to prepare, what to wear etc. are in the 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, an adult portrait or a family session, please see FAQ below.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
THE BASICS:
How much is a session?
The cost of the session is $395/child. Each child requires their own booking. You will receive 3 black-and-white 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.
ARE THERE DISCOUNTS?
Yes! A 10% sibling discount applies to families booking two or more back-to-back sessions on the same day. Return clients get a 10% discount too! And if you refer a new client who books a session, you’ll get an extra 10% off your next session. Booking fees remain $200 per session regardless, but the final balance due will be adjusted for discounts.
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.
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 FAQ 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) please inquire for a custom session. I also offer adult sessions for professional needs, please inquire for pricing.
PREPARING FOR THE SHOOT:
What to wear / HOW to prepare?
1. Wear: Dress your child in plain and simple clothing, ideally choose a solid colored shirt. Be sure to avoid 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. Allergies: Please do not use/bring/wear anything perfumed or scented into the studio 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.
DURING AND AFTER THE SHOOT:
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 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.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH?
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.
