PERSONALITY MINIS

Personality Minis are quick and lighthearted kid/teen studio portrait sessions that strip everything away to preserve and honor your kid at a moment in time. They’re distilled to their essence, unadorned, pure, and beautifully honest. These are the photos you’ll want on your walls for years to come.

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

EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW!

  • HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
    Personality Mini sessions are $395 per child and take place in my downtown Mill Valley studio. They are shot against a solid backdrop and are delivered in timeless black and white. 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?
    You’ll receive 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. 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! If you’re looking for adult portraits or headshots, please see “What Else Do You Photograph” below.

    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 - 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:
    - 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 notice so that I have a chance to fill the spot.

    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 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
    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?
    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 EDIT OUT 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 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.

  • DO YOU PHOTOGRAPH FAMILIES?
    Personality Minis are focused on solo kid/teen portraits. I offer limited family sessions which can be booked separately and start at $1495. Please email 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 you need headshots, I offer custom sessions which can be booked separately starting at $895. 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 $895. 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.

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 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.