About Me I'm Mallika Malhotra. My friends call me Miki (thus my business name) and my husband calls me "Saturday Morning" because he says I remind him of a cartoon character with my animated personality and my contagious smile.
This is me. I am a photographer, a passionate entrepreneur, a wine lover, a hip shaker and a proud mama to 3 energetic boys. I love my morning coffee, a party invitation and a travel adventure.
I first discovered my passion for photography when we moved to the West Coast many years ago. I had two young toddlers at the time so it wasn’t easy to travel across three time zones to visit family. I found myself feeling lonely and disconnected and it was heartbreaking that my relatives didn’t know my sons’ personalities. So that’s when I picked up a camera and started snapping away. I wanted to capture every moment from milestones to the simple everyday moments in between. I wanted to help tell their story. Photography helped me feel connected again.
It became my lifeline.
The next thing I knew, I was reading books, taking photography workshops and finding different ways to learn the craft. I was hooked! Soon after that, I was photographing pre-school events and friends and family. A few years and thousands of photos later, I realized my passion wasn't just about photography. It was about people. I wanted to help tell their stories. I wanted to help them capture beautiful moments. I wanted to help them celebrate life.
That’s when I started mikifoto.
Some people would call me a portrait photographer. But "portrait" sounds stiff and predictable. And we are anything but. Real life is full of color, chaos and craziness. And this is what I love to shoot. No poses, no fake backgrounds, no robotic smiles. I like to play and have fun. I like to catch moments. I invite my clients to let go and celebrate their life like a party. This is when the magic happens and real memories are made!
Everyone has a story to tell. Let me help you tell yours. Let’s celebrate your story in full color.
Photo credit : Lot 116 Photography
About mikifoto Every photographer is unique. We each have our own way of shooting. Our own style. Our own personality. And our own backgrounds. My intention is to capture your heart and connection in a real, authentic way. I believe that my life experiences have taught me valuable lessons that I bring to my business and that have shaped me into the visual storyteller that I am today.
Here’s what I bring to mikifoto:
An eye for style. Stories tell our beginnings. Many years ago, I wore high heels and suits and worked in the advertising world. I helped create brand stories for big names like L’Oreal and Oil of Olay. From my experiences in the beauty world, I bring with me a trained eye for things that are stylish and fashion forward.
A connection with people. Stories reveal our journey. I’ve moved several times in my life. I’ve lived in coastal California, the Colorado Mountains, sunny Florida and now in the Northeast. With each move, I had to adapt to new situations, new lifestyles and new people. I had to make new business contacts and find new friends. These experiences taught me how to connect with people. Some people would call it a skill or a talent. I consider it a gift.
An appreciation for chaos. Stories are honest. I have a busy, chaotic life. I am a photographer, a business leader for an entrepreneurial women’s organization (Believe, Inspire, Grow), the wife of a pediatric heart surgeon and a mother to 3 active boys. Believe me, I know chaos. Somehow, juggling all of this has given me an appreciation for enjoying the small things in life. And a desire to find beauty amidst the chaos.
A belief in quality over quantity. Stories share our values. I’m not a photographer who just cranks out clients left and right and churns out photographs like some factory. I don’t want my business to become too big or too corporate. I like getting to know my clients and spending time with them and helping them capture their story. So you won’t find me over booking dates or trying to cram too many sessions into a day. That’s not how I want to work. I don’t aim for quantity. I strive for quality.
A desire to celebrate. Stories express our beliefs. I believe you don’t have to wait for milestones and special occasions to celebrate life. Life is jam packed with everyday moments that are meant to be shared. I believe in gratitude for the simplest. Let’s celebrate life!
Work with Me Business - Branding
You are a smart, passionate business woman. You've worked hard to get where you are today. And in today’s business world, a first impression means everything. You know that you can't get by using a selfie that you took with your phone. Whether it's for your website or your business cards or other marketing materials, it’s time for a professional image that tells your story. You’re well past amateur hour. It’s time to step up your game. Let me help you capture your brand image and create memorable photography that makes you stand out.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION I always start our journey with a conversation about you and your business. I ask questions about your background, your experience, your goals, your products and your programs. I want to get to know you so that I can customize a photography experience for you. I use this information to brainstorm ideas about locations, props and styling. After we get to know each other and book a date, I will send you detailed information on wardrobe and what to wear. This step in the process sometimes causes anxiety, but I want this experience to be as stress-free as possible. So I’m happy to help with wardrobe selections. I have Pinterest styling boards that provide clothing inspiration and ideas. I also have several boutique partners around town that can guide you in finding the most flattering pieces so you feel the most confident. Or you can always bring a suitcase with several of your favorite pieces and we can put outfits together the day of the shoot. Prior to the shoot, I also make arrangements for a hair blowout and makeup application for the day of your shoot. I work with professionals around town that will help you feel beautiful and confident. All you have to do is show up and get ready to be pampered!
DURING YOUR SESSION After the make-up artist and stylist are done pampering and prepping you, we are ready for the session. My first priority is to have you feel comfortable and at ease. Maybe even have some fun! We’ll capture you in a few different ways – serious, soulful, energetic, fun. I want to give you show-stopping images that you can use in multiple ways for years to come.
AFTER YOUR SESSION After your session, I will select the best images and artistically retouch my favorites. Your digital viewing gallery will be uploaded and ready for you to review within 10-14 days after your photo session. I am known to be lightning fast and usually deliver your slideshow quicker than expected. You’ll be able to view your photos online and also share them with family and friends. The online gallery will be available to you for 7 days. After you make your selections, the images will be sent to you digitally in both high resolution and web-size formats.
My goal is to capture images that help your brand gets noticed. I want to help you reflect your passion and professionalism. I love helping other entrepreneurs succeed and I want to help you take your brand to the next level.
What To
Wear
GENERAL WARDROBE TIPS Your clothing is going to reflect your image so pick outfits that help you exude confidence. Decide what personality attributes you want to convey through your wardrobe. Do you want to communicate being a professional expert? Or a colorful creative? Maybe an inspirational, empathic coach? Pick something that will help tell your story. Dress stylish; yet not too trendy because you don’t want a current fashion statement to make your photos look dated in a few years! Simple and classic choices will make your image seem timeless. A pop of color in your top or a jewelry piece can create interest. Prints are also a nice option, but be sure to stick with patterns that are not too overwhelming. Make sure you select outfits that fit well but that also allow you to move around comfortably. I don’t want you to feel anxious or nervous about your wardrobe selection so if it helps, just bring a small suitcase with a few options and I’ll be happy to help you make a final selection.
TIPS FOR A DRESSIER LOOK Dresses or even just the suit jacket can help an outfit have a more formal feel. Accessories can also set the tone of your outfit. They can make your look more conservative, more formal or more funky. For example, a funky colorful blouse can change the feel of a dark pants suit from conservative to creative professional.
TIPS FOR A CASUAL LOOK Dark jeans with grit and texture are a great casual choice. V-necks are usually very flattering and can be complimented with a fun necklace or scarf. Avoid shirts with logos or words on them. Otherwise, have fun! Be sure to check out my Pinterest styling boards for ideas and inspiration!
Are you frustrated that your business is not getting noticed? Do you feel like your images fall flat and don’t represent your spark? You are so much more then a pretty headshot. Let’s celebrate your story and create dynamic photography that makes you stand out. Let’s build a library of images that you can use for all your communication needs. Please note that a $200 deposit is required to book a session date and that will be applied to your final package price.
Get Noticed Package $899
Get Gorgeous Package $199
Pre-shoot consultation to discuss session details
Hair blow out
Wardrobe & styling assistance
Make up application
Hair blow out & Make up application at local salon
Jewelry styling
One hour photo session time at a location of
Wardrobe assistance
your choice 15-20 Minute short & sweet photo session Photography of three outfits One Edited Digital File Online gallery of 20 + Artistically Edited Proofs 10 edited images from session downloaded by Dropbox
Only offered on certain pre-determined dates.
in high res and web sized
Ask about our next event!
What’s in Store Package $499 Perfect Photo Package for Brick & Mortar Stores Pre-shoot consultation to discuss session details One hour photo session time at your store Photography of environment, products and people Online gallery of 20 + Artistically Edited Proofs 10 edited images from session downloaded by DropBox in high res and web sized
Frequently Asked Questions How can I book my session? That’s easy...just email me at mallika@mikifoto.com or call 352.682.2533 and we can discuss what you’re looking for and find some possible shoot dates. To secure a date, I require an advance deposit of $200. I typically book about 6-8 weeks out. Once you’ve booked a date, we can talk about location, styling and other fun details!
What types of sessions do you do? My sessions are geared towards children, tweens/teens, family, high school seniors and professional business portraits. I like to capture personal stories. I do not photograph weddings or special events.
Where will our session be? I love to shoot in natural light, so I typically prefer to shoot outside. I always recommend early morning or evening for optimal lighting. You can pick your favorite outdoor spot (backyard, local park, downtown) or I am happy to make some suggestions. But together we’ll find the perfect spot to capture your story. Please note that there’s an additional $50 travel fee for sessions outside of a 25-mile radius of the 07078 zip code.
Can you help me plan and pick outfits? Yes! Wardrobe styling is my specialty. I love to offer fashion advice for the entire family, for young girls or the busy entrepreneur. Ask to see some of my Pinterest styling boards.
What camera and lens do you shoot with? I have a Canon 5D Mark III that will help me capture your story. My favorite and most used lens is my 50mm 1.2.
Once I book a session can the date be changed or rescheduled? Look, I know that as much as we try to set things in stone, life happens. I’m a mom who’s used to getting thrown curveballs all the time. So if your kids get the stomach bug, weather gets in our way, or something else comes up, we’ll just work together to find a date to reschedule your session. I can’t promise it will be the very next day or even in the same week, but we’ll do our best to reschedule your session in a timely manner! If you need to reschedule for something other than an emergency, I just ask that you give me a week’s notice so I can plan accordingly!
What is your editing process? I personally edit every single image that I present to you. I would NEVER give you an unfinished product. I will enhance the photos as needed with adjustments to exposure, color and lighting. I will remove blemishes and smooth skin in the most natural way possible. But I won’t change the way you look!
When will my photos be ready? Your digital viewing gallery will be uploaded and ready for you to review within 10-14 days after your photo session. I am known to be lightning fast and usually deliver your slideshow quicker than expected. You’ll be able to view your photos online and also share them with family and friends. The online gallery will be available to you for 7 days. Once you have placed your final order it will take approximately 4 weeks for your final products to arrive.
What kinds of products do you offer? Do you sell digital files? I feel very strongly that every client should have a printed product from their session that they can cherish and enjoy for years to come. All of my photography packages include both printed products as well as edited digital files. I don’t sell products a la carte because it can get confusing and overwhelming. I want to keep the ordering process as simple as possible. Click here to view the details of the family packages or the tween/ teen packages. The only sessions that don’t include printed products are the business/entrepreneurial packages, but they do include digital files! By the way, I am very selective so I only offer my clients the best boutique, high quality printed products in all of my packages!
How can I make a payment? I accept personal checks and debit/credit cards. Your $200 session deposit is due once you are ready to book a session date and that amount will be deducted from your final payment once you select the package of your choice.
Testimonials
Betty Galvan, Blogger at My Friend Betty Says mikifoto by Mallika Malhotra raised my business to a new level. As a lifestyle blogger, nothing says ‘professional' more than outstanding images. Not only did Mallika understand my personal vision and integrated her creativity with mine, but she also taught me how to express all of it through a shooting session. She made me laugh, made me comfortable and made me confident.
Elaine Yu, Stylist at Simply Chic Styling I liked Mallika's work right from the start. I love how she captures the true essence of the people she's photographing. As a personal stylist, I wanted to communicate that I'm stylish and approachable - not stylish and intimidating - and my headshot says just that. Mallika has a warm and friendly personality so I feel instantly comfortable in front of her camera. I always love working with her.
Inya Chehade, Chief Executive Officer of The Bridge Mallika is a consummate professional and immediately put me at ease in front of her camera. Our shoot outdoors was the perfect setting for a professional photo shoot. Mallika has an innate eye and a great sense of aesthetic. I highly recommend working with her. You will not only get an incredible result, you will have a fun experience in the process.
Jennifer Brosnick, Therapist at Jennifer Brosnick Counseling I had my headshot taken by Mallika at one of her amazing events this past year. Not only did I get a fantastic photo but I was also able to mingle with other like-minded women and make a few connections that I never would have otherwise. I have worked with Mallika on a few other events and she is by far one of the most talented and fun people I know. I LOVED the pictures she took of me and they were instrumental in rebranding my business.
Kanani Briggs, Regional VP of Arbonne I have worked with Mallika Malhotra of mikifoto on numerous occasions. She has a special way of opening people up in front of the camera and capturing their essence. The photos she has taken of me personally have helped add a much more professional face to my business. I've been able to use her photos for business cards, linkedin profiles and my website. Her photos have helped me further define my brand.
Natalya Price, Interior Designer at NJ Staged to Sell Mallika is an amazing photographer. She is a true artist and is incredibly gifted. Her photos capture so much more than just an image: attitude, mood and essence of a person. I highly recommend her if you are looking for a unique experience and not just a picture. You will not find anyone better than Mallika!
Contact Me Are you ready to celebrate your story and capture your wonderful life? I would love to hear from you. I book most new clients 4-6 weeks in advance so please contact me for my current timeline and availability. I do my best to respond to all messages within 1-3 business days.
Thanks for your interest in mikifoto and I look forward to hearing from you.
Mallika Malhotra Photographer | Storyteller | Entrepreneur Short Hills, NJ and NYC Email: mallika@mikifoto.com Phone: 352.682.2533
- Mallika