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 Tweens - Teens
Where did the time go? You swear just yesterday you brought her home from the hospital wrapped in that swaddle blanket like a little burrito, eyes barely peeping open. Then you blinked. Now she's a smart, beautiful young girl who can hold her own. She has her own opinions, her own friends and her own schedule. Don’t let this chapter of her life slip away. Let's capture her story now before you blink and she's off into the world.
BEFORE YOUR SESSION I always start our journey with a conversation with you and your daughter. I ask a questions about her personality, her style, her interests, her activities, etc. I want to get to know her so I can customize the photography experience for her. We’ll also select a shoot location together. My favorite backdrop for tweens and teens is an urban downtown location. I love the texture, grit and raw colors. After we get to know each other and book a date, I will send you detailed information on styling and what to wear. This step in the process can sometimes cause anxiety. But I want this experience to be as stress-free as possible. So I’m happy to help with wardrobe selections. I also have Pinterest styling boards that provide clothing inspiration and ideas. 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 our shoot. I work with professionals around town that will help her feel beautiful and confident. And don’t worry, makeup is always natural and age approprate and used to enhance her beauty. All she has 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 your daughter, we are ready for the session. My first priority is always to have your tween/teen feel comfortable and at ease. She will feel like a model for the day. And if she does the BFF session with a friend, we’ll have double the fun. I might even ask you to stay out of sight and give us some space because many times girls feel less pressure when they’re not under scrutiny from their parents! (Hey, we all act a little different when our parents aren’t watching, don’t we?)
AFTER YOUR SESSION After the session, I will select the best images and artistically retouch each one. Your digital viewing gallery will be uploaded and ready within 10-14 days after your photo session. I’m 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. I will send you a Dropbox link to download the images in both high resolution and web sized formats. I will also design your keepsake photo book which will take approximately 4 weeks to arrive.
My goal is to help celebrate this chapter of her life. I want to boost her confidence when she sees the images we capture from her very own story. And I hope to create a unique photography experience that she’ll remember and appreciate for years to come.
What To
Wear
GENERAL WARDROBE TIPS This is your day to shine. To be you. To tell your story. Your clothing is going to help reflect who you are, so pick outfits you love and that you feel good in. We’ll photograph you in 3 different outfits during the shoot, so it’s up to you if you want all 3 to reflect a similar style or if you want to convey 3 different personalities. Maybe your style is simple and classic? Maybe you’re a sneakers and t-shirt kinda girl? Maybe you have an artsy, bohemian, earthy style? Or maybe you’re a combination of all 3? Pick outfits that will help you convey your personality. Try to wear outfits that are bold and colorful and full of texture. Layers and accessories are great for adding visual interest to any outfit. Have fun with your accessories – maybe grab a Fedora hat, a bright scarf or a chunky necklace to make a statement. Bright or deep colors have more contrast and photograph better (think jewel tones, earth tones or fun pops of color like turquoise, magenta or yellow.) Just remember we’re going to run around so I recommend wearing outfits that are fun, but comfortable too. You might be sitting cross-legged or dancing and twirling or running around downtown, so be sure your outfit isn’t too restrictive, too tight or too short. I don’t want you to feel anxious or nervous about your wardrobe so if it helps, just bring a small suitcase with several options and I’ll be happy to help you make your final selections.
Check out my Pinterest styling boards for ideas and inspiration!
Is she growing up fast right in front of you eyes?
Let’s celebrate her story now and give her the gift of confidence, fun and long lasting memories.
Please note that a $200 deposit is required to book a session date and that will be applied to your final package price.
The Glitter Girl Experience $949 Pre-shoot consultation to discuss session details Wardrobe & styling assistance Hair blow out & Make up application at local salon
The Best Friends Package
$949 + $500 for each friend added Pre-shoot consultation to discuss session details Wardrobe & styling assistance Hair blow out & Make up application at local salon
Up to 2 hours of photo session time at a location of
Up to 2 hours of photo session time at a location of
your choice
your choice
Photography of three outfits
Photography of three outfits
Online gallery of 20 + Artistically Edited Proofs
Online gallery of 30 + Artistically Edited Proofs All edited images from session downloaded by Dropbox
All edited images from session downloaded by Dropbox One coffee table keepsake photo book per girl Coffee table keepsake photo book One Swag Bag per girl Swag Bag
*A $50 additional travel fee will be added for locations outside a 25 mile radius of the 07078 zip code.
Product Portfolio To help you celebrate your story for years to come, I offer a variety of photography products that are included in my session packages. I am very selective so I only offer the best boutique, high quality products to my clients! Here are the details:
CANVAS Images are printed directly on canvas and then stretched over a wood frame for a modern design with photographic texture. It comes ready to hang with hardware included. Choose to hang it frameless or I can add a frame for you (limited frame choices available). I also offer a complimentary in-home consultation to view your space and help you create a stunning custom wall gallery that tells your showstopping story.
FRAMED PRINT Your print is mounted on styrene (similar to a thick cardboard) to prevent warping and bending. It’s then displayed in your choice of either a black or white museum gallery frame that’s both simple and timeless!
PHOTO BOOK There’s nothing like flipping through pages of an album and reliving the stories in the photos! This album features thick lay-flat pages, vibrant color and clean design. You can choose your images or I can help you design a beautiful keepsake to enjoy with your friends and family.
DIGITAL FILES Perfect for the do-it-yourselfer who likes to create prints, holiday cards, family calendars or anything else! You’ll receive both high resolution and web sized images on an archival flash drive. (Be sure to ask me about my list of favorite photo resources!)
PRINTS You’ll receive a complete print set of all the edited images from your session. All images are printed on high quality archival photographic paper. Let’s get those images off the computer and into your hands!
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
Debra & Taylor Cooper Your photos truly capture that moment in time between a young girl and a young woman. A time where friends are their lives and feeling good about themselves is what truly matters. Thank you for these fine art photos that will be blown up and displayed throughout our home as a reminder of how time can be captured and treasured for years to come thanks to you. For all of you thinking about capturing this moment, do it, do it now because the moment will never be here again – only in pictures.
Eileen & Caroline Fedronas Mallika exudes a youthful energy that connects immediately with her young subjects. The pace was effortless and the session was fun-filled from beginning to end. And most importantly, Mallika captures the vibrant, natural spirit and beauty of the tween on camera in natural light settings. My daughter's confidence soared following the session. And she and her friend have shared a unique bonding moment!
Brenda & Kenzie Sutton Mallika Malhotra at mikifoto took my daughter's senior portraits and I can't say enough about how much we LOVE them. She styled my daughter, arranged to have her makeup done and took the time to get to know her. Her creativity blew my mind. She is also going to make up graduation announcements, which is nice. I highly recommend her. She is a gem and lives right here in town.
Paula, Hailey & Kelsey Leighton Mallika from mikifoto takes the time to get to know her clients before taking a single photo. Mallika is able to create a comfortable and relaxed atmosphere tailored to each person so that she is able to capture their specialness.' I have two daughters both photographed by Mallika. One LOVES the camera and the other LOATHES the camera. In both cases, Mallika was able to get amazing photos of my girls that I love.
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