Payment due upon booking.

Now that you're signed up, let's get you all squared away with your payment! Simply click here and it'll take you to my VENMO page (or look me up under Mariko-Hesterman). The total for the session + tax is $160.88 (EARLY BIRD pricing is $107.25). Once I receive your payment, you are officially booked! However, your time-slot will be made available to the public if payment is not received within 24 hours upon signing up for your session. If you do not have VENMO and need to use a different form of payment, message me at marikokayphoto@gmail.com and we can discuss other options.

The million dollar question: What to wear.

It's easy to get stumped on the outfits, which honestly is the worst part about preparing for photos, in my opinion. I have found that the least stressful way to conquer outfits for the entire fam is by staying with neutrals. First and foremost, start with YOUR outfit (mamas, I'm talking to you!). Once you find something you feel BOMB in, go from there and add in your neutrals for everyone else with little pops of color that are in the same palette as your outfit -- creams, whites, blush pinks, ashy grays, faded blues, soft sage greens, etc. Mix it up between the kids with some in pants/shorts/skirts/dresses/rompers/etc. Layers and accessories such as cardigans, necklaces, and scarves always add more 'umph' to the photos, so go ahead and bring that cute wide brimmed hat you bought, but don't have anywhere to wear it (no thanks, covid). Most importantly, wear whatever makes you feel fantastic!!

Bribes.

Yup. I totally bring the bribes. My typical go-to are smartees or mini marshmellows during the session, and then bring out the dum-dums at the very end. You're more than welcome to bring your own ammo as well, but please bring treats that dissolve quickly and/or do not leave colors on their mouths and tongue. If you do bring those types of treats, leave them for the very end of the session. Also, try not to mention bribes to the kids until we are running out of tricks. Once the kids hear there are treats, there's usually nothing else on their minds except the sugar! So again, I'll be sure to let the kids know "I have a surprise for them" and that typically keeps their attention on me.

Arrive early.

Because these mini sessions are typically back to back with other clients, I ask that you come early to be ready to go when it is your turn. One trick that many moms use for keeping their kids clean before the shoot is to dress them once they arrive at the location. While this is 100% okay and I even do this for my own kids when we get our photos done, plan for that time you'll be getting them into their outfits.