almost everyday i pass this lake and it goes unnoticed. yesterday, mother nature’s beauty stopped me in my tracks. the perfect visual for this week’s theme of reflection.

now go check out my fellow photographer, maria vallejo’s version of this week’s theme.

thanks for reading,

mallika malhotra at mikifoto

need some help putting together colorful and creative valentines day outfits for your kiddos? my friends at the little style file , show us some fun options for different personalities.  all of which would photograph fabulously!

Preppy Look: Shirt, Bowtie, Jeans, Shoes

Glam Look: Bow, Crewcuts Tee, Gap Kids Skirt, Gap Kids Shoes

Rock: Glasses, Button Down, Tee, Pants, Shoes

Sporty: Hair Bow, H & M Dress, Old Navy Cardigan, Gymboree Tights, Chuck Taylors

thanks for reading,

mallika malhotra at mikifoto

this week’s theme is patterns. not as easy as it sounds. i struggled with finding something interesting and unique. it took me a few days to find something i liked. i stumbled upon this image at my local post office and fell in love with the color, texture and antique nature of the letter boxes. hope you like it!

now go check out my fellow photographer, maria vallejo’s version of this week’s theme.

thanks for reading,

mallika malhotra at mikifoto

happy chinese new year! it’s time for feasting and fortune. dumplings and noodles. red paper envelopes. and don’t forget the fireworks. to celebrate, enjoy these photos of the adorable alex in her traditional cheongsam. you can’t get cuter then this!

thanks for reading,

mallika malhotra at mikifoto

we woke up to a bed of snow outside. complete white out. and it was quite beautiful but so cold. the boys couldn’t wait to put on their snowpants and gloves to play. they grabbed their sleds and headed to the hills with our neighbors. it was pure old fashioned winter fun. when they came home, they had red cheeks and runny noses. and so many stories of their sledding escapades. but the best part was they were very very tired!

thanks for reading,

mallika malhotra at mikifoto

are you ready for valentines day?

thanks for reading,

mallika malhotra at mikifoto

this week’s theme is laughter. heartfelt laughter

now go check out my fellow photographer, shannon whitaker’s version of this week’s theme.

thanks for reading,

mallika malhotra at mikifoto

it is always a pleasure to photograph a little girl who likes to dress up.  who smiles brightly when i pull out my basket of hair accessories and props. who is not afraid to twirl and dance and play pretend.

meet aurielle, a blond haired beauty who lives just across the way from us.  she embraced the spirit of valentines day and had a blast showing off her pink and red outfits.  oh what fun it is to be five and fancy!

here are some valentines day cards that i put together for her.  a perfect match for her adorable personality. if you’d like some photos and cards custom designed for your cutie pie, please contact me at mallika@mikifoto.com.

thanks for reading,

mallika malhotra at mikifoto

yes, it’s true - clothing can make a photo shoot! one of my goals for 2012 is to share fashion trends and advice so tykes and families always look their best. i am excited to announce my partnership with fashion gurus, the little style file.  they provide stylish inspiration from apparel to celebrations and everything in between.  they have a wealth of fun information and are a definite must click (find them on FB here).  this week we share their input for valentines day.  it’s coming up quick, so let’s start shopping for reds and pinks.

Where to shop:

1. Crewcuts Polka Dottie Tee $26, 2. Tea Collection Romper $36, 3. Gymboree Heart Tankini $24, 4. Chasing Fireflies Tulle Heart Tee $44, 5. Crazy 8 Headband $6, 6. Hanna Andersson Yours Truly Tee $28, 7. Old Navy Striped Tights $10, 8. EMU Printed Boots $99, 9. Personalized Barrette Set $34, 10. Mini Boden Boat Neck Dress $34, 11. Red Sparkle Shoes $28, 12. Zara Tee $10

Where to shop:

1. Trendy Ties Mini Hearts Bow Tie $14.95 , 2. Crewcuts Work Shirt $68, 3. Old Navy Polo $10, 4. Baby Gap Gingham Bodysuit $25, 5. Crewcuts Heartbreaker Tee $19.50, 6. Me and Matilda suspender set $45.99 , 7. Mini Boden Polo $24, 8. Baby Gap One Piece $24, 9. Hanna Andersson Layered Tee $28, 10. Old Navy Hooded Sweater $19.94, 11. Icon Eyewear at Nordstrom $12.00

thanks for reading,

mallika malhotra at mikifoto

what a wonderful response i received from last wednesday’s image post of my friend sonali! so many loved her photograph. so many mentioned they wished they could take a similar one. so many talked about how we are always behind the cameras and rarely in front of it.

in our lives as busy moms and women, there is always an excuse. we are waiting to lose those extra pounds. we need to get that haircut and color. we must shop for the perfect outfit. so the moment never comes around.

well, i say the time is NOW!! we should all get in front of the lens. we should document who we are at this very moment. because life is often on fast forward. and the experience of being in front of the camera, be it mine or yours, is so valuable. it might even open your eyes to the true beauty you are!

if you’re interested in a yummy mummy portrait, contact me at mallika@mikifoto.com. i am in the process of putting together a fabulous mini session package. in the meantime, check out more images of this beauty……

thanks for reading,

mallika malhotra at mikifoto