i just returned home from a 3 week vacation in new york and new jersey. this is my home away from home so it was a wonderful time spent with family and childhood friends. one of the best parts was visiting my cousin, neha in southern jersey. she has two spunky boys, naveen and ajay, and a beautiful home. we had so much fun watching the boys play together, like we did when we were younger. and she spoiled me with her expert indian cooking - dosa, samosas, pani puri, YUM! what a blast! here she is (isn’t she gorgeous?!) with her handsome men….

thanks for reading,
mikifoto by mallika malhotra

more big news for mikifoto! i am super psyched to share a fashion editorial that i photographed for the little shop’s new online magazine, the little book. what fun it was to choose the models, pick wardrobe and style for this summer theme.  reminded me of my days back in advertising.  it’s a must read because it’s chock full of information for family, healthy living, style and community. definitely check it out!

thanks for reading,
mikifoto by mallika malhotra

i am so excited to share my second cover for Gainesville’s, Haile Village Journal! already out and about, find a copy and check it out. the beautiful Daniela Urdanetta graces the cover, a soon to be sixth grader at Oak Hall. and don’t forget to read the fashion story on what to wear for the new fall season. you’ll find a handsome mr. Ezra Yazdanpour, a 1st grader at gainesville country day, along with daniela and a list of tips on where to stock up on all the cool school gear.  it’s hard to believe school will be starting soon but it’s right around the corner!

thanks for reading,
mikifoto by mallika malhotra

i am so excited to share photos of my brand new niece, karina anjali. my brother’s beautiful baby girl. the closest thing i will have to a daughter. she is dainty and sweet with long fingers and porcelain skin. there is no mistake that she is all girl. and in a world of boys, she is a lovely gift for all of us.

thanks for reading,
mikifoto by mallika malhotra

meet max, a handsome lil man. i first photographed him at three months and my oh my, how he has grown! now six months of super cuteness, he is sitting up and playing with toys. he has great eye contact and the sweetest little smile. the youngest of three, baby max is in great company but can definitely hold his own. see for yourself….

and if you too are interested in a baby “first year” package of multiple shoots documenting different stages, please contact me. i design custom packages depending on your needs. and it is a wonderful way to remember the milestones of your baby’s first year

thanks for reading,
mikifoto by mallika malhotra

on a cloudy, rainy independence day, this little girl was a burst of sunshine. so pretty with big brown eyes, little gia won me over in seconds. i adored her colorful summer dress, especially the rosebud in her hair. and so full of expression. see how each image of her tells its own story….

thanks for reading,
mikifoto by mallika malhotra

one of the highlights of our california vacation was meeting our new nephew, deven. almost four months old, this little cutie was super alert and had the sweetest smile. he was soft and cuddly and just almost made me want to have another baby (i said almost!). he was happiest in mama’s arms, as she was to hold him. and what a handsome mix of indian, filipino and puerto rican heritages! he is destined to be a heartbreaker.

here are a few snaps of bright-eyed mr. deven….

thanks for reading,
mikifoto by mallika malhotra

happy birthday to my little akshay! one year old today. we are celebrating on the west coast with a trip to san diego, ojai valley and los angeles. we LOVE california and love sharing it more with our three boys.

it’s hard to believe one year has already flown by. but then i think about how much my baby has grown - he is taking a few steps. he drinking with a straw. he is eating everything in front of him. he is full of personality…feisty, friendly and sooooo curious. and you should see this boy dance!

here is the one year old birthday boy….

thanks for reading,
mikifoto by mallika malhotra

over the top smiles. hearty laughter. silly faces. dancing feet. these are all words in the universal language of childhood.

so when the Min family arrived at our photo session and informed me their daughter did not speak english, i had to stop and think about how i would communicate with her. i spend a ton of time talking to the kids to elicit natural expressions and smiles and eye contact. if little chloe couldn’t understand a word i was saying, how were we to interact? so i relied on my inner child….i made crazy cartoon like faces. i balanced water bottles on my head. i played peek a boo behind my camera. and i relied on the rest of the family, especially big brother danielle to translate. and luckily, it all worked out. because honestly…
kids are kids in any language.

here are some images from their family photo session at kanapaha park….

thanks for reading,
mikifoto by mallika malhotra

today is my darling husband’s birthday. the big 3-8! and although he’s (i should say we) getting closer to the big 4-0, he still reminds me of that twenty something cool cat i met on the dance floor. he still has me laughing. he still has me smiling. he still has me dancing. and now we have three beautiful beastie boys to join our journey. happy happy birthday sunil!

thanks for reading,
mikifoto by mallika malhotra