Mallika Malhotra, the energetic photographer of mikifoto, shares her tips for capturing quality photos this holiday season

By Sarah Emily Gilbert

In today’s digital age, we are constantly bombarded by images, so when a picture stands out, you know there’s something special about it. That was the case when I came across photographer Mallika Malhotra’s website, mikifoto.

All of her photographs had energy to them, a certain exuberance that made me feel, well, happy. One look at Malhotra’s beaming white smile and you’ll understand from where that liveliness originates. Malhotra seems to transmit her fun-loving spirit through her camera and into each of her photographs, so that she not only captures a moment, but celebrates it too.

Mallika Malhotra works with families, tween and teen girls, and women entrepreneurs, inspiring them to express themselves, share their stories and unleash their creativity. Based in Short Hills, New Jersey, mikifoto is a local company, servicing both NJ and NYC. To find out more about her photography and to view her work, check out Malhotra’s Instagram, blog, or Facebook page. You can also contact her directly at malllika@mikifoto.com or 352.682.2533.

Below, the woman behind mikifoto unleashes some of her own creativity as she – very eloquently - shares her tips for capturing a winning holiday photo with Urban Agenda Magazine.

“The holidays are creeping up fast! Now is the time to get your family in front of the camera for the annual photo shoot. For many of us the words, “family photo session” make us cringe and feel anxious. How is it possible to have the entire family cooperate for the camera?

I’ve been photographing families for almost eight years and it’s true, most shoots are chaotic. But I always say there is beauty in the chaos. Life is not picture perfect. It’s normal to have craziness and mood swings along with joy, laughter and connection. So if your photography session is with a professional or if you are handing over your camera to your neighbor, here are my top tips to capture that winning holiday card photo and to create a fun family photography experience.”

Prep the Kids.

Mark your calendar and inform the kids that the family is taking a family photo. Share the date, the time and the location. Involve them in the process and ask them ideas on what your family should do together in the pictures. Be positive and assure them that the session will be fun.

Plan the Outfits Early.

The styling part causes the most stress so please don’t wait until the day before your photo shoot to go on a shopping spree for the entire family. Plan ahead. Look through your closets to see what could work. Avoid matching everyone and instead, look for colors that coordinate and compliment.

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry.

On the day of the photo session, make sure everyone is well-rested, well-fed and well-hydrated. Give yourself extra time so you don’t feel rushed. Bring snacks and water for the kids, maybe even a special treat to keep their attention.

Find the Right Light.

The best times of day to photograph are either early in the morning or late afternoon. Avoid mid-day when the sun is brightest and our eyes get all squinty. My favorite time is an hour before sunset. The light is golden and soft. Try not to use your flash because it usually results in an artificial, unflattering look. Instead, when in your shooting location, find a spot that has even lighting like a shaded area.

Ask Questions.

A great way to put your subject at ease is to engage and interact with them. Ask lots of questions. Some fun ones to try are “Whose feet stink the most in your family?” “Who burps the loudest in your house?” “If your Dad was an animal, what would he be?” The key here is to ask anything the kids are not used to being asked. The unexpected topics will bring out the giggles.

Get Up Close and Personal.

Fill your camera frame with your subjects. Always take one or two steps closer to your subject. This will allow you to feature the people and their expressions, creating a more captivating photo.

Take LOTS of Photos.

Lucky for us we live in a digital age so we can take a ton of photos to get to that one winning image. So snap away and try different angles. Even try walking around your subject to find that perfect perspective.

Be in the Moment.

Try your best to enjoy the session and this time with your family. Let go and trust the process and your photographer. Concentrate on your adorable kids and the beautiful connection you have with each other. Ditch the idea of perfect pictures and instead, be yourselves and have fun. This is the story you’ll want to remember years from now.