How much do family photo sessions cost in the Bay Area?

Our Heirloom Family Sessions start at $675, which includes an on-location shoot in the San Francisco Bay Area, 25 beautifully hand-edited high-resolution digital files, and a complimentary 11x14 Fine Art Print. We also offer Signature and Documentary collections for larger galleries.

How long are fall and holiday mini sessions?

Our fall and holiday mini sessions are 30 minutes long. This is the perfect amount of time to capture authentic family moments before kids lose interest. Mini sessions start at $395 and include 10 digital files.

When will I get my photos back?

Micholiano Photography offers a fast turnaround. You will receive an online gallery link with all your photos within a maximum of 5 days, ensuring you have plenty of time to order holiday cards.

When is the best time to schedule a maternity photo session?

The ideal time for maternity photos is usually between 28 and 34 weeks of pregnancy. During this window, your bump is beautifully round and visible, but you are still relatively comfortable moving around.

Where do you shoot your photography sessions?

All portrait sessions are shot on-location using natural light. We do not use a studio. We can shoot in the comfort of your own home or at an agreed-upon outdoor location anywhere in San Francisco, Oakland, or the wider Bay Area.

Do you travel outside of San Francisco?

Yes, I am based in San Francisco and love to travel for sessions! A flat $40 travel fee applies for locations outside of San Francisco and Oakland.

Do you help with wardrobe and styling for family photos?

Yes! We want to make the experience as stress-free as possible. All clients receive free access to a personalized styling guide with wardrobe recommendations and color coordination tips.

What if we are nervous about getting our photos taken?

Most people feel this way! I guide you through the session with fun prompts while capturing beautiful, organic, in-between moments. My goal is for you to relax, have fun, and enjoy a stress-free experience.

How to Prepare for Your Bay Area Graduation Photoshoot

A graduation photoshoot is the perfect way to celebrate years of hard work, whether you are graduating from high school, UC Berkeley, Stanford, or SF State. To get the best graduation photos in the San Francisco Bay Area, you should book your session 1 to 2 months before graduation, choose an iconic location like the Palace of Fine Arts or your campus, and bring your cap, gown, and a few personal props.

As a Bay Area lifestyle photographer, I want your graduation session to be relaxed, fun, and completely stress-free. Here is my complete guide on how to prepare for your graduation photoshoot.

Smiling graduate in cap, gown, and floral lei poses joyfully on a tree-lined path, one leg raised and arm extended.

Smiling young woman in white dress with graduation stole walks through a blooming garden park.

1. When to Book Your Graduation Photos

Do not wait until May to book your graduation photos! The spring season is incredibly busy for photographers.

The Best Time to Book: March or early April.
The Best Time to Shoot: Try to schedule your session 3 to 4 weeks before your actual graduation date. This ensures you have your edited photos back in time to print graduation announcements and post on social media on the big day.

2. Choosing the Perfect Bay Area Location

You have two main options for graduation photos: your campus or an iconic Bay Area landmark.

On-Campus Sessions: Shooting at your university (like Stanford's arches or the UC Berkeley Campanile is classic and meaningful. However, campuses get extremely crowded in May, so we must shoot early in the morning.
The Palace of Fine Arts: This is the most requested off-campus graduation location in San Francisco. The grand columns look incredibly elegant paired with a graduation gown.
Nature Locations: If you want a more relaxed vibe, locations like Baker Beach or the redwoods at Joaquin Miller Park offer beautiful, natural backdrops that contrast perfectly with formal graduation attire.

3. What to Wear Under the Gown

Your cap and gown are the stars of the show, but what you wear underneath matters!

Keep it Classic: A white dress or a tailored suit looks crisp and timeless under a dark graduation gown.
Mind the Neckline: Avoid tops with bulky collars or high necklines that will clash with the neckline of the gown.
Bring Comfortable Shoes: We will be walking a lot! Bring a pair of sandals or sneakers to walk between locations, and swap into your heels or dress shoes right before we shoot.

4. Props to Bring to Your Session

Props add personality to your photos and give your hands something to do!

The Essentials: Your cap, gown, and any stoles, cords, or medals you earned.
Champagne: A classic graduation photo tradition! Bring a cheap bottle of champagne to pop for a fun, celebratory action shot. (Make sure you bring a towel, too!).
Confetti: If you bring confetti, please ensure it is biodegradable so we leave the location clean.
Your College Pennant or Sign: A great way to show off where you are heading next or where you just graduated from.

Smiling middle-aged man wearing a blue varsity jacket with white sleeves and yellow C letter, standing outdoors.

Two academics in doctoral regalia smile outdoors near trees and a tower at a university graduation ceremony.

Frequently Asked Questions About Graduation Photos

Can I bring my family or friends to my graduation photoshoot?

Yes! My graduation sessions can include a few shots with your parents, siblings, or your best friend. If you want a group session with several friends, we can book a longer time slot so everyone gets individual portraits as well as group photos.

What happens if my cap won't stay on my head?

This is a very common problem, especially in the San Francisco wind! Bring a handful of bobby pins that match your hair color. We will pin the cap securely to your hair before we start shooting.

Do you provide the cap and gown?

No, you must bring your own cap, gown, and tassel. If your school has not delivered yours yet, you can often borrow a black gown from a friend who graduated the year prior for the photoshoot.