questions
Where are you based, and which cities do you serve?
I'm in Pleasanton, California. I photograph across the Tri-Valley and the South Bay: Dublin, Livermore, Fremont, Santa Clara, San Jose, and the wider Bay Area.
Do you photograph families outdoors?
Yes, that is most of what I do: outdoor family photography, couples and maternity, in natural light, around Pleasanton and the Tri-Valley. Team headshots at your office and events across the Bay Area too. I am booking fall and holiday sessions now. Use the booking page: three quick questions, and I get in touch within a day.
Where do you photograph families in Pleasanton?
Outdoors, in a place that fits the family rather than a backdrop: a park you already go to, your street, the ridge at the end of the day. I look for evening light and room for children to move, and I will suggest a spot if you do not have one.
What is the best time of day for family photos?
The last hour before sunset, the golden hour: soft light, warm colour, no squinting. In fall that is late afternoon, so a session usually starts about ninety minutes before sunset. Mornings work for small children who are done by noon.
How much does family photography cost in the Bay Area?
Two plans, people and business, each a two-hour session. The current price is on the photography page, under the booking button. People is families, couples and maternity; business is team headshots and events. I confirm it in my reply, within a day. Pay by Zelle.
How far ahead should I book a family photographer?
At least 3 days ahead, so I can plan the light and the place; the form only offers days from then on. Fall weekends go first, so for October and November, sooner is better.
What should we wear for outdoor family photos?
Solid colours, or soft patterns, in a family that goes together without matching. Nothing with big logos or words. Outdoors, layers help: the light is best in the last hour and it gets cool. If you are unsure, send me a photo of the outfits and I will tell you.
What happens if it rains?
We move it. I watch the forecast the day before and write to you if it looks wrong; you can do the same. A grey sky is good light, so cloud or a light drizzle is not a reason to cancel, but a downpour is, and there is no charge for moving.
Can we bring our dog?
Yes. Dogs are family, and some of my favourite frames have one in them. Bring a lead, a treat, and someone who can hold the lead for the frames without the dog.
How many photos do we receive?
Every photo I send is finished: edited, full size, yours to print.
When do we get our photos?
Finished photos in about two weeks, full size, yours to print.
What if we need to change the day?
Reply to the confirmation email and say so. We move it, or we call it off. Sooner is easier for both of us, but plans change and I would rather hear from you than not.
How do I book, and how can I contact you?
For photography, AI workshops, collaborations, or anything else, use the booking page. If you're not sure what to ask for, choose "ask me about it".
beyond the studio
Who is Harshvardhan Pandey, and what is brownlittlefish?
It's me, Harshvardhan Pandey. brownlittlefish is the handle I go by just about everywhere online; Harsh works too. brownlittlefish Studio is my design and photography studio, based in Pleasanton, California.
What else do you make, and where can I find it?
household.dev: Satya, a source-cited atlas of history on a globe, and other consumer AI products. Handover, an open-source tool that makes AI agent handoffs checkable instead of trusted. Photography on this site and Instagram, writing on this site and Substack, code on GitHub. All under @brownlittlefish, or geekidharsh on GitHub.
Do you teach AI or offer AI workshops?
Yes. I teach how AI actually works, from first principles, through workshops, guest lectures and one-to-one sessions for companies, teams, universities and community colleges. The focus is practical: understanding AI tools and agents, how they work, where they fail, and how to use them well in real work. Use the booking page and choose "ask me about it".
applied AI
I educate people on how AI actually works, and how to build with it, from first principles. ask about a session