Tips for a Successful Brand Mini Photo Shoot
Every once in a while, I host brand minis—usually with a handful of spots one after the other. I recently ran a brand mini session and wanted to share some tips for photo shoot day! I had 3 businesses in the studio, Ever Connected, Infinity by Kate, and New You Health.
My biggest tip for photo shoot day: HAVE A PLAN!
Mini sessions are quick - to make them effective.. you need a plan going into the session.
I like to build a customized plan of action for each business owner. Together we create this strategy to make the most of our short time and get in the shots that you need.
I will send out a quick questionnaire after the session is booked so that I can understand your branding, outfits and colors, and any must have shots. Then, we dive deeper with either a phone call or planning session over voice memos and text!!
My brand minis typically last around 30 minutes which FLYS by every single time.
Having that plan not only allows me to know what I need to do, but allows you to feel confident and at ease when the day comes.
To make the most of brand minis, we need to have a plan for how to navigate the quick timeline.
Tip 1: Choose Your Outfit
Planning an outfit that flows with your brand colors, branding, and makes YOU feel confident is huge.
If you need a hand, check out my blog post all about what to wear to your brand photoshoot.
Tip 2: Plan Your Props + Shot List
Figure out what props you want to include and have a detailed shot list prepared.
Props could look like your laptop, phone, physical products, coffee mugs, plants, notepads, business cards, confetti, and anything else you use in your day to day life. Props can really bring a shoot to life, so have a plan of what you are bringing with you!
I truly want to make sure you have the photos that you are excited for and want to use in your business. Preparing a shot list will help us to get as many of those shots as we can in our short time together.
Tip 3: Communicate Your Focus
Do you need updated headshots? Or fresh photos for your website?? Maybe you want to make social media content simple and use these photos for that?
Planning what TYPES of photos you need will allow us to focus on that. We can prioritize the photos that you really need and want.
Tip 4: Be 10 Minutes Early
Brand minis mean we are on a tight schedule. The time slot that you book is the time that we have to shoot.
Being at least 10 minutes early will mean that you have time to get settled.
If you are late, that cuts into your shooting time. Since I have more than one session booked in the day, I don’t have the flexibility to accommodate that even if I wanted to. I totally understand that things come up, but in this situation being late has to mean losing some of your shoot time.
In this case, being early really is being on time.
Tip 5: Relax and Have Fun!!
Your personality will shine through in your photos when you let go of the stress.
The idea of getting your picture taken can be overwhelming and take over your focus. It can immediately shift you into posing mode.
At the end of the day, we are two humans in the same room creating a little bit of magic. It doesn’t have to be 30 minutes in front of the camera, it can just be 30 minutes with Hannah (who happens to have a camera in her hand)!
No awkwardness, no pressure. Letting go of that anxiety will mean that we can do what we are here to do!
So, show up authentically and excited and your photos will turn out better than you ever could have imagined.
TIp 6 is for My Photographer Friends
Have the resources you need. Sometimes your best friend is the cheat sheet you can keep in your back pocket.
Grab my posing guides for my favorite tips and poses that feel natural and comfortable. Your clients will feel the difference.
Brand Minis with Always Flourishing
Every time I host one of these brand mini marathons, I am reminded how beneficial they really are—both for me and my clients! I plan to offer brand minis on a somewhat regular basis! I have been looking into different places to host them, so that I can offer lots of variety and provide some different settings. It can be so nice to get out of the studio sometimes!
I have one coming up at a rental home and I am SO excited for it! I thought it would be great for people in the wellness space, realtors, lifestyle focused businesses, and anyone wanting that cozy, at-home feel.
If you want to stay up-to-date on my next brand mini session, follow along on my Instagram! You can also learn more about my other branding photo options!
