What to Expect from your Brand Photo Mini Session

We’ve all been there - finally working up the courage to update the “About” page on your website, or share a “Get to Know Me” post on Instagram, when you realize all your brand photos feel… stale. There’s nothing worse than finally getting over that mental hurdle, just to be set back because your images don’t feel like you anymore, but booking a full brand shoot isn’t exactly what you need right now either. This is why we added brand mini sessions to the Venlo Studio offerings.

If you’re longing for high quality photos at an affordable price point, want to get the experience over in a snap, or simply need a few refreshed photos for your content, we got you. 

After booking your mini session, here are a few things to expect:

Brand photo by Venlo Studio for St. Croix Valley Bookkeeping

1. Get to Know You

A week before your session, look for a message from Lydia in your inbox. To ensure you get the most out of this experience, we want to get to know you and your brand. These questions are simple, but they’ll help us tell your story through photos. 

  1. How would you describe your brand style? 

  2. Are there any key shots you’d love to get?

  3. Anything else we should know?

2. In the Meantime

Preparation is one of the most important things you can do to be confident and ready for shoot day. Search through your closet and pull an outfit or two that feels great to wear and represents your brand style (tip: incorporate brand colors when you can, even if it’s subtle). A blazer or cardigan can be easily removed and is a simple way to switch things up if you don’t want to change all your clothes. 

For the ladies, we recommend putting on a little extra makeup and getting a manicure - the small details can make a huge difference. Remember, if you look and feel your best, you’ll fall in love with your photos even more.

Props are a fun way to add a unique touch and communicate your brand’s story. Think of items you use daily at work, products you sell, and those things sitting on your desk that make you smile. Here are a few examples:

  • Business cards and other branded print materials

  • Notebook and pen

  • Laptop or tablet

  • Your favorite coffee mug

  • Framed photos

  • Flowers or desk plant

  • Decorative pillow

  • Any items specific to your industry

Brand photo by Venlo Studio for Kayla Marie - a pet portrait artist based in Minneapolis

3. The Day Before

Ahead of the shoot, we’ll touch base one more time with directions, parking instructions, and any other details you’ll need to know. This is also a great time to ask your last minute burning questions.

4. Shoot Day!

It’s finally shoot day, and everything you’ve done to get ready puts you in a great spot - we’ll take it from here. All you need to do now is enjoy the experience, because brand photos are about celebrating you !

Arrive at the session early to park and find the studio (the last thing you want is to feel frazzled for photos). Once you’re here, sit back and relax, fix up your hair and makeup, and put the finishing touches on your first outfit. 

During your 20-minute session, we’ll guide your posing and styling to help you look and feel top-notch. We’re here to hype you up and get you comfortable in front of the camera, even if you’re worried about looking awkward (trust us, you won’t!). This is a collaboration, so please let us know if you have any special requests.

5. Gallery Delivery 

Now comes the most exciting part - seeing your photos! A proofing gallery will be delivered within two days, and you get to select your 10 favorites (additional photos may be purchased for $20/each). Within one week of your session, the final gallery arrives in your inbox, and your beautiful photos are ready to share with the world.

Here’s what recent clients had to say about their brand photo mini sessions:

"It was awesome working with Lydia! I booked a mini brand photo session to have some updated pictures for my website and social media and it was an amazing experience. Everything was high quality from the pictures to the turnaround time! The location was also very nice and the studio used was very professional. I highly recommend Lydia and Venlo to any business looking to get those updated brand assets!!
- Will, owner of Dupont Productions

“Working with Lydia was such a joy, her mini brand photo session was absolutely what my business needed! Updated headshots and all the images across my website, seriously looks so professional and fun. Couldn't recommend her more! "
- Kate, owner of Katelyn Mae Marketing

These mini sessions have limited availability and only happen once a quarter, so join the waitlist and be the first to secure a spot. 

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