Brand Minis with The AWE Studio
What are brand minis and how do they benefit your brand?
Have you ever gone to work on a sales page or a social media post and then had to stop smack dab in the middle of it because you realized you have absolutely no branding media for it? Or maybe you’ve been asked to go on a podcast, started filling out the application and skreeeeched to a halt because they asked for an updated headshot and all you have is a photo from 3 years ago when you had orange hair (that you regret, but you don’t want to admit it)? Or maybe you just know that it’s time to have some updated headshots- but the idea of planning an entire brand shoot just doesn’t vibe with your energy right now?
These are just a few reasons why brand minis might be the answer to these problems.
Mini sessions in the photography world
Mini sessions are pretty popular for photographers these days- the description can vary between photographers, but they’re usually short photo sessions where you get a limited number of photos back, a lot of the times they are for a certain holiday (like Christmas), or for families that are on a budget.
My version of mini sessions is similar- but obviously, for brands.
The AWE Studio brand mini sessions- my unique offer
I don’t want to assume you know what brand mini sessions are, because they do vary so much depending on the location, photographer and other factors. My version at The AWE Studio, goes a little something like this: brand mini sessions are 25 minute brand photography sessions in a predetermined location where we get as many photos OR videos as possible in that session. You’ll receive 10 photos or video clips back, and have the option to purchase more if you’d like.
Let’s rewind just a bit- you did not imagine it- I do actually offer video clips for brand minis as well, done on a professional camera in 4k quality. This is a unique offer, since I am a photographer and a videographer as well.
The difference between a brand mini sessions and full branding sessions
The way that I’ve always done brand photo sessions is by carefully planning out all of the details of a brand photoshoot. I start with a planning session, give detailed plans back with a creative brief that full of good info about the shoot and I offer a massive library of content for you to download and use over months of time.
However, I noticed that not everyone is up for all of the planning of a full brand session. I get it, we all live busy lives and sometimes it’s not in our cards (or budgets) to do a full branding session. This is exactly why I decided to start offering quarterly brand minis.
Often, people think of brand minis as headshot sessions. They are similar, however, I think of brand minis as more than just headshots. Most mini sessions will be held at a location where you can get a lifestyle look, rather than just the corporate headshot look (nothing wrong with that, it’s just not the same). I will often include a couch, a scene set up or give you the option to chose a section to take the photos/videos at.
Why you might want a brand mini session
I think just about any person can benefit from a brand mini session. Everyone technically has a personal brand (whether you like it or not), and brand mini sessions are a great opportunity for headshots for resume, profile photos or just to experience the fun of having your photos taken by a professional. But it’s especially helpful for entrepreneurs and small business owners, because you have the opportunity to get high-quality professional images for very little time and effort but with a big bang for your buck!
More of a list kinda person? Here ya go…
Brand minis are for you if…
You need updated photos for all the online places
You haven’t done a full branding for your business, but you want to start selling your services now
You want professional brand photos but you are on smaller budget
You want to try out reels for the first time and need some b-roll
You need photos, but you don’t feel like waiting for your in-depth plan for customized brand photos
You need new brand photos fast (within a week)
You have a new look you want to premier (like a haircut, new outfits, etc.)
You don’t want to deal with self-recording, and just want to get things done
The real benefit of getting a brand mini session with The AWE Studio
The most work you have to do for a brand mini session is choosing your outfit, showing up with your hair and makeup done and driving there. Of course, if you want to put in some extra research to look up some trending Instagram Reels or TikToks, or you want to bring some Pinterest inspiration, that might involve a little more work. But really, it’s simple and easy- and our brains really love simple and easy. The least amount of brain energy used, the better (lol). Time and energy are as rare as diamonds these days, this is a wise way to use it.
Some of my work from recent brand minis days
Take a look at some of the photos and videos that I’ve done at recent brand minis days.
These photos are from brand mini sessions done in various locations across the Austin area. Location looks will be different each time, but I will usually include a number of backgrounds for you to sit at.How does it all work?
I’ve made the process as simple as I could for you! This is how it will work…
I decide the date, time, and location for the brand minis. The locations will vary with each session to give opportunities for people all over the Austin area to show up and I will try to accommodate different times as well.
The location will be different each time, but I’ll be sure to try my best to find locations that give a variety of looks for different brands- usually with neutral options. Sometimes I will do themes, depending on the season and requests.
You’ll sign up for your preferred time on a form in my CRM (which is Dubsado) and pay your invoice (full payment is required for these sessions since there are limited spots).
Once the day comes, all you gotta do is show up in your best outfits and smile that pretty smile of yours.
I’ll send you a gallery within a week or sooner and you can chose your 10 favorites to download.
Then, you post away. Yup, that simple!
Sign up for my next brand mini session on September 29, 2023! Just click the link on the photo below to sign up.
I’ll see you soon!
