
Studio Mini Sessions in Richmond are made for you if you’ve ever thought, “I know my business needs updated photos, but I don’t know where to start,”. These quick, but high-impact sessions are the perfect introduction to our team and process, and for many of our clients, they’re the first step toward a much larger creative project.
Located in our bright, minimal studio in downtown Richmond’s Manchester district, these sessions are designed to help you refresh your marketing photo bank with confidence, ease, and a whole lot of fun.
What Are Studio Mini Sessions?
A Studio Mini Session is a 45-minute, in-studio photoshoot that delivers the same professional quality and direction our full branding sessions are known for, just in a simplified format.
Every detail is planned with you before the shoot day, so when you arrive, everything runs smoothly and efficiently. Photoshoot prep starts to happen right after booking, with a questionnaire & scheduled planning zoom call (we’re in this together). You’ll have time for one or two outfits (depending on the overall vision) and can add on professional hair and makeup right here in our studio before your session begins. We typically work with the same hair & makeup artists for all of our clients to keep our experience consistent! We love Ashley Sanchez Beauty and Haley Rose Beauty.
Because these minis are in-studio only, we can keep the experience consistent, comfortable, and focused on what matters most: capturing intentional, brand-aligned images that truly feel like how you want your business captured.
Studio Mini sessions are $550, with optional hair and makeup add-ons available. We book out about two months at a time, so you’ll always have a clear timeline and plenty of prep support before your session.
Who Studio Minis Are Perfect For
Studio Minis sessions are ideal for solopreneurs and small business owners who want who want a professional brand photoshoot without the stress of a full-day session.
They’re also a favorite among established brands who just need a quick refresh! Maybe a few new headshots, photos for a launch announcement, or updated images for a social media campaign.
Many of our clients choose a mini first because planning a full branding session (with multiple outfits, concepts, and locations) can feel overwhelming. The Studio Mini is the perfect stepping stone, it’s a manageable, approachable way to invest in your brand without the stress.
Even though our setup is simple, your photos will feel personal and purposeful. That’s because we guide you through a detailed planning process before your shoot, making sure your outfits, poses, and props reflect your brand’s unique story.
We often hear hesitations like, “I’m not sure I’m photogenic” or “I never know how to pose.” That’s exactly what we’re here for. From your pre-shoot planning meeting to day-of guidance, we’ll talk you through all of it! Even connecting you with our partner personal stylist for personalized outfit recommendations if you’d like extra support.
What to Expect on Session Day
When you arrive at our downtown Richmond studio, we’ll take care of everything so you can relax and enjoy the process.
If you’ve added professional hair and makeup, your experience begins with a bit of pampering while we steam your outfits and prepare your props. If you’re skipping that step, we’ll greet you at the door, help you unpack, and get started.
You can expect upbeat music, complimentary refreshments, and an atmosphere designed to make you feel excited, inspired, and in expert hands. Our team will be your literal hype-women for the next 45 minutes.
The studio mini session itself lasts about 45 minutes, with a little buffer for setup and breakdown. We’ll direct you through poses from head to toe, showing inspiration photos, demonstrating poses, and most importantly, making sure you are comfortable!
You’ll leave feeling accomplished, confident as heck, and maybe even surprised by how easy it all felt.
Photos are typically delivered within three to four weeks, depending on our current editing queue.
Why Clients Love Their Studio Mini Experience
The feedback we hear most often is that our clients walk away feeling confident, cared for, and amazed by how effortless the process feels, and the photos speak for themselves!
“I scheduled a 45-minute branding session with Brand Gloss and I was blown away by their effective use of the time, the fast turnaround for photos, and the combination of their professionalism AND creativity. It’s rare to find that combination. In preparation for my branding shoot, Chelsea scheduled a call with me and translated all of my ideas into a mood board that perfectly captured what I had in mind. I felt so comfortable during my shoot. The studio is beautiful and extremely inviting. I am so glad that I made this investment in my business and I would absolutely recommend that anyone use Brand Gloss for your business branding and marketing — they are SO good at what they do.”
— Katie, Richmond Florist, Katie Ranger Design






“I’ll start off by saying, Brand Gloss was almost unanimously referred to me, by many, when I was searching for branding photographers in the Richmond area. As a new business owner and starting out my career, I really wanted someone who would intentionally listen and capture the vision I had for my business. Brand Gloss did just that, and more! Working with Chelsea, the founder of Brand Gloss, was so seamless from start to finish. From deciding which package worked best for me, the vision boards, outfit inspo, to the day of shooting, and a sneak peek so quickly after — it was perfect! Her talent, professionalism, and attention to detail are unmatched. I couldn’t be happier with the final products!! I’ll definitely be using Brand Gloss for all of my future branding needs and could not recommend more!”
— Caiti, Richmond Doula, The Empowering Mama








“I absolutely love working with Chelsea! She has such an amazing eye and always makes me feel comfortable in front of the camera. My branding photos capture exactly the look and feel I want for my business, and I get so many compliments on them. Professional, creative, and fun — she’s the best!”
— ReMi, River City Lending
These kinds of experiences are why so many clients start with a Studio Mini and return for larger projects! From full branding sessions to logo rebrands to quarterly content creation memberships. When you’re in the studio, you’re not just getting photos and compliments, you’re getting an entire process designed over the past few years, to help you show UP!








How to Book Your Studio Mini
Booking your Studio Mini Session is simple! Just head to our contact page and submit an inquiry or schedule a quick consult call. We’ll help you choose the best package for your needs and start the planning process right away.
We only take a few sessions each month and typically book about two months in advance, so it’s best to reach out early to reserve your spot. Once your date is confirmed, we’ll guide you through every detail, from outfit choices to prop planning, so you can feel ready as can be.
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