Some shoots feel extra special, and this branding photography session with Brenda of Brenda Osorio Hair & Makeup was exactly that.
Brenda was the lucky raffle winner at our Gather & Gloss Happy Hour, hosted to celebrate Brand Gloss winning 2nd place for Best Local Photographer in Richmond by the Richmond Times-Dispatch. From the start, she knew she wanted to make the most of her win by pairing her headshot session with a Branding Mini, creating a shoot that captured both a polished first impression and the personality behind her brand.
Headshot Session vs. Branding Photography Mini: What’s the Difference?
A headshot session is designed to do one job really well:
⟡ A polished, professional image for your website, bio, or LinkedIn
⟡ Clean, classic, and to the point
⟡ Perfect if you just need one strong representation of yourself
A branding mini, on the other hand, is about telling a story.
Branding photography sessions capture:
⟡ Personality and energy
⟡ How you work (not just how you look)
⟡ Content you can use across Instagram, your website, inquiries, launches, and more
For Brenda, a makeup artist whose brand is girly, glam, playful, and pink, the branding mini allowed her to show future brides exactly what it feels like to work with her, not just what she looks like.
And when you’re booking someone for such a personal experience? That matters.
What Stood Out Most About Brenda’s Energy During the Shoot
Like many clients, Brenda came into her session feeling a little nervous. She had shared that her past branding photos, taken by other companies, never quite reflected her true personality. Her biggest goal was to finally capture her bubbly, playful energy in a way that felt authentic.
That nervous energy didn’t last long.
Within the first 15 minutes of the shoot, once we started walking through poses in detail and explaining the intention behind each shot, everything shifted. The more guidance and direction we gave, the more comfortable she became, and suddenly the session turned into the most fun, laughter-filled experience. The playful poses, genuine smiles, and expressive moments all came from the energy we built together behind the scenes.
Why Branding Photography Minis Work for Service Providers
Branding minis are especially powerful for service providers like makeup artists.
Many artists don’t work with a permanent team, they often hire contractors as needed, so the brand really centers around them. A branding mini gives us just enough time to incorporate personality, movement, and a few intentional props while still keeping the session streamlined and approachable.
With the right prep beforehand, we’re able to show up ready to go and capture meaningful images that feel personal and elevated. For business owners with larger or permanent teams, a longer Brand Refresh session may make more sense, but for solo service providers, branding minis hit that sweet spot.
Why Combining Both Was the Best Choice
By pairing her headshot session with a branding mini, Brenda walked away with:
⟡ A clean, confident headshot she can use anywhere
⟡ A full gallery of on-brand lifestyle images that showcase her personality
⟡ Visuals that feel fun, feminine, and authentically her
If a client wants to incorporate any props at all, like an iPad, makeup tools, or styled details, a branding mini is the way to go. Headshots are meant to update one thing. Branding minis allow creativity and personality to come through, even if some of the images still function like elevated headshots.
That creative flexibility is what takes the photos to the next level.
The Moment Everything Clicked
There was a clear turning point during the shoot.
Once we really got into posing Brenda from head to toe, and showed her the back of the camera, her face completely lit up. That was the moment trust fully set in. She leaned into the vision, embraced the purpose of the shoot, and allowed herself to be expressive without overthinking it.
That’s when the most authentic expressions came out. The stiffness disappeared, and what was left was confidence, joy, and a brand that finally felt like her.
Brenda’s Words
And if you’re wondering how Brenda felt after seeing her final gallery, she said it best herself:
“I had the best experience with Brand Gloss! If you’ve ever been on the fence about booking a branding shoot, DO IT — you will not regret it. I’ve always been camera shy and never really knew how to pose, but when I got my gallery back, I almost cried. Chelsea perfectly captured my style and personality, and I couldn’t be happier with the results. I’ll definitely be booking a shoot once a year for my business because this was truly the most fun experience ever!”
— Brenda, Brenda Osorio Hair & Makeup
The Vibe: Girly, Glam, and Completely Brenda
Every detail of this shoot was intentional. From the pink palette to the playful styling and editorial-inspired poses, Brenda wanted images that felt:
⟡ Feminine
⟡ Fun
⟡ A little glam
⟡ And very not cookie-cutter
The result? A gallery that feels editorial yet approachable, polished, playful, and a true reflection of the experience she creates for her clients.
Final Takeaway for Brenda’s Branding Photography Session
If you’re torn between booking just a headshot or going all-in on branding, let Brenda’s shoot be your sign.
Headshots are a great foundation, but branding photography brings your business to life. And when you combine the two, you get imagery that works harder, lasts longer, and connects deeper.
Ready to create imagery that feels like you, not stiff, not cookie-cutter, and actually usable across your brand?
Whether you’re looking for a polished headshot, a personality-packed branding session, or a mix of both, we’d love to bring your vision to life.
👉 Learn more about our Branding Photography experience or inquire here to get started.
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