As a professional brand photographer, there's nothing more rewarding than seeing a business owner’s vision come to life through images. Recently, I had the privilege of working with Shannon, a passionate fitness and nutrition expert in the small Minnesota town of Waconia. Shannon owns Shred with Shannon, a thriving fitness studio where she specializes in group fitness, personal training, and meal planning. After several years of using the same photos, she was ready for a fresh look—and I was eager to help.
This photoshoot wasn’t just about updating headshots. It was about crafting a visual identity that would represent her business’s evolution and convey the unique personality she brings to her clients. From pre-planning to the final images, the process was a collaborative journey that showcased just how much care goes into every part of Shannon’s brand.
The Power of Pre-Planning a Fitness Expert Brand Shoot: Crafting "Storylines" for Success
When Shannon reached out to me for the shoot, she knew exactly where she wanted to take her business next. She was looking to focus on three main areas: expanding group fitness classes, promoting her personal training companion fitness services, and emphasizing the importance of meal planning. Her goal was clear—she wanted her images to reflect these areas of growth while staying true to the core values that make Shred with Shannon unique.
The planning process started with a series of information-gathering opportunities. From the initial introductory consultation, we dove deep into the essence of Shannon’s business and started to develop "storylines" for the shoot that aligned with her objectives. These storylines were essentially thematic guides that would shape each part of the session, ensuring that every image told a story. Through additional research into Shred with Shannon's brand theory, MinneBrand Photography's focus on marketing-minded images came aline for our pre-shoot planning meeting where we cemented plans, timelines, image ideas, props, and preparation needs. Whether it was an action shot of Shannon leading a group fitness class or a candid moment of her sharing meal prep tips with a client, each scene was designed to highlight Shannon’s expertise and connect with her audience.
Attention to Detail: Props, Accessories, and Personal Touches
The beauty of a brand shoot is in the details. It’s those little touches that make your brand feel authentic to your clients. We meticulously selected props and accessories that would not only add value to the photos but also showcase Shannon’s unique personality and approach to fitness and nutrition. From her go-to snacks to the branded colors, every detail told a piece of her story.
Here are some of the key items we chose:
1. Message Board
Shannon has a gift for motivational words that keep her clients engaged and inspired. We incorporated a message board into the shoot to highlight her positive affirmations and mission-driven messaging. This piece of branding gave the shoot an interactive, personable feel, while also offering her content to share on social media.
2. Branded Swag and Gear
Shannon’s fitness studio has its own collection of branded workout gear, from tanks to other gear. We made sure to incorporate these into several of the shots. It was a way to subtly reinforce her brand identity while also showing her clients how they can bring a piece of Shred with Shannon into their own fitness routines.
3. Personalized Snacks and Beverages
Every fitness professional has their favorite go-to snacks or post-workout beverage. Shannon is no exception. We showcased her beloved protein winners, smoothies, and water bottles in the shoot, adding that personal touch that resonates with her clients. It was like giving the audience a peek into the “real” Shannon—the one they can relate to and trust.
4. Wardrobe Choices
We didn’t leave wardrobe to chance. Shannon’s fitness attire needed to reflect her brand’s bold, yet approachable vibe. We chose pieces that were comfortable, practical, and professional, while still maintaining a stylish edge. After all, looking the part is half the battle in this business!
5. Black & White Magic
One of Shannon’s requests was to include a set of black-and-white images. These timeless shots would add depth and versatility to her brand materials. Black and white photography has the power to strip down distractions, focusing entirely on the emotion and intensity of the moment. For Shannon, this was the perfect way to capture her no-nonsense attitude toward fitness and nutrition.
The Photoshoot: Bringing It All Together
The day of the shoot was a whirlwind of energy, creativity, and lots of laughs. We started with some action shots—Shannon leading a high-energy fitness class with Shannon's infamous burpees, moved into a virtual online class, sauntered into a personal training session adjusting a client’s form during personal training, and even a few relaxed, natural shots in the studio setting. Then we focused on the nutritional side of her brand. Every click of the camera felt like it was capturing a moment that would connect with her clients.
The best part of the shoot, though, was the collaboration. Shannon brought her passion and energy into every shot, and I worked to bring out her best angles, expressions, and movements. We followed our storylines to keep the session on track, but we also allowed room for spontaneous moments that felt more organic and authentic.
By the time we wrapped up, we had a stunning variety of images that showed Shannon’s personality, professionalism, and the heart of her business. The final gallery included everything from high-energy action shots to calm, reflective moments with which her clients vibe.
The Business Strategy: Why Professional Photography Matters
You might be wondering, “How do these photos actually impact Shannon’s business?” Well, the answer is simple: professional brand photography is an investment in the future of your business.
High-quality, authentic images help build trust with your audience. They showcase your values, services, and personality in a way that words alone cannot. For a fitness and nutrition business like Shred with Shannon, having images that reflect not just the services but the experience clients can expect is crucial. Whether it’s on her website, social media, or in marketing materials, these images will work tirelessly to communicate Shannon’s expertise and authenticity.
Think about it—how much easier is it for potential clients to connect with a business when they see real, high-quality images that align with the brand’s message? Whether it’s a first-time visitor to Shannon’s website or someone scrolling through her Instagram feed, these photos provide a visual narrative that helps them say, “Yes, this is where I want to be.”
Vision in Every Frame: Our Commitment to Clients
At MinneBrand Photography, we believe in having Vision in Every Frame. That means we don’t just take photos; we create visual stories that elevate your business. Whether it’s a solo entrepreneur like Shannon or a larger team, we’re committed to ensuring every shoot is tailored to reflect the essence of your brand. The attention to detail, the collaborative approach, and the dedication to capturing what makes your business unique—that’s what sets us apart.
So, if you're ready to elevate your brand with images that speak to your clients and tell your story, we’re here for it. Let’s create something epic together. Let's start a conversation now.
All photos on this blog are copyright of MinneBrand Photography, LLC
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