So what is a ‘second generation’ brand shoot I hear you ask? Its a term I’ve coined (I’m not sure if I’ve heard it elsewhere or created it! I’m pretty sure its the latter) to describe a brand shoot for a business a few years after the first brand shoot with me was completed.
They are created and designed to show the development of businesses over time.
What this means is that we spend a fair chunk of time in the planning of these second generation brand shoots.
“Nikki helped us build a visual story that felt cohesive, elevated and aligned with who we are now.”
There is absolutely no point in just mimicking what was done before in a different location or in different outfits. You might as well just stick with the original images if they are still relevant. Mimicking a previous shoot is not going to show how your business has developed, grown, pivoted, or changed.
A second generation brand shoot takes into account changes that have happened in the business. How the brand has developed over time. How the products and services may have developed and/or pivoted. How the client base may have shifted. The list goes on. And its all really important stuff!
Businesses change over time. The shift and move and adapt. Its critical that this is represented in your second generation brand shoot so that your clients and future clients can immediately buy in to your business.
“Nikki is great to work with. She brings so much care, energy and creativity to every shoot — and that’s why we keep coming back.”
This is the second time I have created a brand shoot for The House Ministry.
The House Ministry is an award-winning interior design studio based in the Cotswolds, specialising in elegant, practical interiors for busy professionals and families.
They work predominantly with professionals, business owners and senior executives, creating homes that reflect their lifestyle.
Beautifully designed, thoughtfully planned and expertly delivered for a result that is unmistakably that, that mirrors their Clients.
From the very first ideas to final installation, the team at The House Ministry take care of every detail.
And that’s why this shoot needed to deliver on every level.
A: “We needed a thoughtful mix of professional headshots, collaborative team moments, action shots of our day-to-day work, and more subtle details that show how our processes unfold behind the scenes.
These were essential not only for refreshing our website but also for internal branding, marketing and social media.
The goal was to visually align our brand with the high level of service we deliver — thoughtful, detail-driven and built around people.”
A: “Yes – it couldn’t be smoother. We had a prep meeting at our studio where Nikki walked us through the type of shots we’d need, talked through ideas, and gave us a clear plan for what to expect. She then provided a detailed, structured shoot plan, breaking down timings, people, and image types — and even asked each of us individually if there were any insecurities she should be mindful of.
It was incredibly thoughtful and helped us all feel supported and fully prepped ahead of the day. She even managed to organise group shots that everyone was happy with!”
A: “This shoot was about capturing the next stage of the business. The first brand shoot we did with Nikki was in 2022, and a lot has changed since then. This one was less about repeating what we’d done before and more about reflecting how things have evolved — with a bigger team, streamlined ways of working and a fresh dynamic.
Nikki helped us build a visual story that felt cohesive, elevated and aligned with who we are now.”
A: “The energy Nikki brought. She made the afternoon fun, light, and collaborative.
Everything had been so well thought through beforehand — from shot list schedules to outfit suggestions — that we could just focus on being present.
She’s a brilliant mix of calm and encouraging.”
A: “We’d already worked with Nikki on some of our completed project photography and always love the results.
She just gets what makes a great photo. From composition and lighting to incidental close up shots.
When we began planning our first THM brand shoot back in 2022, she felt like a natural fit – not only because of her creative eye, but because of the way she puts people at ease — making every shoot relaxed, professional and genuinely enjoyable (even for the team members who usually hate having their photo taken!).”
A: “We wanted to better show who we are behind the The House Ministry.
Our team has grown, and roles have evolved — so we needed imagery that felt current and reflective of how we work today.
We needed brand imagery that reflected not only who we are today but how we deliver our structured service — the detail, the collaboration, the project oversight, and the creative processes that takes place behind the scenes.”
A: “Plan ahead, but don’t overthink it.
Trust your photographer — especially if, like Nikki, they’re someone who comes with ideas and experience, and who knows how to bring out the best in people.
A little bit of structure goes a long way so having a clear schedule and prep guidance beforehand made the whole experience really smooth and enjoyable.
Also, don’t underestimate how much it helps to work with someone who can put a nervous team at ease — Nikki did this brilliantly.”
Our very first Brand Photo Shoot with The House Ministry: