Simple Mills
Elevated Brand Storytelling with Vibrant Studio and Lifestyle Imagery for CPG Snack Brands
Brand Overview
Simple Mills is a CPG snack brand dedicated to the idea that clean, nutrient-dense ingredients can lead to a more vibrant life. By focusing on whole-food components and transparent sourcing, they have redefined the snacking category with products that support both physical well-being and the joy of simple eating. Their commitment to creating food that benefits the consumer while remaining mindful of the earth aligns perfectly with my own values of supporting brands that bring a sense of well-being to the everyday. As a leader in the CPG space, they exemplify how a company can flourish by prioritizing excellence and intentionality in every product they bring to the market.
Project Objective
The primary objective of this spec shoot was to create a suite of imagery that would dovetail seamlessly with Simple Mills’ existing marketing efforts while elevating the overall visual standard of their digital presence. I set out to showcase my skills as a commercial product photographer specifically tailored for bright and colorful CPG brands. My goal was to demonstrate how I could uplevel the user-generated content aesthetic commonly found on social media by bringing a sense of professionalism to their feed. By maintaining the fun, bright energy that defines the brand's online presence, I aimed to show how professional imagery can bridge the gap between relatability and high-end commercial imagery, helping the brand flourish in a competitive e-commerce space.
Production Challenges
Organizing a spec shoot always brings the unique challenge of working without a direct brand contact. Because I did not have a specific brief, I had to perform deep research into Simple Mills’ digital presence to plan exactly what type of imagery would be most effective for their marketing from the ground up. Another variable was working with a young child model. It takes a lot of intentionality and patience to keep children engaged and listening to direction without making the final imagery look too stiff or posed. As with any lifestyle commercial product photoshoot, I had to balance the technical needs of a high-impact, professional commercial shoot with the need for authentic brand expression, which requires expertise as a photographer, stylist, and production director.
Creative Process
I began by diving into the Simple Mills website and Instagram to understand their current visual strategy and brand voice. To ensure the results felt like a natural extension of their marketing, I utilized a bright yellow backdrop that mimicked their signature brand color. When it came to working with my young model, I prioritized quality over quantity. I kept the shoot short and on point to ensure I created the best imagery while the energy was still high and the reactions were genuine.
I created a variety of setups to showcase my versatility, including simple backdrop shots, styled kitchen scenes, and a snacking together concept with a mother and child. I wanted to highlight the relational aspect of their products and show how snacks can be part of a meaningful moment. To tie everything together, I had the mother wear a yellow sweater that coordinated with the brand colors and brought a vibrant pop to the kitchen lifestyle imagery. By blending these professional studio setups with intentional lifestyle storytelling, I was able to produce a cohesive gallery that proves how professional photography can elevate a CPG brand's digital marketing.
