Mimi Connelly
Q What do you do?
“I am a photographer who specializes in influencer, product, and lifestyle photography.”
I shoot anything from candid moments to planned editorial shoots.
Q What steps did you take to get to where you are now?
I started my Instagram in 2013. Before the rise of influencers and social media marketing. It started as a food instagram and has evolved over the years to be a visual diary of my daily life and work. Throughout college I did social media consulting and taught brands how to navigate the social space and share their story effectively. As much as I love social media I realized my favorite part of what I do is capturing the moments shared on the social platforms. The candid, unplanned moments, the specifically curated moments and everything in between. My eye and attention to detail is my strong suit, so meeting with people and brands and bringing their vision to life is consistently a dream.
Q How do you stand out in your field?
I’m a big fan of contrast. I don’t always follow the typical photography rules. I focus on every single detail, from a dangling branch in the corner of a shot to the edge of a doorframe, every piece matters. I enjoy creating mood boards for each person and brand to allow the brand/ personality to shine through while simultaneously shooting through my specific lens and style.
Q What are you working on right now?
I'm currently shooting influencers for holiday campaigns as well as creative directing a small project based on a short story I wrote.
Q What’s your style?
I like to meet each client in person or virtually to get to know you, what’s important to you, and what kind of emotions we’ll be capturing together. I'll ultimately share a plan with all of the details for the shoot that we are both comfortable and confident with. My shooting style is carefully curated while giving sprezzatura (effortless). I like each photo to tell a story. I focus on light and cool colors, capturing the sweet, happy moments of life. Everyday editorial, if you will.
Q Out of all your slashies, which one do you wish you could do more often?
Film and creative direction
Q What is frustrating you right now?
Finding more clients and people to shoot!
Q If you could hire someone for $20/hour, what would you have them do to make your day easier?
Be a second brain and fresh perspective to shoot ideas off of during a shoot. Help carry things while moving around.
Q What do you wish you could have told yourself, when, and why?
Six months ago. You aren't stuck, Mimi, keep pivoting, you've known how to do it for years, there's so much more for you to do and you're capable of whatever you set your heart out to. You know that.
Q If you could talk to an expert to gain more insight on something, what would it be about?
How do you find the right people, for you, to help refine your craft and work on projects together
Q What kind of opportunities/projects are you looking for?
Shoot for brands, people, events
Q Describe your ideal job/client/collaboration.
Shooting a campaign for a brand and having creative control and a budget to have editors, videographers, collaborate with me.
Q What is your rate?
$175 base charge for photoshoots then $150/ hour
>5 hour shoot, additional $75/ hour
Q How should someone approach you about working together?
DM on Instagram @mimiconnelly or email at hi@mimiconnelly.com. Share a little about themselves (or brand), what they are looking for, budget, and a hilarious GIF for sure.
Q Who is a creative you admire?
Q Oh! and… how do you stay creative?
I love walking around, wherever I am, and watching the way people interact. I love capturing people in their natural essence and that’s what I always try to convey through a curated shoot.
This member profile was originally published in November 2022.