What Props To Bring To Your Branding Photoshoot

WOOHOO! You’ve booked your branding photoshoot! Now it’s time to start gathering the props that you want to bring to your session.

These props should be an extension of your business and brand. Don’t over think this part though – props are just a fun way to bring a little more life and “behind the scenes” personality to your photos.

Things to think about before choosing your props:

Colors

Try to find props that are in the same color palate of your brand.

If your brand colors are maroon, black, gray, and gold… it doesn’t make much sense to bring a lime green notebook to your session, right?

So try to find props that are an extension of your brand colors.

(This is also a good thing to think about when it comes to outfits, but we’ll dig into that in another blog.)

Vibe

Your props should also match the “vibe” of your brand. What the heck does that mean?

Well, let’s go with the example we used above… maroon, black, gray and gold are your brand colors. And you’ve defined the VIBE of your brand as bold, edgy, and strong.

If you’re bringing a prop that has writing on it, your vibe probably doesn’t match a dainty calligraphy script. It’d make more sense to have bold, block lettering. Or the props you bring could be super modern and sleek, rather than cozy and homey.

Quantity

I am one to fall into the “I’ll bring everything and the kitchen sink!!!” when choosing props because it can be SO MUCH FUN to find physical things that represent your brand!

So I recommend clearing of your kitchen table, or counter top and laying out EVERYTHING you possibly want to bring to your session. Now, narrow it down. Choose the props that feel like a cohesive visual representation of your brand.

You want all of your props to fit in ONE to-go bag so you can easily bring it to & from your session, and be able to easily keep track of everything.

This will also help ensure you’re choosing props that really go well together, rather than just choosing everything that’s in the wheelhouse of your brand.

Props

Now it’s time for the meat and potatoes – the props. These are just suggestions, and some of them might not be a fit for you. So I encourage you to get inspired to bring things that are truly an extension of your brand… so start here and then get creative! (Here’s a few examples of props that I love to use for my own branding photos!)

1. Tools Of Your Trade

This is so important because we want to show off what you do! Your branding photoshoot is the time to highlight the behind the scenes of your business. So think about the things you use every day to get shit done, and create your business magic!

2. Laptop

I love this prop because it’s universal to so many people. It makes you relatable. It’s an easy way to show “working life” during your photoshoot, and show how your team stays connected & works together.

3. Coffee Mugs

Who doesn’t love a good coffee mug!? Honestly this is another easy way to connect with your clients – whether you love coffee, or tea, or hot chocolate, there are so many ways you can use this prop to show your business’s personality. It’s a great visual to have that says “hey, let’s sit and chat over a nice cup of coffee.”

4. Notebooks & Pens

A lot of times people get nervous at a photoshoot because they don’t know what to do with their hands (hello Ricky Bobby)… so having notebooks to hold, or writing in a notebook can be a great way to bring some movement, purpose, and action into your images. These are also another great opportunity to showcase your brand colors, vibe, and personality.

5. Something Quirky

Let’s get weird! I know every single person has something about them that makes them special. And THAT is why people want to work with you! That is what we want to shine through in your photos and your brand. The unique piece that makes someone go “ooh I like them!”

So think about it – what makes your brand (and yourself) unique? Is it a Harry Potter obsession? Maybe you bring your wand to your photoshoot and then talk about creating “magic” in your business when posting the photo to social media. Is your only co-worker your dog? Then let’s capture their “about me” photo too, and maybe throw a ball around on your “lunch break.” Do you dress like the most professional business owner in the world – but always have a fun pair of spunky socks on? Let’s roll up that pant leg and give a sneak peek into your humor lying just beneath the surface!

your props should be a visual representation of your brand. Of what makes you and your business unique. 

Also – remember – branding sessions and props matter to large businesses too. Here are just a few examples of branding sessions that I’ve done for larger businesses. The props are similar in nature to a solopreneur’s session, they are still the little things that create a brand for that business. Signage, marketing materials, colors, vibe, etc.

So if you HAVEN’T booked your branding session yet, but are now inspired to do so – contact me here! I’d love to brainstorm props that would make your session POP!

I can’t wait to learn more about you and your business, and how we can uplevel your visual presence. To learn more about me and why I love helping other business owners, click here!