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You’ve booked your brand shoot and while excited, you may be overwhelmed with which props are best to bring in order to make your brand photos unique and professional. This blog will give you a good starting point on some of the most common props for personal branding photos. Ok ok, wait… If you just read the word “common” and thought… “the whole point is that my brand shoot was supposed to be different and unique – not common.” You are not wrong. While these props may be familiar to many industries, our goal is to help you stand out by infusing them with your own personality and brand story.

The props aren’t unique, but the personal brand using them is. Let’s get started:

1. Your Phone

This is a big one. I can guarantee that as a business owner in 2023, you use your phone A LOT for your business. Emails, calls, Instagram, Canva, you name it, many of us wouldn’t make it a day without our phones. That’s why it is the number one prop to bring to your session. Whether it’s capturing you using a custom app, negotiating deals on a call, or simply having it casually placed in the background, your phone tells a relatable story that resonates with your audience.

2. Computer

The classic desk shot, where you’re working on your computer, is universally relatable to every business, but it can be boring if you are trying to stand out. To add a unique touch, consider showcasing alternative work settings like your cozy couch, a standing desk, or even a walking pad. Let’s capture what it truly looks like for you to work.

3. Desk Accessories

Elevate a potentially mundane photo by incorporating personalized desk accessories. Bring in brand-colored notebooks, vibrant pens, your favorite beverage, air pods, a calculator, a cherished coffee mug, books, a calendar, magazines, or even photo frames. These items infuse your images with personality and make them visually engaging.

4. Beverage of Choice

Your preferred beverage speaks volumes about your personality and instantly creates a connection with your audience. Whether you’re a die-hard Starbucks coffee lover, a dedicated tea connoisseur, a perpetually hydrated water enthusiast, or someone who enjoys a specific cocktail, incorporating your beverage of choice adds authenticity and relatability to your brand photos.

5. Notebook/ pens

Brand colors should be picked on purpose, not just because you like a certain color, but because you understand the meaning behind the color selection. Once you have that portion down, utilize brand-colored notebooks and pens to visually reinforce your brand identity. By deliberately selecting colors that correspond to the emotions and purpose of your brand, these subtle props serve as a gentle reminder of your brand’s essence and create a cohesive visual identity.

6. Books

If you’re an avid reader or have a favorite book that significantly impacted your perspective on your industry, including books in your photos can add depth, texture, and an intellectual feel. Books are versatile props that enhance the visual storytelling of your brand.

7. Industry-specific items

Highlight the tools or objects that represent your profession and the work you do. Whether it’s a camera for photographers, medical tools for healthcare professionals, or “SOLD” signs for real estate agents, these props provide visual cues that instantly communicate your expertise and industry niche.

8. Calendar

Calendars are excellent props for showcasing your planning process, important dates, and your commitment to future endeavors. Use them to fill your schedule, promote upcoming sessions, or simply highlight significant dates that align with your brand’s story.

9. Other People

Business is nothing without the people we do business with. So let’s showcase that. Whether you work one-on-one or with a team, including other individuals in your brand photos tells the story of collaboration, connection, and the human element behind your business.

Selecting the right props for your branding session can elevate the uniqueness and professionalism of your brand photos. By infusing these commonly used props with your personality and brand story, you’ll create captivating images that authentically represent your business. Let’s showcase your brand’s essence through carefully chosen props and create a visual narrative that truly resonates with your audience.