Wondering what props to bring to your brand session?

You booked your shoot, so now it’s time to think about what props to bring to your brand session! Just like every brand is unique, every brand session can also be unique. From my experience, there are a few staple props that always work well to create a lot of variety in your gallery. I recommend these props for brand sessions because they’re simple, natural, and easy to personalize without much effort!

Using similar props as another business owner doesn’t mean your session won’t feel unique. Trust me, there’s A LOT more that goes into planning that just the props. The items you bring along are just the cherry on top of allllll the prior work we’ve done to help you stand out through this session. Remember: you’re building a personal brand, which means it’s inherently already unique to YOU. Just because another business owner may also have a cup of coffee in their brand photos doesn’t make your session any less true to you.

As always, these are simply suggestions and starting points. My goal is to give you plenty of ideas so you can narrow them down to the ones that make you say, “that’s so me!”

Your Go-To Beverage

How could we not include your gorgeous strawberry matcha, the hazelnut latte you’ve perfected, or that mug that you drink out of every morning?! This is usually everyone’s go-to prop because it’s pretty universal. Business owners run on caffeine and big dreams, right?!

An extra fun personal touch, you ask? How about a custom mug, branded cup, or a bev that matches your brand colors? 🙂

Phone

This one almost feels too obvious, but I have to mention it! Pretty sure most business owners can’t do their jobs without their phones in this day and age. I mean, how else would we doom scroll TikTok trends at 2 am “for research”?!

As a personal brand, you know I love to see my clients show their faces on Instagram stories, commenting on posts, and capturing their lives. We can showcase that so much of your business happens while on the go. Just make sure you like your current phone case, or we can pop it off for some photos!

Laptop/Computer

In the same tech realm, most of our work happens on your computer, so it’s a perfect prop to show that reality! If you’re a desktop computer user, we can use your office space to highlight the work set up you have! If you’re a laptop-on-the-couch-type (like me), we can bring your laptop or iPad to our session location/coffeeshop/studio for those working shots!

Planner/Notebook

If you’re a pen-to-paper type of planner, incorporate the tools that help you make your job happen! Plus, a branded pen or notebook in your color palette is a fun personal touch!

Book/Magazine/Kindle

Whether what you’re reading is related to your business or just for leisure, grabbing a few shots of you cozied up with something to read can be a great way to let your personality shine! If I saw another business owner with Harry Potter or Fourth Wing in hand, I would immediately connect with them. If a fashion-forward client sees you with a copy of Vogue, they’ll think “that’s my person!”

If you’ve spent years studying up to become the expert you are, maybe you have some books related to your industry/field that could make for great props!

The Fun Drink

Yes, this could mean poppin’ bottles for your brand session if wine/beer/cocktails are a part of your personal brand, but it doesn’t have to be alcohol! If kicking back with a glass of wine feels true to you or if popping a bottle of champagne for some celebratory shots (so useful for launches or celebration posts) would be helpful, let’s include your signature drink of choice!

If alcohol isn’t your thing or just doesn’t fit the brand vibes, feel free to skip this one or swap it with a different drink that makes sense for you. Diet Coke, Baja Blast, Energy drinks, etc. Whatever fun drink makes you giddy, we can incorporate that into your shoot!

Snack/Food

Along the same lines, think about what snack is always by your side when you’re ready to grab a treat! Maybe it’s freshly popped popcorn, warm chocolate chip cookies, your favorite vegan donuts, the go-to protein bar after a workout, or a whole pizza pie! Whatever feels on-brand can make its way into your session if it feels like it would be helpful to have photos with!

Accessories: Sunglasses, Hat, Purse, Tote Bag, Laptop Bag, Lip gloss, etc.

Not sure what to do with your hands?! Accessories help give you something to hold onto, whether it’s the brim of a cute hat or carrying an on-brand tote bag to the coffee shop! Plus, they’re fun ways to add pops of personality, because the style of sunnies you love or the color of your purse shares a lot of insight into your vibes, right?! Choose accents to your outfits that true to you!

People & Pets

It makes me giggle to think of people and pets as props, but it’s super helpful to have other beings there to help convey your message! Whether your kiddos are running around showing the reality of being a parent and business owner, or a friend acting as your client/customer to help you highlight your services better, having people around can help create those real interactions and genuine moments!

Merch & Branded Paper Goods

We can do a lot with business cards, pamphlets, welcome magazines, t-shirts, mugs, etc. Whatever branded merch you have (whether it’s for yourself or something you sell), can be a fun touch for photos!

Tools of the Trade

What items help you do your job? Your cute cutting shears as a hair stylist, the custom pilates mats in your fitness studio, the hand shovel you use to repot plants at the plant store, or the mixing bowls and favorite bag of flour for your bakery! Think about the tools and items you’re using daily that can help highlight what you truly do!

Celebration Items

Not a must, but just an idea if it makes sense for what’s ahead in your business! Planning a big launch, a milestone, or an announcement? Think: balloons, candles, cake, confetti, champagne, etc. What items could help enhance a celebratory post or sales page?

The most important reminder when thinking about what props to bring to your brand session: Think about props that make sense for YOUR personal brand, not just something you’ve seen on Pinterest or what someone else brought. The best way to make your brand stand out is by staying true to yourself!

Wondering what to wear for your brand photos? Here are some of my top tips and recommendations!