You may be thinking about your brand photoshoot or already have it scheduled, which is super exciting! It’s time to plan your shoot for success, so this blog post is for you. Today, it’s all about the props. This post gives you 40 prop ideas for your branding photoshoot and the why and the how.

Why props work with branding photo shoots.

PROPS HELP YOU FEEL CONFIDENT IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA

Most people don’t know what to do with their hands, so they get uncomfortable while being photographed. But give them a prop to hold, especially one with which they can perform a specific action, and that insecurity melts away! And guess what? The more confident you feel, the more confident you look, which will come across to the viewer.

PROPS HELP YOU TELL YOUR BRAND STORY

One of the purposes of brand photography is to help you communicate and connect with your audience. Beautiful, professional photos capturing just you and your gorgeous smile are a part of that, but those are more like your introduction or book cover. Props will help your audience get to know you and what you do.

HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PROPS FOR YOU AND YOUR BRAND

It’s essential that the props you use to make sense and communicate the right message. You don’t want your photos to leave your audience confused.

CHOOSE PROPS THAT HAVE MEANING

The props you use should do at least one of the following:

• show what you do in your business
• share something about your personal life that your audience would be interested in
• communicate part of your brand message
• communicate part of your brand values, i.e. women supporting women
• show your personality/your brand’s personality

CHOOSE PROPS THAT VISUALLY MATCH YOUR BRAND

Keep the visual aesthetic elements of your brand in mind when choosing props, including colors, patterns, and style. If you’re starting your business or rebranding and don’t have these decided, keep your props very neutral.

Don’t go for props of bright primary colors because they have a very specific vibe that may not go with your brand’s energy down the road. Your photographer can guide you through this.

I’ve listed 40 prop ideas for your branding photoshoot and finished with some prompts below to start brainstorming your ideas.  

1. Favorite mug/cup
2. Diary / Journal
3. Laptop
4. Phone
5. Paintbrushes
6. Fabric or Paper Swatches
7. Beads
8. Yoga Mat
9. Essential oils
10. Getting ready/makeup
11. A drink (what’s your favorite?)
12. Planners/mood boards
13. Packing table (for product-based biz)
14. Your inventory/stock
15. A sign
16. Flowers
17. Picnic Basket (the sweet life)
18. Cookie (what’s your favorite?)
19. Kitchen Utensils (for cooks)
20. Books 
21. Pen and writing pad
22. Camera (for photogs)
23. Umbrella
24. Hat
25. Shoes
26. Calculator
27. Headphones
28. Mic
29. Binders
30. Handbag
31. Tape measure
32. Glasses
33. A plant
34. Fruit (what’s your favorite?)
35. Blow Dryer/brushes/combs
36. Blanket
37. A gift (for those freebie shots)
38. Lipstick
39. Weights
40. Balloons

So I gave you 40 prop ideas for your branding photoshoot, but everything about you is unique. I recommend you brainstorm some of your own. Grab a pen and paper and write your responses to these questions. 

What are your favorite items in your office or work in general?

What does your morning routine look like? Do your drink tea or coffee? Get specific so get decide which items you can use in your photoshoot.

What items do you use with your clients?

What’s your favorite hobby? Do you like to cook, hike outdoors?

One more thing, if you don’t have these props on hand, you can buy them on the cheap. You can find most of my suggestions on Amazon. If you enjoy thrifting and want something super unique, then by all means, try your local Goodwill or other thrift stores.

And so, there you have it, 40 prop ideas for your branding photoshoot and more — almost a complete guide. I hope this is helpful.

Angela Atelier is a New Jersey-based portrait and personal branding photography studio in Perth Amboy, NJ, empowering women everywhere to live their best life. Want to learn more about how we help women discover themselves through portrait photography? Contact us to schedule your complimentary consultation.