If you’re planning your clients personal branding photoshoot, then props are something you are going to want to consider as a way to share their brand story.
Here are 8 of my top prop ideas you can use for inspiration for your next session – and tips on how to choose the best ones for your client's brand.
Although props play a bit part of someones photoshoot, please remember that every person/brand is different, and although some props work well for one person they may not work for another.
Props need to be relevant to the specific business in order for them to be effective in their branding.
Please use this as a guide only and it will hopefully get you to think a bit harder about what you could suggest your clients use for their next branding photo shoot.
Why use props in your photoshoot?
1. PROPS HELP THEM FEEL CONFIDENT IN FRONT OF THE CAMERA
Most people worry about not being sure what to do with their hands in a shoot., but if you can give them a prop to hold it gives them something to do with their hands. It feels more natural sometimes to be holding or playing with something, which can distract and relax them from the being in front of a camera.
2. PROPS HELP YOU TELL THEIR BRAND STORY
One of the purposes of brand photography is to help your client communicate and connect with their audience. Beautiful, professional photos capturing their magnetic smile are a part of that, but those are more like the introduction.
To really give the audience a peek inside and share their brand story we need to get more creative. Props will help your clients audience get to know them and what they do.
HOW TO CHOOSE THE BEST PROPS FOR YOUR CLIENTS BRAND
It’s important that the props you use make sense and communicate the right message for your clients brand. You don’t want the photos to leave their audience confused.
The props you use should do at least one of the following:
- show what they do in their business
- share something about their personal life their audience would be interested in
- communicate part of their brand message or brand values
- show their personality/their brand’s personality
PERSONAL BRANDING PROP IDEAS TO INSPIRE YOU
Now that you know the “why” and “how” of choosing and using props, here are my Top 8 Personal Branding Photoshoot Prop Ideas you can use as inspiration for your next personal branding session!
Lets get the most obvious props out of the way - #1 Laptops, phones and Ipads
Yes, these props are used a lot in branding photos, but that is because they serve a purpose. Most people I photograph work from home, or service their clients online, so showing how your client works and interacts with cusomers is a very relevant way to share their messaging.
Although laptop images are relevant for most people, they only the tip of the iceberg in terms of they types of props you can use in your personal branding photoshoots. We want to go beyond the laptop shot, and delve deeper into who they are.
#2: TOOLS OF THEIR TRADE
What item do they use everyday in order to do your job?
Are you a health coach? Use colourful nutritious food.
Are you in realestate? Use client gift hampers or house keys.
Can you think of anything that your client uses in their business frequently that could help you tell their story to their audience?
#3: BOOKS OR MAGAZINES
These could be related to your industry or something you’re reading for pleasure.
Sharing what books you enjoy reading is a great way to share your beliefs and values with your audience. People also love sharing book recommendations so its also a great way to start a conversation with potential customers.
Have you written a book? You’ll want to include that for sure!
#4: Celebratory or 'just for fun' props
#5: Chairs
Yes, chairs are also a great prop to use in your images. It can add colour, stop your clients from feeling awkward or even just give them a different 'look'.
#6: Props to add colour
A great way to subtly include branding colours to your images is through props.
Things like:
- flowers
- scarves or earrings
- coffee cups
- bags
- colourful walls
- journals and pens.
These props can all bring colour to your images, aswel as tell the clients branding story.
#7: Using other people as props
Other people are a great addition to your images for a number of reasons. Firstly, if it is someone that the client already knows, they can make them feel more comfortable and hopefully make them laugh and relax a bit more.
For those that operate on a face to face basis with clients then you can use them as a 'fake' client eg having a consult. Even if that person doesn't want to show their face, over the shoulder images can be equally effective.
#8: Props specific to them
These are the things that make your client unique. A chance to showcase their personality and values through showing what they like to do outside of 'work' and connect with their audience on a more personal level.
These props add lifestyle element to your images.
Are they a dog person? Or a hat person? What do they do in their spare time?
Well I hope that list gave you some good inspiration to take into your next branding photoshoots!
Their are no hard or fast rules about what props to use. As long as they are relevant to your clients brand story and help share their messaging, then get creative with your client and come up with some fun props of your own!
PS. - If you want some help with supporting your clients through the branding shoot process then have a look at my Branding Shoot Guide.
This Canva template is completely customisable to suit your brand, and I use it to send to clients before the shoot so they can be better organised for our next strategy call.