11 Prop Ideas for your Next Brand Photo Shoot

You have finally booked your photo shoot with your Central NJ Brand Photographer (me!) but you are afraid that you might feel awkward and the pictures will look a bit stiff.

This is why I always tell my clients to bring some props! This will make you feel (and look!) more relaxed and it will give your photos some variation. As well as… tell your brand story!!

These are my top 11 tips for items to bring to your photo shoot:

1. Something to drink

A lot of people do not know what to do with their hands when having their picture taken. Problem solved! You will feel so much more comfortable with a cup of coffee in your hands. Or maybe you are a tea or smoothie lover? Make sure you have your favorite cup filled with something you love.

2. Something to snack on

Ok, maybe I wouldn’t suggest you having your mouth full during the actual shoot but a great prop is something that will show your personality and your brand. So if you are a health coach, why not bring a bowl of fruit, a protein shake or a nut bar? If you’re a baker, I wanna see your most beautiful cupcakes! Maybe you just have a thing for, I don’t know, let’s say pizza, and that is a part of your brand, then of course, pizza is a must on set!
A big plus with this prop is that you can eat it during our break to keep your energy up.

3. Laptop or phone
For many people nowadays, smart phones and laptops and usually a big part of their work. If this is true for you as well, I definitely would suggest bringing these when working with your Central NJ Brand Photographer. Make it a bit more fun by using a case with your brand colors on your phone!

4. Books or magazines

What says ’relaxed’ more than a person in a comfy chair or sofa looking through a nice magazine or reading a book? If that’s not your jam, try a nice spread of magazines on a table, or a stack of books in the background. Of course with a theme that goes with your brand.

5. Planners, journals and note books

A planner is something that definitely screams entrepreneur and is a great prop to have on a desk set up or similar. Maybe you love journaling or using note books to write down to do lists by hand? Then bring those!

6. Sunglasses and hats
Simple but so good! With both sunglasses and hats it’s really easy to switch up your style and make it look a bit different from photo to photo. Definitely a must have prop if you ask any brand photographer.

7. A nice purse
Again, something simple to use for switching things up. Plus, if we are shooting on the street, it will look very natural to have a purse with you. Or maybe a backpack if you are a travel influencer?

8. Your biz partner or kids

Wait Megan… What? Yes, I said it. It’s YOUR branding shoot, but other people might actually be a good thing to bring into your photos in case they represent your company in some way. Maybe being a mompreneur is something that’s important to show your clients, then of course your kids should be in some of your photos. If you have a business partner, maybe they should be in one of your pics. If you are location independent and love meeting new people in co-working spaces, maybe get some photos of you together with your co-working crew.

9. Fresh flowers

Fresh flowers (preferably in colors that goes with your brand palette) is a good prop at any photo shoot.

10. Personal style items
What just screams YOU? Maybe you love big earrings, the color pink or high heels, then these are a must to bring. Don’t try to dim your own style to make it look professional. Be more you!

11. Products and tools

If you sell physical products, make sure to bring those to set! You definitely want to show off what you actually offer.
Also, don’t forget to bring any kind of tools you use in your job. We already talked about smart phones and laptops, which many people use, but maybe you are using something else in your job that is significant for your niche. If you are a photographer, like me, bring a camera. If you are a chef, bring some knifes (I never thought I would say that lol), or if you are a yoga teacher, definitely bring your yoga mat.

Just some hot tips from your Central NJ Brand Photographer, hope you liked them!