On the blog today I’m looking at why you need props for your personal branding shoot after all, the shoot is about you?
But have you ever noticed in branding shoots that people are doing things? They’re sat at a computer, or drinking a cup of tea or even just reading a book.
Here’s my list of the top 10 props that are good to include in your shoot.
A laptop/tablet/ Mobile phone
This is pretty self explanatory. We’d get photos of you sat at a desk with your laptop, or maybe in a cute coffee shop. Maybe you’d be sat in a trendy bar talking on the phone or just walking down the street with your phone.
A fancy mug/glass
Everyone likes coffee/tea and prosecco. We’d get photos of you in a beautiful kitchen enjoying a cuppa or perhaps in a coffee shop.
Champagne, Prosecco
I’ll often get people to bring empty bottles of champagne, prosecco or wine as a prop. We might get a photo of you sat enjoying a glass with a good book. My favourite tip if you don’t want to actually use the prosecco is to bring sparkling water and I’ll photoshop it so it’s the right colour.
Pretty stationary & a pen
It’s always good to include stationary. Whether it’s a photo of you sat writing in your journal. Or a close up of your hand writing, or even just a Layflat.
Your business cards, leaflets etc.
You could have these placed on your desk, peeking out of a handbag or as part of a Layflat.
A beautifully tied bunch of flowers or a pretty vase of flowers
Imagine a photo of your walking down a busy trendy row of artisan shops, handbag in one hand, and a beautifully tied bunch of flowers clutched to your chest… or even just a simple of vase of flowers on your desk.
Candles, throws, knickknacks
You can add Props like candles or throws to the background to fill out the image or just make it look a-bit more realistic (and definitely a good idea if we’re using someone else’s desk).
Your perfume, make-up, handbag
You’re wanting people who visit your website to get a good idea of who you are behind the blog! It’s a great idea to get some photos with some of your actual stuff. People relate to the real stuff in your life.
Potted plant, lamps or other household stuff
Again, it’s nice to fill out the images with things that paint a picture of the type of person you are and your style. I find looking around at home can help, or even looking on Amazon (check out my prop shop on amazon).
Files, pictures frames or notice boards
Maybe you want to some images of you in the background, or a way to include your logo. Or perhaps you’d like your notice board behind you with lots of inspirational quotes?
Books & magazine
Motivational books or just fiction that you love. Maybe your favourite magazine? You could be sitting pretty much anywhere enjoying a good read.
Hopefully this has given you a few ideas of things that you might want to include in your images. We’ll always have a chat before the shoot about the props you’re thinking and additionally we can also buy new props too if we need to.
I’ve found Pinterest to be brilliant for finding ideas for props.
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Updated 04/09/2024
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