Why you need props for your personal branding shoot

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.

——> Get in touch today to book your Personal Branding shoot for 2024!  Start the new year with new images and a whole new way to show off your personal brand.

Updated 04/09/2024

And when you’re ready, here are three ways that I can help you:

1) Visit my blog for tips on VISIBILITY.

Every week I discuss strategies to improve your visibility, get over your fear of visibility and my latest shoots.  Read here

2) Plan a bespoke photoshoot.

We can plan a shoot based on what you actually need (read more) or you could join me at a Branding Day.

3) Join ‘Visibility School’.

Visibility school is a membership group where you get 12 months of photoshoots, a fab little Facebook group and lots of bonus content too (new for 2023 members) . Read 

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Hi There!

Meet Maryanne

I’m a 40 (ahem something…) year old Yorkshire woman.

I’ve been self employed for 10 years (and a photographer for 18) and I totally understand how difficult it is to be visible in business.

Whether that’s because of a lack of self confidence, feeling a bit frumpy or the physical side effects of peri-menopause (hot sweats and forgetfulness anyone) – I promise you I’ve seen it all and still get great photos at every photoshoot.

I honestly feel so honoured when people book me, because they believe that I really want the best outcome for you. There’s no point having a fancy photoshoot if it doesn’t feel authentic to you.

My aim for every shoot is to get photos and video that you actually want to share… and I’ll be there in the side lines cheering you on!