Props can be just what you need to bring your personal branding shoot to life. Even the smallest prop can help tell your story. It can also reflect your personal style, which will give people a better idea of what you and your brand are all about. Pinterest is a great resource if you’re looking for prop ideas for your personal brand photoshoot but it can be a little overwhelming too. (Check out a Pinterest posing board I created for myself.) It’s for this reason that I’ve created this list of the most popular props for personal branding shoots. 

Make a Mood Board

If you want to get really clear on your goals, ambitions, and story, create a deconstructed mood board for your shoot. You can use anything you like for this, let your imagination run wild. Make it interesting by using different textures, paints, materials and photos. Naturally, make sure that it looks professional and not like something your child brought home from school – it is going to be in your professional photos after all. You should also ensure that every element you use fully represents your brand. I can help you create a mood board during your pre-session brainstorming session.

Consider Your Morning Routine

What do you do to get your day started? (Check out how I often spend my day with this blog post.) Are there any props or rituals that you can incorporate into your personal branding shoot that represent what you’re all about? Perhaps you enjoy journaling with a cup of tea in hand? Others prefer to cuddle their pets or spend time meditating. Whatever you do to get going in the mornings, these are all potential prop and setting options for your personal branding shoot.

Add in Some Food and Drink

Another way to connect with your audience is to incorporate food and drink into a few of your shots. Having something as simple as a cup of coffee in your shot can help your audience connect with you. This might sound a little cliched but there’s no rule that says you need to take these shots in a stereotypical way. Add in other personal objects to ensure the photos relate back to you and don’t look like generic stock photos. For example, adding in a copy of your favorite book or one of your products is the perfect way to make the shot more personal.

Use Your Tools of the Trade

What do you use to get your job done? These can all be used as props too. This can be anything from a laptop and smartphone to scissors, flowers, or a microphone – there are really no limitations. If you do offer a service, try and incorporate your tools of the trade with an appropriate setting. For example, if you make wedding cakes, take photos in your kitchen. 

Thinking of prop ideas for your personal brand shoot doesn’t need to be difficult. In fact, you’re surrounded by potential props every day, you simply need to look hard enough and think outside the box.