Props are amazing for many reasons!
Whether they’re used for an added pop of color, included to help tell a story, or just something for your hands to hold, props can be exactly what you need to bring your personal branding session to life.
Props come in all sizes. A laptop, balloons, and flowers are all possible examples.
Even locations like a coffee shop or hiking path could be considered a prop.
In personal branding photography, we use props to help tell stories. The stories are endless and yours to choose.
Your stories can be about work, play, relationships, services, products, and more.
Your personal branding images reflect your personal style. Props are used to help attract and invite readers into your world.
How do you choose the props that are best for you and your brand?
Check out the following tips to help get you started.
1. Get inspired
Start by taking some time to get clear on your goals.
Why do you want a personal branding shoot?
What do you plan on doing with the pictures created?
Once you have an idea of your goals, have some fun and create a mood board.
Any visual tool will do. Just let your imagination run wild.
Note that this process doesn’t have to be complicated or elaborate.
Pinterest and Canva are both popular apps. But you know, a good old fashion notebook, stick glue, and color markers will also do the trick.
Use the internet and magazines to help inspire you. Digitally save or clip images, words, textures, and colors that resonate with you and your brand.
When ready, share your mood board with your branding photographer and start collaborating on your upcoming photography session.
2. Consider Your Daily Routines
What do you do to get your day started? How do you close out your days?
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?
Do you start the morning off by walking your dog?
Do you meditate or read?
The things you do on a daily basis are all potential prop and location options for your personal branding shoot.
3. What Are Your Non-negotiables
What is something you do everyday that brings you pleasure?
Are you a coffee snob?
Perhaps you’re a fitness trainer and prefer protein shakes.
Do you love doodling in your bullet journal?
Are you a writer and have a practice of writing 30 minutes every day?
These everyday items or tasks are great to include in your personal branding pictures because they instantly help your audience connect with you.
So, how do you keep your branding images unique?
The last thing you want is to create a portfolio of images that look like stock photos. Right?
Personalization is the key!
It’s ok to include a cup of coffee in your picture but think about how to make is personal, unique.
If your daily non-negotiable is reading, include a copy of your favorite book or books in a few of your personal branding pictures.
4. Include Tools of the Trade
What do you use to get the job done?
This can be anything from a laptop and smartphone to scissors, flowers or a microphone – there are really no limitations.
Think about ways you can incorporate your tools of the trade with the appropriate setting.
For example, if you’re a florist that creates gorgeous centerpieces, ensure that a portion of your personal branding session is taken in your shop.
Do you provide professional services?
Bring a friend or favorite client into your photography session so you can create images that show you communicating with your “ideal client”.
It’s important to remember that people love stories and can quickly learn about you and your personality when presented with pictures.
As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to help your audience understand what you do and why you do it.
Using images makes this task so much easier!
Remember, determining the best props and locations for your personal branding shoot doesn’t need to be difficult.
In fact, you’re surrounded by potential props every day!