What to bring to your branding session …
When it comes to your branding session, what you bring matters. Props aren’t just random extras — they are tools to help you create deeper, more engaging content that tells your story, showcases your expertise, and builds connection with your ideal clients.
When choosing what to bring, I want you to think about two things:
✨ What will help you create more content for your business?
✨ What will help you communicate a thought, feeling, or idea to your audience?
If you focus on those two goals, you’ll set yourself up for a session that not only looks amazing but also works hard for your brand.
Let’s dive into how to curate the perfect props for your shoot:
Choosing the Right Props
🎨 Think About Colours
I often get asked if props need to perfectly match your brand colours. My biggest tip? You don't need to match — but you don’t want to clash.
Choose props in complementary colours that flow with your overall branding vibe. If you're incorporating electronics like a laptop or phone, consider a case or cover that ties into your brand palette without overwhelming it. Small pops of colour — like notebooks, coffee cups, cushions, or file folders — are a fantastic way to bring in brand tones naturally.
Prop Ideas and Prompts to Get You Started
🔥 Show Your Process
Is there a special workflow or method that sets you apart? Props can help you tell that story visually. If you're an online-based business, consider printing materials or bringing visual elements that show what you do behind the scenes — planning boards, client guides, documents, samples, or worksheets.
📚 Represent Your Work
Bring books, tools, equipment, or key materials that relate to your industry. They create easy, authentic moments — and give your audience an immediate visual connection to what you offer.
🎉 Show Your Personality
Your audience wants to connect with you — the person behind the brand. Think about props that show who you are:
Love coffee? Bring your favourite mug.
Love travel? Bring a passport, map, or suitcase.
A creative at heart? Bring sketchpads, camera gear, or a favourite book.
Small, personal touches make your photos feel real and relatable.
🖥️ Audit Your Current Content
Take a look through your website, social media, and marketing materials.
Are there areas that need fresh visuals?
Do you need blog post headers, YouTube thumbnails, or thank-you page graphics?
Are you launching something soon (a product, course, seasonal campaign)?
Think ahead and plan props that will give you the versatility to create the content you need.
My Rule of Thumb for Props
Don't overpack! While it’s tempting to bring everything you own, aim to limit props to what would fit in a medium-sized box.
Props are amazing for creating variety and storytelling, but the most powerful branding images will always be portraits focused on you. Let’s keep the session about you — and use props to complement, not compete.
5 Creative Ways to Use Props in Your Branding Photos
Add pops of brand colour
Cushions, pillows, notebooks, pens, or tech covers can subtly pull in your brand tones.
Personalise your workday vibe
Planning boards, inspirational quote cards, or your daily essentials make it personal.
Create connection with your audience
Feature books, products, or tools your ideal client would love or resonate with.
Showcase your personality
Flowers, your favourite camera, passport, travel journals — bring a little "you" to the scene.
Capture close-up detail shots
Hands typing, writing in a notebook, your coffee mug next to your laptop — these small details help build your brand story visually.
Final Thought
Props should enhance your brand, not distract from it. Keep it simple, intentional, and personal — and you’ll walk away with branding images that feel powerful, authentic, and totally you.
And don’t worry — I’m here to help you style and arrange everything on the day. You just bring the energy, your beautiful self, and a few meaningful props, and we’ll create magic together!