Are you tired of seeing the same coffee cups, mobile phones, and laptops in every Personal Branding photoshoot? Don’t get me wrong, I still capture people in the midst of their work, whether they’re sipping coffee, typing away on their laptops or chatting on the phone. However, I always strive to take their Personal Branding sessions to the next level by incorporating additional props and elements. This helps to make their photoshoot truly unique and brilliant.
Here are some ideas on how to use props to tell your story and showcase the personality of your brand in a unique and memorable way :
What you wear for the photo shoot is very important and I always send my clients a guide before the session but accessories are also very important. You can make a statement with hats, sunglasses, jewelry, watches, and bags. These everyday items can help make your photos look natural and relatable and changing up your accessories can help us to create a variety of different looks with the same outfit.
– Tools of the trade:
Computers and mobile phones are essential props for any branding photoshoot. But you can bring along notebooks or pens that match your brand colors for a consistent online presence and to showcase your knowledge and expertise.
I once had a Personal Branding session for a professional DJ and she brought along her headphones. Including items that people can relate to can help make your photos more approachable and resonate more with your audience.
– Products
Showcase the products you sell. You might have your products featured on your website but it is important to have photos of YOU with them. It would be even better if we can show how you make these products! People are very curious and love to see „behind the scenes”. If you don’t have a physical product, you might want to bring props that represent the services you offer.
For example, you could bring a sign that says „I Offer ____” and show pictures of the services you offer.
-Books
Show off your love of reading by adding your favorite books to your prop list. Are you an industry expert? Share the magazines and journals you read to stay up-to-date with the latest trends and developments in your field.
– What would you like to celebrate?
Whether it’s a birthday, milestone, award, or upcoming client win, you can bring balloons, candles, champagne, cake, and confetti! Even if you don’t have any wins yet, let’s anticipate them and get the party started!
In addition to props, you can include people in your branding photoshoot! Showing how you interact with your clients can tell a lot about you and your business.
What do you have marked on your calendar for the upcoming weeks? Are there any special occasions you’d like to promote on your social media, emails, or other marketing channels? Are you a speaker at an event? Show off the program or your event badge!
One of the most common sources of anxiety when being photographed is not knowing what to do with your hands. Fortunately, providing a prop to hold, especially one that requires a specific action, can quickly put these worries to rest! Another solution to this problem is to practice posing beforehand. An experienced photographer will take pictures of you in different positions and practice the different poses until you feel comfortable with them.
The more comfortable you feel, the more confident you appear, and this will be evident to the viewer.
So don’t be afraid to get creative and bring a variety of items to your photoshoot!
