7 best props guidance and ideas for your brand photo session with female a photographer
Magdalena Smolarska
“What do I do with my hands?”
This is one of the most common questions during the photo session.
My answer as a professional female photographer is: use PROPS!
A life-saver solution, trust me.
My prop guide for your brand or lifestyle portrait photo session:
When thinking about props for your brand photoshoot, think of:
Infuse your brand images with personality because you are already unique and we really can’t wait to see it.
Look around and use things that really speak to who you are as a person, your brand and your industry.
Keep it authentic. Pick items you are actually using on daily basis rather than fake stylised and unrelated items.
Have in mind that props will speak to your clients and pique their interest.
Less is more. You really don’t need to bring every item from your apartment to the photo session. 3-6 props is a maximum. Enough to choose from on the day of shooting and mix and match.
Don’t forget to Inject some fun and colours. Love seeing my clients incorporate props with their favourite colours. Often their favourite colours are in line with their brand colours. I love yellow, how about you?
Creative process can be messy. Learn to be OK with that. I see so many brand photos with perfectly stylised, organised and clean workspace in the background.
Really? Who works like that?
When I am in my creative mode, editing or designing a photo session, my desk is full of items: notebook, pen, colours pencils all around, sticky notes everywhere.
That’s the reality. That’s my creative mess and I love it. Keep it real.
A professional brand photo session is a great opportunity to explore, experiment and express yourself.
Be authentic.
We really want to see you.
Here are some ideas of props for your photoshoot:
(but honestly…. just look around your space and I am sure you will find some inspiring items to bring with you)
Laptop & phone: yes yes yes, specially if you are pivoting your business from offline to online. We can take some pictures of you having a zoom call or having a live video call with clients.
2. Crystals / oracle card/ candles : if you and your business have a spiritual side, you should certainly incorporate props which reflect that.
3. Journal or planner: into journaling like me? Bring it. Bring both journal and pen in your brand colour. Mine is yellow, how about you?
4. Book or magazine: are you book lover? Or you are more into reading magazine? Bring a couple of your favourite books. Recently my client incorporated “Interiors” magazine which perfectly reflects who she is.
5. Glasses / sunglasses: are you wearing glasses? Bring it. This is a life-saver when you don’t know what to do with your hands.
6.Handbag/bag: I do not leave my house without a handbag, how about you? Your branding shoot is no different. Bring it with you. I love taking some brand snaps outside of your house or while you are walking on the street. Wearing a bag adds personality and you know what to do with your hands.
7. Mug: do you love coffee in the morning in your favourite mug? Bring it! If you are wine lover- even better – bring it too!
And lastly….
Stop putting off your shoot.
Your eyes are sparkling with purpose. Your energy is illuminating . You are passionate about your vision, You follow your intuition. You are a woman on a mission.
You have a beautiful gift and a powerful message to be shared . Yet, when it comes to showing up and being visible, you are stuck.
That’s where I come in.Blending my skills in photography, filming and gentle visibility coaching will support you during your visibility and empowerment journey.