5 Prop Ideas For Branding Photoshoots

So we've been at this long enough to know that 99% of people are going to start a photoshoot feeling pretty freaking awkward.

WE GET IT!

Where do I look?

Should I smile?

Why do my hands suddenly feel like they shouldn't exist?!

That's why we love starting a shoot off giving out clients an activity to do and props to interact with!

So your next question is, What kind of props should I bring to my shoot?

Here is our list of 5 of our favorite props to bring to your branding photoshoot

1. Things you use every day.

   The goal here is to help your audience see into your daily routine or rituals you have.

   Do you start your day with a cup of coffee?

   Do you write your goals and intentions for the day?

   Maybe you always take a mid-day yoga break?

   The more unique the better!

   For example, I once saw a post from someone talking about how they eat their pancakes with peanut butter and Sugar-free syrup.

   I felt an immediate connection with them because there was someone out there just as weird as me.

2. Accessories are another great prop (bonus points if they are on brand).

   You can throw a hat, wear your grandmother's pearl necklace, have a statement watch, red bottom shoes, or your favorite sports team jersey.

   Not only can these items help give you something to play with in the photo but they can help tell your story.

3. Work Items.

   If you're a maker this is super easy, bring what your sell and the items you use to make it.

   It doesn't have to be that literal though.

   If you're a realtor, you could bring keys, a sold sign, or client magazines.

   Are you a coach or other virtual service provider?

   Bring a laptop, phone, podcasting mic, print outs of questionnaires.

   Anything you use regularly or physically represents what you do would be perfect.

4. Something to celebrate?

   Did you just get featured in a magazine?

   Or maybe you have a goal you plan on achieving?

   Not only does your audience want to celebrate with you, but having the pictures ready to go for future wins can be a great way to manifest good things to come!

5. What's coming up?

   Are the holidays around the corner?

   Are you planning a vacation?

   Bring items to your shoot that we can create content for things coming up on your calendar.

To sum that all up...

Bring things that help tell your story.

Let your audience see what your day looks like.

Manifest your goals by celebrating them in your shoot.

The more props you bring to your photo shoot, the more options you’ll have during your shoot.

Less is not more! 

BONUS TIP: I always tell clients during our shoot planning call to set out a bin 5 days before their shoot and add items to it throughout the week.

Ready to book your branding photoshoot? Click Here and enter your name and email to get our pricing guide and tips to avoid common mistakes made when hiring a brand photographer.

If you are in the Pacific Northwest you know that unless it's the dead of summer, there is a big chance it is going to rain.

So what do we do if it rains on branding picture day?

Here are our go-to plans if we get bad weather.

All of our branding photoshoots come with at least 2 locations.

If it's the rainy season (so basically everything but August), one of those locations is most likely indoors.

1. Plan an indoor location that has great outdoor spots within walking distance.

   Our studio in Oregon City Oregon is right on Main street in a historic building.

   While it's raining we do all our indoor shots but as soon as we get a break in the rain we pop outside and shoot as much as we can.

2. Have a plan B.

   Know you don't want in-studio pictures?

   Once you choose a location find an indoor plan B option nearby.

   Cafes, restaurants, or bars are perfect for this.

   You can also use the lobby of office buildings and even shopping malls to create some great pictures.

   Just keep in mind, if you are in a private location you need to get permission to shoot there.

3. Take pictures in your home or office.

   This is a great way to show your personality and what your day-to-day life is like.

   Don't have a home that is Insta-worthy?

   Check out places you can rent by the hour on Peerspace, Avvay, Homestudio list, and even Airbnb.

   You can find some amazing locations on these sites

   Bonus, these would be a business expense.

Are you ready to show up for your brand and connect with your future clients? Book your branding shoot with us here.

#10: No One Mentioned How Fun Make Up and Hair Is

Did I mention fun?

Well let's talk more about this!

One thing that happens when you prepare for the shoot, is that you get to have your hair and make up done by a professional.

Pampering is a necessity for sure. It's relaxing to not need to worry about doing it yourself.

All the prep is done ahead of time.

This way, all you need to do is show up.

#09: It's A Life Changing Experience

Most people don't realize that branding photography shoots are a life changing experience.

It's hard to explain unless you've been through one.

But because most people do this seldomly, they don't realize that your self-esteem and confidence get super charged.

You feel so empowered.

You feel ready to conquer the world.

You know that you've put time and preparation into doing what needs to be done to build your business to where it is.

Now the photography will match that effort.

#08: It's Freeing to Be You

When you're in the middle of a branding shoot something happens.

You're in this state of mind where nothing else matters.

You are you.

And it shines through in the images.

It's a magical thing that's hard to characterize, but you'll know what I mean when you do it for the first, second and even third time.

There's no judgement.

There's no one saying you can't do it.

There's no doubt.

Only you in your most powerful state.

#07: You Get to Make The Right First Impression

The world is a funny place.

We have attention spans that are so dang short.

First impressions happen in fractions of a second.

That's what's great about controlling your marketing message up front.

You get to make the right first impression.

Every. Single. Time.

#06: Marketing is Sexy

Marketing is the fun and exciting part of doing business.

Get this right and you never have to worry about where your next sale is going to be.

Branding photography is that missing piece to a lot of marketing campaigns.

Sure you can go out and get stock photography, but most people don't do that right.

There's an art form to how you present the image.

There's a missing context from stock photography.

But we can help you learn how to do that.

All you have to do is ask!

(Ask us about our social media management subscription beta launch)

Getting your message to the RIGHT PEOPLE is all about branding the RIGHT WAY.

An example is when you shoot certain angles it communicates power, trust, understanding and success.

Stock photography can do that, you just have to be smart about it.

But even better than that is a customized branding photo shoot.

#05: Live Your Fantasy of Being a Model

A photoshoot is not something that the average person does regularly (unless you're on our subscription). We know that you've done the personal development and you think very positively of yourself.

That's what we like about you!

When you get in front of the camera you get to show the world, what you already know!

You are empowered and successful.

You may not know how to pose.

Where to put your hands.

Or how to smile.

Where to look.

But don't worry, we got you!

Working with us, you'll be guided exactly where to look, how to stand and we guarantee you'll be smiling!

This is fun!

One of my favorite parts of the shoot is when you start to feel super natural about what you’re doing.

It happens every time.

Did I mention that its fun?

#04: It's Fun to Do Something Out of the Ordinary Grind

Same ole' same ole' huh?

NOPE!

Not when you do branding photography shoots!

You do what you do because you wanted to enjoy your life right?

Well that's what's so interesting about branding photography.

Its more fun than people realize!

If you're gonna grind, you might as well have fun doing it!

#03: The Law of Attraction

The other day I had a revelation.

I realized that anyone that does a branding shoot is putting out to the universe that they're successful.

Even if they've NEVER MADE A DIME!

Even if they NEVER POST THE PICTURE!

It's crazy to think about but...

If you're in the mindset of success and you have your picture taken, that mindset is captured in time.

The fun part about the Law of Attraction is that you can put that picture in a drawer and as long as you keep working at your business, you'll find that picture.

And you'll stare at it in amazement knowing that you succeeded.

And that you did it because you worked at it.

And that it was because you already knew you were successful at whatever it is that you wanted to achieve at the time.

And it was in that moment of when the photograph was taken that the universe was preparing to give you everything you needed to succeed.

#02: Branding Photography is More Than a Guilty Pleasure, It's Required

Look.

There's something cool about branding photography that I don't ever hear other photographers talk about.

Or maybe they do and I just don't see it enough....

But...

Getting your picture taken during a photoshoot is a bit of a rush...

The hair....

The makeup...

The adrenaline...

The fun of it....

But the kicker here is that it's required.

It's happening less and less these days, but I don't ever come across a successful business without professional photos now.

#01: You Saw Your Friend Do It First

The thing about humans is that we're tribal.

We want to belong.

We want to be like everyone else.

When you see your good friend do it, you realize that, "hey I can do that".

"I see your results and I want that for me too!"

And that's all it takes really.

Knowing what's in it for you...

You don't "have to" have professional photography done.

But I can imagine that your businesses reputation and branding isn’t where it should be either....

If that's a problem that you're looking to solve, you should definitely reach out and download our pricing guide here and see if we're the right solution for you.

See you at the shoot!

Mark Gubuan

CFO/Videographer

Its a sexy idea that makes business fun.

Branding is an ancient concept.

When you think about stories of business and politics in ancient times, you will inevitably come across stories of people who care about what other people think about them.

Its human nature to have an emotional response to what someone says about you.

You'd be lying if you said, "I don't care what people think".

And don't bring that Gary Vee ra-rah stuff around here.

He cares too. (It's just one of the many oxymoronic things he says)

But don't get it twisted. I'm a huge fan and follower. He just has his moments.

I digress...

Branding helps our mind simplify our emotions.

At our core, we make spit decisions to survive.

And we do this using confirmation bias.

Branding leverages this confirmation bias at a subconscious level.

Gucci.

Victoria's Secret.

Bed Bath and Beyond.

Target.

McDonald's.

Ruth Chris Steakhouse.

Without prompting you with pictures or statements you had an image pop into your head didn't you.

Now based on what you put in your mind via the internet, news, movies, television, church and conversations with friends and family, you developed how you feel about each of these things.

Your brain is incredible.

It takes millions and millions of data points and arrives at a decision.

A decision to live or to die.

(well that escalated quickly LOL)

That's as simple as things really are for humans.

Branding is literally everything.

But that's an overwhelming thought though.

Let's talk just about photography and you can help people do more living shall we? LOL!

Branding photography is how YOU can control confirmation bias of your business.

And CONTROL the subconscious feeling people have when they hear your name, the name of your business.

And of course, how they feel when they SEE YOU, or YOUR BUSINESS.

Notice I've been talking a lot about feelings....

Here's why....

The buyer in us is no more than 10 years old....

We're impulsive.

We want things just because.

We HAVE TO HAVE IT.

We don't need to understand it. We just want it and we don't know why!

When you have intention in your branding you get to tell everyone's 10 year old self that, "hey! this is cool! And you're not cool if you don't get this!"

You may not feel this way on the surface, but I can guarantee you that your subconscious self is feeling it.

If you want people to feel happy about your brand, show them happy pictures.

If you want people to feel empowered about your brand, show them empowerment.

That's a simple as it needs to be.

That's why with our photography, we always get to know what you do, what your business does and what message you want to communicate.

Because after you communicate that to us, we can effectively use our time together to create photography that creates a loyal, consistent, predictable customer base.

Wouldn't it be nice to continue moving forward with your business with people like us who use a marketing first approach to branding photography?

We know we'd love to work with you too!

Check out our pricing guide to learn more (CLICK HERE)

When we first started with business branding photography, we knew that we could create high quality photography, but we wanted to nail down our process first.

That's where The Move Makers come in...

The Move Makers are an enthusiastic group of people that make organization and moving a totally stress free experience.

I remember back in the day that I hated moving so much.

I probably moved once a year for 6 years straight. It was so brutal for me that made sure that I was able to fit all of my belongings into a small red pickup truck.

When moving day came… poof… I was gone… LOL.

Now.... I stay put much longer...

But if you want to cut down on the stresses and hassles of organization and moving, The Move Makers are definitely the one's you want to talk to.

A Bridgetown Story Sessions Success Story

The Move Makers are a wonderful example of a business that wanted to update their visual branding to match their level of customer service, experience and enthusiasm.

And to see how beautifully the photography, website and social media marketing came together is amazing because we know that their business is taking steps forward.

We're proud to be able to help businesses with photography.

Branding Photography is A Marketing First Approach to Photography

…and when we approach a business branding session, we do it with a marketing first approach.

Traditional photographers focus on “getting the shot” and there’s absolutely NOTHING WRONG with that because ultimately that’s what a great photographer does.

But a branding photographer has to think ahead to HOW the pictures are going to be used.

Today, you have more than just printed materials…

You have social media now and that is quite intensive.

What’s great about working with The Move Makers was that since we approached their requirements this way, there was no second guessing what they needed.

From the planning, to the execution and delivery of the branding shoot, we left no detail undone.

For them, we understood that it was an investment for them and creating high converting photography was a priority.

Since The Move Makers have been taking advantage of our subscription service, they had the opportunity to create a cohesive marketing message for the entire year.

We worked with their staff closely each session and brought their vision to life.

Since they had dedicated marketing staff, it was a breeze to setup the shoots so that they received exactly what they wanted.

But not to worry, if you don’t have dedicated marketing staff, we have a process we use to ensure there are no grey areas when it comes to what you’re expectations are and what we deliver for you.

It is absolutely our priority to align your photography with your marketing message so that over time your digital and print assets convert leads and sales for you.

The Move Makers Results with Branding Photography

Branding Photography is an investment that has unlimited potential.

Now, I can’t guarantee that your branding images will ever go viral or convert sales and leads at specific rate…

There’s just so many factors at play…and it’s just irresponsible to guarantee something like that…

But what I can say is that professional photography that aligns with your marketing message, affects the perception that your clients have of you.

Instantly, they’ll feel more comfortable and will trust you more since all of your marketing channels will be congruent.

From Facebook, to Instagram, to your website, they will see your images and not just generic stock photography.

Now there’s a time and place for stock images (we offer a unique stock image gallery with our Bridgetown Insider’s Club).

But nothing is better than genuine, story telling, imagery showcasing you, your employees, products or services.

Here at Bridgetown Pictures, we’re always excited to speak with you, so if you have questions, please don’t hesitate to give us a call at (503) 383-9159.

Want to learn more about Bridgetown Story Sessions? Check out our Branding Photography page.

Have you seen our Owner Education Series? Check Out The 7 Personal Branding Photography Pillars Your Competition Doesn’t Want You to Know