What to bring branding photos: Essential Items for Variety

When clients ask what to bring branding photos, they’re usually thinking about outfits first, but props, tools, and personal items are what bring a branding session to life. The more you bring, the more variety, personality, and storytelling we can create together. And since branding photos are meant to be used everywhere: your website, social content, email marketing, seasonal posts, and print materials- having a large, diverse gallery gives you far more long-term value.

This guide walks you through exactly what to bring for branding photos so you show up fully prepared, relaxed, and ready for a session that celebrates your brand, personality, and lifestyle.

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Bring More Than You Think—We Will Curate on Set

At Zesty Orange Photography, I always encourage clients to bring as many items and outfits as possible. You never need to decide what will or won’t work ahead of time.

Usually, clients bring 3–5 outfits, but there’s no limit. The same philosophy applies to props: bring a big pile, and together we’ll edit down to the pieces that best support your brand aesthetic and goals.

If you’re still planning your look, you’ll find helpful branding headshot tips here.

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Essential Work Tools That Tell Your Story

When deciding what to bring branding photos, start with the everyday items that naturally represent your work. These items create realistic stories and help your audience understand your process.

Examples of work tools to bring

• Laptop or tablet
• Phone
• Chargers, stylus pens, keyboards
• Planners or journals
• Project notes or sketches
• Branded folders, printed brochures, or course outlines
• Business cards or small marketing materials

These props create organic storytelling opportunities, typing, planning, brainstorming, and flatlay images that make your gallery more usable across platforms.

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Props That Show Your Brand Personality

The next step in deciding what to bring branding photos is selecting items that show your personality and help people connect with your brand emotionally.

Brand personality items can include

• A favorite mug or beverage
• Books you reference or love
• Plants, greenery, or flowers
• Desk décor or accessories
• Unique hats, glasses, scarves, or jewelry
• Branded packaging or merchandise
• Handmade or crafted items

These personal touches help differentiate your brand and make your gallery feel more human, warm, and relatable. To learn more about why strong personal branding matters for entrepreneurs, this Forbes article offers helpful insights.

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Bring Seasonal and Holiday Items for Year-Round Content

Seasonal and holiday props are one of the easiest ways to create images you can use throughout the entire year, without having to book a new session.

Examples include

• Ornaments, string lights, or subtle holiday touches
• A fall sweater or mug
• Spring florals
• Seasonal colors that fit your brand palette

Even photographing just a few seasonal variations can help you prepare months’ worth of content.

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Bring Tools of Your Industry

Every profession has unique tools or materials that help tell its story. When choosing what to bring branding photos, include anything your audience might associate with your work.

Ideas based on industry

• Art supplies (brushes, paints, sketchbooks)
• Wellness tools (yoga props, supplements, gear)
• Tech or digital tools
• Product samples or packaging materials
• Crafting materials
• Food ingredients (if applicable)
• Swatches, textures, or mood boards

These items allow us to photograph behind-the-scenes moments, often the most engaging content you’ll share.

To plan your clothing alongside props, here’s a helpful resource on how outfit changes impact your branding session.

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Pets and Family Members: The Ultimate Brand Humanizers

If you’re wondering what to bring branding photos that will truly connect with your audience, bring your pets and, when appropriate, your family members.

Why these are powerful

• Show your real life
• Add warmth, authenticity, and charm
• Give your audience someone to connect with
• Create emotional storytelling
• Add variety to your final gallery

Even just a few images with your dog or your kids can significantly elevate your brand personality.

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Unlimited Outfits for Maximum Variety

You’re welcome to bring unlimited outfits. Most clients bring 3–5, but you never need to narrow it down yourself. Bring options, we’ll choose the best looks on set.

Outfit variety ideas

• Professional / business formal
• Smart casual
• Colorful or creative look
• Neutral, classic wardrobe
• Seasonal clothing
• A cozy lifestyle outfit

Outfit changes dramatically increase the versatility of your final gallery. Different outfits often suit different platforms, About page, LinkedIn, Instagram, newsletters, and website banners.

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Branded Items and Color-Coordinated Accessories

Bringing branded items is one of the most powerful ways to ensure your gallery feels cohesive and consistent with your visual identity.

Consider packing

• Brand-colored pens or stationery
• Branded packaging or bags
• Logo notebooks
• Signature color elements
• Swatches or palette cards
• Stickers or printed promo items

These small touches give your images a polished, professional feel.

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Inspiration Boards, Shot Lists, and Planning Notes

One of the most helpful answers to what to bring branding photos has nothing to do with physical props, planning tools.

Bring

• Screenshots of website pages
• Marketing layouts
• Pinterest inspiration boards
• A content shot list
• A list of upcoming promotions or campaigns

This helps us design your session strategically so every image aligns with your goals.

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Comfort Items and Touch-Up Essentials

You’ll feel more confident and energized if you bring simple comfort essentials.

Pack

• Lip balm
• Hairbrush or comb
• Lint roller
• Water
• Snacks
• Makeup for touch-ups

Anything that helps you stay comfortable helps your photos look incredible.

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What NOT to Bring

There is no strict “do not bring” list here. If something feels authentic to your brand, personality, or lifestyle, bring it. If you’re unsure whether something will work, bring it anyway; we can style it or set it aside.

We curate together on set, so nothing is off limits.

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Final Thoughts

The more you bring, the more possibilities we can create. When you show up with unlimited outfits, personal items, work tools, seasonal details, and even your pets or family members, you give your brand room to shine in a dynamic, meaningful way.

For more planning resources, explore the Headshots & Personal Branding Resources Hub or visit the main headshot service page.