Nicole is a Stockton, California based lifestyle, family photographer who specializes in authentically capturing the beautiful connection you share with your family. Nicole specializes in Lifestyle Newborn, Maternity and Family Sessions in the San Joaquin County.
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Branding Session Prop Ideas: 5 Essentials to Elevate Your Photos
5 Easy Props to Bring to Your Branding Session (That Instantly Elevate Your Photos)
Not sure what to bring to your branding shoot? Discover 5 easy, branding session props to elevate your photos and make your session feel like you.
Props can help tell your story, create visual variety, and make you feel more confident on camera—but that doesn’t mean you need to show up with a suitcase full of stuff.
As a Stockton headshot and brand photographer, I always tell my clients: the best props are the ones you already use every day. It’s about showing you in action—the tools, routines, and details that make your brand yours.
Whether you’re a coach, creative, or just starting to build your personal brand, these five props are simple, effective, and work for everyone.
1. Branding Session Prop: Laptop
Your laptop is likely the heart of your business—and it totally deserves a spot in your session. Whether you’re typing up a proposal, reviewing your website, or designing your next offer, bringing your laptop adds instant professionalism and relatability.
✨ Pro Tip: Clean your screen and keyboard before your session! A microfiber cloth and screen spray go a long way. And if your laptop case is scratched or off-brand, consider removing it or replacing it with something more in line with your visual identity.
2. Branding Session Prop: Cell Phone
Your phone isn’t just a communication device—it’s your business lifeline. From DMs and emails to client calls and content creation, it plays a starring role in your brand. It’s also one of the easiest props to use naturally in your session.
✨ Pro Tip: Make sure your phone case is clean and on-brand (neutrals or brand colors photograph best). You can also pre-load your Instagram page, website homepage, or online course platform—or take a screenshot to quickly pull up. This creates an intentional look that connects directly to your offers.
3. Branding Session Prop: Notebook + Cute Pen
If you’re someone who maps things out on paper (or just loves a good to-do list), a notebook is a must. Whether you’re journaling, sketching, or planning your next move, this prop adds motion and intentionality.
✨ Pro Tip: Bring a notebook that reflects your brand’s personality—think linen, leather-bound, or bright and colorful. Bonus points if it complements your brand palette. Don’t forget a photogenic pen, either—something sleek, gold, or just plain you.
4. Branding Session Prop: Coffee Mug or Favorite Drink
Nothing grounds a session like your go-to morning drink. Whether it’s a matcha latte, a cappuccino, or just lemon water in a cute tumbler, drinks bring warmth and realness to your session. A cozy cup in hand is a subtle signal: “This is how I show up in my everyday.”
✨ Pro Tip: Make sure you actually bring the drink! A coffee mug without anything in it can feel off. Want a cute option? Local favorites like Trail Coffee Roasters or Empresso Coffeehouse are both great for grabbing a drink beforehand—and their cups photograph beautifully.
5. Your Brand’s Daily Tools
This is where you get to personalize your session. Think about what you use regularly to do your work—and how you want people to feel when they see you using it. Here are a few profession-specific ideas to get you started:
✍️ For Coaches or Therapists:
Client journals
Self-help or mindset books
Printed worksheets or thank you cards
Voxer or Zoom screenshots
🎨 For Creatives or Designers:
Mood boards or color swatches
Stylus, tablet, or design tools
Sketches or mockups
Your portfolio printed or pulled up digitally
💻 For Online Educators or Course Creators:
Course slide previews or outline notes
Your online course dashboard pulled up
Branded materials or lead magnets
A phone stand or laptop riser to simulate your work setup
💡 For Product-Based Businesses:
A few small items from your collection
Branded packaging or thank you cards
Gift wrapping tools or product tags
✨ Pro Tip: Don’t forget practical items like reading glasses or AirPods if they’re part of your workflow—these small touches build connection and make your images feel like you.
Maximizing Your Branding Session Props
Props aside, a few simple prep steps can make a huge difference in how polished and confident you feel on camera:
💻 Clean your laptop screen and remove any fingerprints or smudges.
📱 Make sure your phone case is aligned with your brand (clean and neutral is best).
💅 Consider getting your nails done—even a clear coat can elevate your hand shots.
☕ Bring your drink of choice filled and ready to go. No empty mugs!
🌐 Pre-load your social media, website, or course dashboard—or take a screenshot to use during the session.
Need More Help Preparing?
When you book a session with me, you’ll get:
A personalized questionnaire to clarify your goals
A personalized brand guide with outfit and prop suggestions
Expert posing and brand alignment so you feel totally at ease
“10 Strategic Instagram Post Ideas to Showcase Your Brand Photos with Confidence”
Ready to turn your brand photos into scroll-stopping content? This free guide gives you 10 high-impact Instagram post ideas designed to help you show up consistently, connect with your audience, and sell your services—without overthinking it.
👉 Perfect for coaches, creatives, and service providers ready to build visibility with confidence.
Nicole Hodgson is a Stockton headshot and brand photographer serving Lodi, Sacramento, and the Central Valley. She helps creative women and service-based entrepreneurs elevate their brand presence through modern, connection-driven imagery.
Nicole Hodgson
Nicole Hodgson is an elevated lifestyle family photographer based in Stockton, serving Sacramento and the surrounding San Joaquin counties. With a background as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, with over 10 years working with children in outpatient and school-based settings, she brings a unique, intentional approach to photography—blending storytelling, connection, and a seamless, stress-free experience.
Nicole specializes in capturing authentic moments, whether it’s the early days of parenthood, the beautiful chaos of family life, or branding sessions that showcase the heart of a business. She is dedicated to delivering timeless, high-quality imagery that becomes cherished heirlooms.
When she’s not behind the camera, you can find her fitting in an early morning workout, reading a book on her Kindle, dreaming up her next travel destination or enjoying time with her husband and three young children.
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