My Top 8 Favorite Props for Coaches During Branding Photography Sessions
Create Meaningful, Scroll-Stopping Images That Tell Your Story
One of the best parts of working with coaches—from life coaches and wellness mentors to business strategists and mindset experts—is helping them bring their unique message to life through photography. If you're a coach prepping for a branding photo session and feeling stuck on what to bring, this post is for you. Props aren't just decorative—they're visual storytelling tools that add personality, clarify your brand message, and make your photos feel less “posey” and more you.
Here are my top 8 favorite props for coaches to bring to their branding photography sessions (plus how to use them like a pro!).
1. Your Laptop or Tablet
This is a no-brainer! If your business is mostly virtual, your clients picture you connecting with them through a screen. Including your laptop or iPad instantly communicates “I work online” and is perfect for lifestyle shots of you working, hosting a Zoom call, or reviewing a presentation.
Pro Tip: Open up a real document, calendar, or slide deck that reflects your work—it helps keep your body language natural.
2. Notebook + Pens or Sticky Notes
Whether you're a strategy coach mapping out goals or a mindset coach helping clients reframe thoughts, a notebook is a universal symbol of ideas taking shape. Choose one that fits your brand aesthetic—maybe something sleek and minimal, or colorful and playful.
Pro Tip: Jot down actual phrases or notes you use with clients—it gives the camera something to focus on and adds authenticity to your visuals.
3. Books That Inspire You or Reflect Your Method
Books are powerful brand props. They communicate your values, your approach, and even your sense of humor. Bring 2–3 of your favorites—ones you reference often or recommend to clients.
Bonus Points if one of them is your book. Or if you’re working on one, bring a mock-up cover to manifest that dream.
4. Coffee, Tea, or Your Signature Drink
A warm mug in your hand instantly makes the vibe more relaxed and approachable. Whether it's a black coffee in a handmade ceramic mug or your favorite green smoothie in a mason jar, this small prop can anchor a whole scene and communicate self-care or daily ritual.
Pro Tip: Choose a cup or drinkware that complements your color palette—extra style points!
5. Phone + Headphones or AirPods
In the coaching world, your phone isn’t just a phone—it’s your office, your content creator, your appointment setter, and your voice memo journal. Including it in your shoot shows how accessible and connected you are to your community.
Pro Tip: Use AirPods or headphones for action shots that hint at voice notes, podcasts, or coaching calls.
6. Client Tools or Signature Frameworks
Got a quiz, workbook, or signature method that helps your clients thrive? Bring printed versions or visual symbols of your framework. These kinds of props show you're organized, results-driven, and serious about helping people grow.
Examples: Branded worksheets, affirmation cards, Post-it flows, whiteboards, or printed mind maps.
7. A Personal Touch (Crystals, Candles, or Plants)
If part of your coaching approach includes energy work, mindfulness, or simply a grounded, holistic vibe, props like candles, crystals, essential oils, or a small potted plant can say a lot visually without a word.
These are the "I light a candle before sessions" or "I believe in grounding before goal setting" cues—and they make your space feel like you.
8. Branded Swag or Merchandise
Do you have a logo mug, custom journals, or a T-shirt with your slogan? Bring it! This is a great way to make your visuals unmistakably on-brand and set the stage for potential merch sales down the road.
Pro Tip: Even if you’re not selling merch yet, branded props help with visual consistency across platforms.
Final Thoughts: What You Bring Tells Your Story
When you're a coach, your brand is you. The props you bring to a branding session don’t need to be fancy—they just need to be intentional. They should reflect your personality, your process, and how you help people. That’s what makes your content relatable, magnetic, and so you.
Not sure what to bring? During every branding session, I guide you through choosing props that match your goals, so your shoot feels natural and aligned with the message you're putting out into the world.
Ready to Book Your Branding Session?
Let’s create photos that capture your confidence, clarity, and coaching magic. Click here to inquire about a session or shoot me a DM—I’d love to hear about your business and brainstorm the perfect shoot!
