Let’s be real, most service based brand photos lean heavy on screens. Laptops, phones, earbuds, repeat.

But here’s the shift: more of my clients are asking for photos that feel grounded and real. They’re moving away from purely digital scenes and want brand photos that actually reflect how they think, plan, and work. That’s where analogue props come in.

Simple tools like journals, sticky notes, colour swatches, and printouts bring warmth and personality to your session. Less tech overload. Less smiling over the laptop. More real-life visuals that connect.

Why Analogue Props Work

They:

• Look personal and grounded, not like stock photos
  
• Reflect how you actually work day to day
  
• Are easy to mix and match across scenes
  
• Make you feel comfortable and confident
  

You likely already own most of them. No shopping trip needed.

The Core Analogue Prop List I Recommend for Brand Photos

A few staples I always recommend, bringing in pops of your brand colours:

Paper & Planning

• Notebook or planner
  
• Sticky notes. Pre-written
  
• Worksheets or printouts
  
• Folder or clipboard
  

Books & Inspiration

• Favourite business book
  
• Industry-specific guide
  
• Relevant magazine
  

Everyday Desk Items

• Pens, highlighters or markers
  
• Coffee or tea mug (filled)
  
• Glasses
  
• Calculator
  
• Timer or hourglass
  

Why Props Matter (And How to Use Them Well)

Props aren’t about filling space or giving you something to hold. When used well, they create movement, purpose, and natural moments that feel like real work, not a staged photo.

The right prop gives your hands something to do, your posture a reason to shift, and your expression a place to land. It helps you forget about the camera and settle into what you actually do every day.

That’s where things start to click..

A notebook opened mid-thought.
A pen paused between ideas.
A page being flipped or a card being sorted.

These moments feel natural because they are.

The key is restraint. Props should support your story, not compete with it. Too many items can pull focus and make photos feel busy or forced. A few well-chosen pieces create depth without distraction.

Before you choose anything, ask yourself:

• Do I actually use this in my work?
• Would this show up on my desk on a normal day?
• Does this help tell my story without explaining it?

If the answer is yes, it’s probably a great choice.

Below, you’ll find prop ideas organized by niche. Think of these as starting points, not rules. You don’t need everything listed. Two or three thoughtful props are more than enough to create images that feel confident, relaxed, and true to how you work.

Analogue Prop Ideas by Niche

Marketing Consultant
Mood boards, sketches, mock-ups, sticky notes in brand colours.

Social Media Manager
Instax camera, index cards for themes, content planning binder, daytimer

Graphic Designer
Colour swatches or Pantone cards, paper samples, sketchpad, scissors, glue stick, brand boards.

HR Consultant
Resume templates, interview questions, clipboard, employee handbook.

Wellness Coach / Holistic Practitioner
Journals, affirmation cards, essential oils, ceramic tea mug, timer, yoga mat, sound bowl

Business or Mindset Coach
Inspiring books, index cards for frameworks, flip-chart sheets, vision cards.

Real Estate Agent
Floor plans, notepad and pen, keychain, neighbourhood map, welcome folder.

SEO Specialist or Web Designer
Wireframe sketches, coloured markers, printed sitemaps, calculator, sticky notes.

Accountant or Bookkeeper
Ledger, printed spreadsheets, highlighters, calculator, receipts, paperclips.

Nonprofit Founder or ED
Volunteer forms, clipboard, mission printout, donor thank-you card.

Educator, Trainer, or Facilitator
Workbook pages, index cards, flip chart, timer, tactile learning tools.

Where should you Start

Bring 2 or 3 of these to your session:

• Notebook or planner
  
• Sticky notes
  
• Index cards
  
• Printouts or worksheets
  
• A book that reflects your brand
  
• A mug you actually use
  
• Any tool or object that helps you do your work
  

This isn’t about perfection. It’s about personality.

Why This Matters for Your Brand

Your images should show the version of you your clients already trust. A few intentional analogue props can:

• Add movement and energy
  
• Help you show up naturally
  
• Keep your brand consistent across your website and socials

Whether you’re planning your first brand shoot or updating your visuals, analogue props bring a warm, grounded feel that balances out the tech. You don’t have to ditch your laptop or phone, this isn’t about choosing sides. It’s about showing the full picture of how you work.

A few well-chosen analogue items can add variety, movement, and personality to your session. They help your photos feel more like you, and less like everyone else.

Download the free Prop List and take the guesswork out of what to bring. It’s simple, practical, and totally on brand.

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