A professional photoshoot is about more than just great headshots. While portrait images are essential, some of the most valuable images you’ll get from a shoot are the incidental ones, the behind-the-scenes moments, flatlays, props, and everyday details that bring your brand personality to life.

These images help tell a richer, more relatable story about who you are and how you work. They’re perfect for use across your website, blog, social media, and marketing materials, adding depth and variety to your visual content.

What Are Incidental Images? #

– Casual, natural moments captured during your shoot that show you in action
– Over-the-shoulder shots of you working, thinking, writing or chatting
– Hands-on shots, like using a laptop, flicking through a notebook, or working with your ‘tools of the trade’
– Background details from your workspace, location, or surroundings

These types of images add warmth and authenticity to your brand, they give your audience a feel for your day-to-day world, without needing to say a word.

Flatlays & Branded Props #

Flatlays are carefully arranged shots of items from a birds-eye view. They’re simple, stylish and incredibly versatile.

Some ideas for a strong flatlay setup:

– Your go-to tools of the trade (e.g., laptop, phone, tablet, stylus)
– Favourite notebooks, diaries or planners
– Books that inspire you or reflect your values
– Branded print materials (business cards, packaging, postcards)
– Mugs, glasses or candles that match your aesthetic
– A bunch of fresh flowers or sprigs of greenery for a soft touch
– Textures like fabric swatches, ribbon, or paper
– Backgrounds that tone with your brand, such as a wooden desk, marble slab or fabric

Think of flatlays as a visual anchor for your brand, they can be reused endlessly on social media, your website, in blog posts and even newsletters.

What Should I Bring? #

You don’t need to overthink it, just bring items that feel you. It’s helpful to think about:

– Colours that match your brand
– Objects that relate to how you work
– Items that make your environment feel considered, calm or creative

And if you’re not sure what to include, we can help you plan a quick prop list before the shoot.

Why It Matters #

The more variety you build into your shoot, the more longevity and flexibility you get from the images. Incidental shots and flatlays:

– Add personality to your About page
– Break up text-heavy sections of your website
– Give you visual content for months of social posts
– Support your brand story without needing extra copy

These images are the glue between your headshots and your words, helping everything feel cohesive, professional, and unmistakably you.