Using Props to Elevate Your Herbal Photography

When it comes to visual storytelling for herbal entrepreneurs, using the right tools may make or break a potential customer or client conversion. One of the most influential tools for herbal businesses is using props! But not just any props. Let’s unpack what props are, how to choose the right ones for your herbal photos, and the best way to use them.

What are Props?

“Props” is a broad term for any item you use in your photos. For example, if you’re shooting something in the kitchen, the props might be: 

• Dishes

• Linens

• Clothing

• Candles

• Flowers 

You can think of it like a movie set. To make an idea or scene come to life and feel authentic, the filmmakers must ensure all props reflect the film’s true essence.  

Visual storytelling for your herbal brand should manifest the same way. Props should enhance the subject, highlight incredible features of a product, and create a visual message. But how do you choose the ideal herbal props that embody your brand?

Choosing the Right Props

Using props is the first step in elevating your brand’s visual story, so you want to figure out what props perfectly reflect your business. When choosing props, we always refer to the “brand guidelines.” 

Your Brand Guidelines

The colors you’ve chosen for your brand set the mood and are meant to evoke emotion. They visually express how you want people to feel when they look at your content. Using props that align with your brand’s color palette supports your brand's spirit and helps create cohesive, clear visuals that you can use across all platforms. This gives the message to your target customer or client (AKA the hero in your visual story) that you are a professional and committed to the brand’s core nature.    

Your Hero’s Lifestyle

What does your target audience or hero value, and how is it reflected in their day-to-day? Say the hero in your visual story values slow, natural living. In this case, you can try using props that feel earthy and sustainable! 

We love natural props like:

• Wooden tables and chairs 

• Stone-washed linens

• Plants

• Loose herbs 

• Beeswax candles 

• Handmade ceramics

Find these props in your brand colors, and you’ve elevated your visuals to the next level! When completed skillfully, this should draw your hero’s eyes and encourage them to investigate your brand further.

Best Props for Herbal Businesses  

As herbal content creators, we’re well-versed in using props throughout our visual storytelling. When working with herbal brands, there are a few props that we consider staples and always like to have on hand. You’ll probably recognize some of them as common herbal tools! 

• Herbs (fresh, dried, or hanging)

• Oil, vinegar, and beeswax 

• Botanical illustrations & books

• Mortar & pestle

• Teapot and mug

• Apothecary bottles & tins

• Harvest baskets

• Linens and textiles 

• Beeswax candles

• Crystals and gems

• Vases

These props help create an apothecary-type scene and speak to the brand’s knowledge of herbalism. They also attract the ideal hero as these props will resonate with someone looking for an herbal product or service.

Herbal Props in Action    

You’ve gathered all your herbal props that embody your brand, so now we want to see them in action! Setting the scene when using props for herbal lifestyle photography is essential. If you can make a product or service come to life with props, you’re more likely to pique the interest of the hero - and convert them into a customer. 

Let’s go over some scenarios. One of your products is a beautiful calendula oil you like using for various skin conditions. Instead of simply photographing the oil in a bottle, you can stage the process with props!

Any oil vs. Herb-infused oil

You decide to show a harvesting basket filled with calendula flowers and a cup of oil ready to be poured over more flowers in a jar. 

Perhaps you have a model dressed in linen (have the color of the linen be one of your brand colors), surrounded by garden calendula, and dripping the oil onto their skin. 

Seeing products in action allows the hero to imagine what it would be like to use your product. 

The same goes for an herbal service. If you’re a clinical herbalist, use herbal props that would help the hero feel welcome and safe. This supports the beginning of a relationship rooted in professionality, trust, and loyalty. For example, avoid using visuals that show a sterile office setting that could be any healthcare provider, and opt instead for props that help convey the fact that you’re an herbalist (see the list above).

Any clinician vs. Herbal clinician

Maybe you picture yourself taking notes with apothecary tinctures and tins in the background and herbs hanging to dry - an herbal tincture bottle sits next to you, demonstrating that you’re confident in giving herbal advice.

Visual storytelling with herbal props can simply and effectively illustrate your brand’s tone. Combine your images with compliant, eloquent herbal marketing copy, and you’re off to the races!

In Closing, 

When portraying your herbal brand, it’s crucial to use professional, high-quality photography, and using props can make your visual story come to life. Incorporating the right colors and setting for your brand will paint a beautiful picture that will garner interest and intrigue and leave your heroes wanting to know more about your herbal business. 

Do you need help capturing gorgeous herbal lifestyle or product photos for your business? We’d love to help! Visit our Services page for more information.