One of the most common questions I get as a lifestyle photographer is “What should we bring?” or “Do you have any photoshoot tips for us?”

Well, that really depends.

Many people want their photo session to stand out or do something different than your run of the mill photoshoot. And, let me tell you.. I’m here for it.

But, it’s also really easy to bring too much, spend too much money with cheap props, feel like you need to use all of it and then get frustrated by the end.

We absolutely don’t want that.

Sometimes, all it takes is the smallest prop, detail, or even outfit change to make your session a complete vision.

For example, Jeanne + Derrick’s session was photographed recently and they told me they met in New Orleans so they wanted to do a New Orleans themed play on their session. We could have gone ALL OUT. We could have done Saints Jerseys, Mardi Gras beads, you name it. But we kept it simple. Her dress was beige and his shirt was black. We got some beignets and put them on a gold plate. We went to a rooftop in our very small downtown, and it WORKED.

The same goes for this styled shoot I photographed of Morgan Tippens, who just recently moved here from Nashville, TN. The host was giving off surfer girl vibes and we did a couple with her normal outfit still on, and then some in her red bikini. The waves were pretty rough but I think she stilled nailed it!

My point is, when you’re thinking of adding props to your session. Keep it simple, and focus on one maybe two key items to bring in. Check out the session below!

Looking for more photoshoot or styling tips? Click here.