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If you’re having difficulty creating images that really have staying power, consider adding some props. Adding a prop or two to your photos can make a huge difference and make your images much more memorable. Here are a few photography props you may want to consider collecting:
1. Umbrellas
A few umbrellas of different colors and sizes make for excellent props. Photography-wise, they can add a splash of color or contrast, as well as framing your subject to set them apart from their surroundings. If it’s a rainy day they can also come in really handy! For a little extra “oomph” keep some rain boots on handy in a few different sizes that match the umbrellas.
Courtesy of Jane Goodrich Photography
2. Flowers
Whether maternity, wedding, newborn, or portrait – flowers make for an excellent prop. They help keep your subject’s hands busy so they don’t fidget and add a spark of interest to the shot while keeping the center of focus on your subject (or in this example, set the scene and mood). Fresh flowers are best, but in a pinch fake ones will do. Also consider having a few plants or flower pots for studio shots.
3. Boxes
When you are staging portrait shots, having a few boxes come in handy for ensuring that everyone doesn’t end up with their heads at the same height. Look for sturdy, yet lightweight boxes so you can move them around easily. You can get double-duty out of your boxes if you look for some nice old crates that can also work for baby photography.
Courtesy of Jane Goodrich Photography
4. Balloons
Nothing adds fun to a photo likes some balloons! Kids love balloons and having a few in hand will keep them entertained while you take your photos. Balloons can be used in all kinds of images: newborn or engagement announcements, wedding shots, birthdays, etc. Make sure you color-coordinate with what your subject is wearing for the best results.
5. Costumes
Kids love dressing up, and photos with dressed-up kids are awesome! Keep a few superhero costumes on hand, as well as frilly dresses, top hats, bowties, and maybe some cowboy boots. Let the kids choose what they want to wear, giving them a bit of control during the session will help them relax and become involved in the process. Don’t forget a few gorgeous tutus and some jewelry for the little ballerinas and princesses!
Courtesy of Jane Goodrich Photography
6. Hats & Scarves
When you just aren’t feeling your portrait shots, adding a hat or scarf can give a dash of color or quickly change the mood of the resulting images. Scarves and hats also put more emphasis on your subject – making them the center of attention.
7. Beanbag
For newborn shots a beanbag is essential – it not only supports the baby and keeps them comfortable, it also lets you “pose” baby for some really cute images. Look for beanbags that are easy to clean (for those little accidents) and are large enough to support a larger newborn, yet small enough to fit into anything else (baskets, crates, etc.) that you may want to put baby in. While you’re at it, keep an eye out for anything else that you may want to put a newborn in (with the beanbag, of course), such as old suitcases, crates, baskets, flowerpots, etc.
Courtesy of Jane Goodrich Photography
8. Blankets
If you don’t have at least 10 blankets on hand then you aren’t really ready to get into professional photography, they are nearly as essential as your camera! Use them as props to support babies or seat children and families, hang them up for backdrops. Have a few neutral colors, but also consider a few bold colors as well for when your images need an extra kick. Sheer sheets/blankets in soft colors can be used in maternity or portrait photography; they are excellent for wrapping expectant moms in or draping in the background.
9. Antique Chairs
A good antique chair or two make for good props – you can repaint or recover them in any color you wish and use them in studio or outside. Chairs can be used to keep small children in place, set up signs, seat the bride for wedding shoots, the possibilities are endless!
Courtesy of Jane Goodrich Photography
10. Large Picture Frames
Adding a frame to your image makes for a more interesting, creative photo – perfect for everything from newborn to wedding photography. Round, oval, rectangular, it doesn’t matter, although you may want to have a small selection on hand to change up your shots.
11. Feather Boas
Kids love feather boas, but they are even more versatile than that. Any kind of portrait can be jazzed up with a fancy feather boa, it can add a splash of color, texture, or simply give your subject a bit more importance in the frame. You can also use them to create shapes on the ground, such as hearts, for engagement, maternity, or newborn photography.
12. Chalk Board
If you don’t have a chalkboard yet, get one! In fact, get a few in different shapes, such as hearts, rectangles, and speech bubbles. These photography props come in super-handy; you can use them to write save the dates, birth announcements, engagements, wedding messages (Just Married!), or thank-you messages. Here’s a great tutorial on how to make your own photography chalkboards.
Courtesy of sxc.hu
13. Toys
Any photography involving kids can use a few toys for distraction; it also can add a burst of color or interest to a drab scene. Make sure your toys are durable and age-appropriate, but also look for toys that make an image interesting, such as antique fire trucks, old musical instruments, bright-colored balls, rocking horses, blocks (have them spell out a neat message), sports equipment, stuffed animals, bubbles, etc.
Courtesy of Jane Goodrich Photography
14. Seasonal Props
Is it Christmastime? Grab a string of lights or some ornaments! How about Valentine’s Day? Red and pink then! If your clients are interested you can always get creative with color and props based on the season or approaching holiday – such as green for St. Patrick’s Day or red, blue, and white for the 4th of July. Don’t forget the sparklers!
Courtesy of Jane Goodrich Photography
15. Personal Items
You can always ask your clients if there are any personal items they would like to include in their photo session. Some ideas include musical instruments, sports memorabilia, mementos of someone they’ve lost, or simply their favorite accessories. It adds not just personality to a photo; it adds “their” personality for an image that they can truly connect with
Now, before you freak out about how much buying photography props may cost, if you’re a bit creative you can save a ton. Antique items can come from garage sales (or your mom’s attic), blankets, toys, and other items can come from thrift stores. You can also make a lot of props yourself if you have the inclination.
Want even more ideas? Check out Angela’s Photography Props Pinterest Page (whoa – that’s a lot of P’s!) to see the above ideas in action, as well as some extra inspiration! If you have any suggestions for “must-have” photography props we would love to hear it!
