LET'S TALK ABOUT PROPS IN YOUR SHOOT


A photoshoot without props is a great photoshoot, but a photoshoot WITH props can be absolutely amazing. Hey, I'm all for advocating just bring yourself and a smile, but once you bring yourself, a smile, and some props, now you're talking. Using props can really tell a story in your photoshoots. For example, when I did the spooky themed shoot with Shelby (check out my blog post on that), we set a blanket on the ground, gathered some books, and a vase with fake flowers and it felt like it told a whole story. From behind the scenes it just seemed rather odd, I'm sure my neighbors were pretty confused, but once the pictures came out the whole scene felt mysterious and ethereal. What is the girl in the picture doing? Is she casting a spell? Is she a witch? It left you wondering what's the story behind the picture.

Well, if you're looking to get started in the world of props, but would rather not break the bank or don't know where to even start, look no further, we'll cover all the grounds here.

When I'm looking for props to use in our photoshoots, my first (and usually only) stop is Goodwill (or other similar thrift stores). The Goodwill in my town tends to have half off of everything in the store and those are the days I go "prop shopping."

Here are a few of my favorite things to look for:

  • Blankets! I love a good picnic style shoot, where the subject is sitting on the blanket with either books, notebooks, candles, flowers, or even food scattered around them. I tend to gravitate towards neutral colored or plain blankets. When the blanket itself is super busy (think grandma's quilted, colorful, and cozy blankets) it sometimes takes away from the subject, and if you incorporate other props on the blanket they seem to get lost in the busy blanket.
  • Here's a tip! Instead of just blankets look for sheets, table cloths, and curtains! I found some really cheap curtains (only $1) at my local Goodwill and I used them in my shoot with Meg (see the blog post "Behind The Shoot: Meg"). The best part is the only people that know you used a curtain, a table cloth, or a sheet, are you (the photographer) and the client! You can also use the blanket, sheet, or curtain, as a table cloth on a picnic bench (Like in my shoot with Meg, check out my blog post on that).
  • Candles. I love a good plain white candle, especially for fall and winter shoots! Sometimes candles can be EXPENSIVE, and luckily my local Goodwill seems to have a very large collection of plain candles without a jar. When looking to start a collection of candles to use as props, look for different sizes, shapes, and even different colors (I personally stick to warm neutrals)
  • Also, look for candle stick holders as well as long candles to fit in them. The more of them you collect, the more you can add to your photoshoots!
  • Baskets. Now I don't know if all Goodwill's and thrift stores are like this, but my local store seems to have a crazy abundance of wicker baskets. Some with handles, some without, some in weird shapes, some with lids, and even the occasional picnic basket! I love to collect all sorts of different baskets. Seriously. I'm obsessed. They are so great to use. You can style them holding flowers, maybe a blanket, books, food for a picnic, anything!
  • Books! Now this one is definitely one of my favorites. I like to look for hardcovers with pretty spines, unique colors, or interesting titles, and the best part is they are so cheap! Bonus points if you actually read them!
  • Mirrors. I've only recently discovered the world of mirrors as props and I don't think I'll ever go back. Wow. Using a mirror in a photoshoot takes the shoot to the next level!! It can be tricky sometimes, especially if you're shooting outdoors with conditions and lighting out of your control, but it's 100% worth it. Every time I go to Goodwill I check to see if there are any small, portable, unique shapes, wood frame, or handheld mirrors. One you can prop against something or one your client can hold. I did a photoshoot with my daughter because I found this STUNNING vintage white mirror at Goodwill and it added such a unique element to the pictures, and I love how they turned out, not to mention I got the most adorable smiles because she saw her reflection.
  • Hats. Hats are such amazing props! Even if your model didn't actually wear the hat, it gives them something to do with their hands which can really help them feel more comfortable and less awkward in front of the camera! We all know that posing hands can be challenging especially if your client has never done a photoshoot before, put a hat in their hands and have them twirl, hold it in front of them, or even just have them focus their attention on the hat, it can really help warm them up to the photoshoot. I typically go for wide brim neutral hats, but (almost) anything will do.
  • Lanterns. These can be harder to find, especially good lanterns, but if you keep your eye out when you go to your local thrift stores, you might be able to find one! Lanterns are great to use! Similar to hats you can have your model hold the lantern, or they can sit next to it, or if you find one that includes a real candle or is brighter than the battery powered one I bought (it's SUPER dim) you could have some really cool and creative shots in the dark with the light reflecting off of their face.
  • Fake Flowers. If you've got the budget to afford real flowers and bouquets for every shoot you do, more power to you and I am insanely jealous! However, that's just not in my budget right now. Places like Joann Fabrics tend to have beautiful fake flowers that can look super convincing. However, they can definitely get pricey if they aren't on sale. I love looking at Goodwill for fake flowers. They are super cheap, and (I can really only speak for my local store) there are always so many to choose from! I love warm neutral colored fake flowers (are you sensing a theme here?) and I find that they add so much character to photoshoots. It gives the client something to do with their hands, can stand as a beautiful contrast, and really brings a picture to life. Next time you do a photoshoot, bring along some fake flowers (maybe even include a little vase from the thrift store too) and I promise you, you'll love the outcome.


These are just a few of my favorite go-to's. The options are endless! I typically look for props that I either have a specific idea for, something that I know will look good with the other props I have on hand, something unique (like that beautiful white mirror), or even just something that would look good as decor in my house so I can store it out in the open until my next shoot.

Next time you go to your local thrift store, get creative! Look for props you can use in your photoshoots and take your photoshoots to the next level!


What are your favorite props? Did I miss one? Let us know!


-Kristen