Props are something really important to spice up your images. I am a little Prop hoarder and I think that is something normal for a Stock-Photographer or a busy Blogger. And because I store everything in my studio, everything I need is at an arm’s reach and I don’t have to fetch different thing from different rooms in the house. Today I want to give you a peek into my prop storage, as well as give you some ideas how the different props you can use for your own Stock- or Blog Photos. And the best is most of these are free or under $10.
Stationery and office supplies:
As a child, I had a toy post office, I loved the office supplies and I still do. I think everyone had that moment or two and loved office supplies too. To use Stationery and office supplies is the easiest way to spice up your photos? You may have these things probably already at home and you don’t need to go buy them. The next time you are taking a photo, try adding a few stationery pieces like pens and pencils to fill up some empty space. Here is a list of stationery supplies you can use for your photos:
- Colored Pens & pencils
- Pockets notebooks, notepads & planners
- Colored paper
- Paper clips, stapler and binders
- Post-It Notes
Devices:
Okay this items are definitely not under $10 but you already probably have them at home. So it’s essentially free. If you are taking pictures of your breakfast for your Blog or Instagram – why not including your earphones or phone in your shot!? Or how about to include your phone when you are shooting your desk. These little things will personalize your photos and because nearly everyone has a phone or some earphones it helps your audience to connect more with you.
- Phone
- Camera
- Laptops, tablets, desktops
- Earphones
- Watch
- Music players
Books and Magazines:
Save your issues of the VOUGE Magazine or other Magazines to place them in an interesting way in your shots. You can use them in the background or as sidekicks of your subject or place your subject on a deck of books or magazines. The possibilities are endless – Be Creative!
- Newspapers
- Magazines
- Novels
- Vintage books
Culinary Items:
It is surprising, but most of my props come from the kitchen! Culinary articles are always so delicate, elegant and pretty. You don’t have to be a food photographer to use them. You can use a mug in your workspace to show your love for coffee or scatter some cute, paper straws in your photo background! These photos always get a hell lotta’ love on Pinterest, just sayin’!
- Mason Jars
- Coffee mugs
- Colored paper straws
- Metallic tumblers or spoons (Copper, bronze and vintage textured)
- Wine glasses
- Fruits Vegetables
Home decor:
Even as a man I often stop at a 1$ Store or Ikea browsing the aisles to discover some photography props. I always find something like candles, vases, planters and so on
- Vases
- Candles
- Planters
- Cushions and rugs
- Little decor show pieces
- Potpourri, decorative stones and sand
Beauty & Fashion accessories:
Okay girls (and nowadays guys too), bring out all the beautifully packaged, colorful beauty and fashion supplies you have. The most beauty / fashion Bloggers and Instagrammers use for their photos these props as sidekicks to create some interesting photos. How about including some of your beauty stuff to create a morning routine image with coffee and some croissants to create the mood of a beautiful morning at home.
- Bags, purses and wallets
- Scarves
- Makeup brushes, nail polish and lip tints
- Bracelets, rings and little accessories
Indoor plants, wooden boards :
Honestly, I haven’t finished a Pinterest session without coming across an adorable succulent in one of the pins! I myself am guilty of browsing photos of indoor plants and terrariums for hours on Pinterest and Instagram, but man these are so common! For as little as $10-20 you can get a pretty succulent to adorn your workspace. You can also add fresh flowers in your photos to add a graceful and feminine touch to them!
- Cacti & succulents
- Indoor plants
- Hanging planters
- Terraniums
- Fresh flowers
Craft and art supplies:
Go to a craft store or a $1 Shop and you’ll find tons of stuff you can use in your photos. Craft and art supplies are always colorful and beautyful helpers, they make wonderfull props for photos. And the best is you can purchased them for a really low budget.
- Patterned paper, Prints
- Paints and Paint brushes
- Beads, paper glitter
- Calligraphy supplies like nibs & ink
- Ribbons, laces and bakers’ twine
This and more I use for my photos which I am successfully selling on several Photo-Agencies like Shutterstock, IStock, Fotolia, Dreamstime and others. Props are really important helpers to create a story.
