My prop use hasn’t been on-point with a lot of my previous work. I normal pick something minimal- usually a plant or some flowers – to make the image a little less boring. Without meaning to, the images themselves became a snoozefest.
The reality is: product photos are boring. Or at least that’s what I thought. Thankfully, there is an answer! The ribbon-bound/pumpkin patch/fake flower heaven that is Michaels is always there to solve your every prop need.
Follow along to see what I got and how the pics turned out!
Why You Should Invest In Props
Props add interest and dimension to a product photo. Alone, a product looks boring and out of place. With props, you can create a story that gives someone context. Where did this thing come from? What kind of lifestyle does it match? Would it look good on my counter?
Props also help with composition. Like, a LOT. Interesting photos catch the eye and make people interested. In the end, customers want to buy into a story. So what will it be? Something sterile and disconnected from the real world? Or a coffee pot in a comfy fall-themed kitchen that they can envision fitting in perfectly with their Thanksgiving festivities?
What To Look for In a Prop
A few basic pointers when it comes to choosing props:
- Texture: adding a variety of textures in a photo makes it visually appealing and more realistic. I would recommend starting with different fabrics to add something soft and tactile to the background. Of course, the type of texture depends on the product. So you’ll have to be creative.
- Size: The size of the prop can make the subject of the photo look stupid if it’s too big or small. Visually, we want balance and contrast. Just try not to make the product look comically big or small (unless that’s the point of the project).
- Shape: Choose a shape that lends itself well to a variety of different subjects. In my photography, I try to stick with rectangles and circles. Things like plates and trays in these shapes give some interest to the photo without taking away from the main subject. Props are like backup dancers, but you want your product to be the star.
- Color: Having a few different colors on-hand can enhance your photos by making each setup look different. Variety is in high demand, especially in the world of social media content. When setting up a shoot, I try to gravitate towards bright or contrasting colors that make the product stand out.
What I Bought
The theme of my product shoot was Fall and Thanksgiving. Obviously pumpkins had to be involved. The color orange is a must. I crumpled the brown paper to add some texture. Other items helped to make the perfect “cozy” fall look.
Here are the things I purchased from the craft store:
- colored ribbon
- burlap fabric
- burlap string
- mini pumpkins of various shades
- brown paper
The Shoot
It was a ton of fun to shoot using fall props. The challenging part for me is always finding new ways to use the same props without too much repetition. Pro Tip: a natural side effect of coffee is increased creativity!
