6 Adaptable Foods Photography Props That You Already Have

When starting off out as a foodstuff photographer, it is tempting to go all-out on prop buying. You can stop up paying out an absurd sum of dollars on sensitive handmade props contemplating that they will solitary-handedly change our shots into something breathtaking.

We’ve all been there: imagining that the more props we have, the less complicated it will be to take good images. And still, there is a single aspect we frequently fail to remember about — on the lookout into what we by now have at household!

Not only are props observed in your residence tremendous charge-successful (generally no cost), they’re also some of the most multipurpose pieces you can obtain. Below are six props you can use to elevate your foods images that you extremely likely by now personal.

Mattress Linen

I was hesitant to use bed linen in my photography until a really the latest Mother’s Working day shoot for a consumer (see higher than). My aim was to recreate the consolation of a mattress, but on a steady floor. I took white bed linen and placed it above my taking pictures desk. It worked so well I ended up experimenting with more colors and employing it as my new go-to qualifications.

It will make best perception. Pictures backdrops can be expensive and bed linen is by now there just ready for its second to shine! Nobody will know you’ve applied a helpful prop from your own property.

Really don’t bother ironing it — the extra texture, the much better. One past tip: to stay away from an incident, make confident you are using at minimum 4 clamps to securely connect the mattress linen to your taking pictures desk.

Crops, Herbs, and Flowers

A further prop I simply simply cannot get sufficient of are vegetation. When photographing food stuff, building a seasonal temper can demonstrate a obstacle, in particular when you’re just starting up to find out about lighting and editing.

Plants and bouquets help you develop that seasonal mood so easily, but they also serve as ingredient clues.

Acquire my rosewater incredibly hot chocolate shoot (higher than) as an illustration. I utilized a gorgeous bunch of contemporary roses and dried petals to make guaranteed the viewer helps make an prompt connection concerning roses and the pictured drink.

You really do not require to go all out and acquire highly-priced bouquets, though. I like to use small succulents or herbs that are already expanding in my home, or you could seize some dried flowers and use them yet again and once more.

Your Grandma’s Cutlery

Okay, not everyone’s grandma has a refined collection of vintage cutlery, but pretty much absolutely everyone has accumulated some more mature kitchen area pieces that can be utilised for images.

Previous teacups are the excellent case in point as are previous plates. These are typically a great deal far more textured and patterned than present day crockery, creating them the best addition to your pics. Just bear in mind to use them sparingly as their intricate patterns can be marginally more tricky to integrate into your shots. Stick to a balanced mixture of outdated and new!

I also appreciate applying aged recipe guides or notes just like in the photo higher than — they’re so distinctive and can insert a attractive rustic experience.

Pickle and Nut Butter Jars

I can now listen to you asking: “Are you sure pickle jars are likely to wow the viewer?” Listen to me out.

When you have taken off the labels and cleaned them carefully, pickle and nut butter jars make the ideal photography prop as they’re nominal and smooth more than enough to be very easily incorporated into pretty much any scene. I prefer to stick to lesser-sized jars and use them as cups (these kinds of as in my iced coffee shoot over) or use a label maker to embellish them with modest text that allows give context, these as flour, cocoa powder, etc.

Candles

There’s a superior rationale why candles are huge when it comes to decorating households: they glance brilliant and right away add that cozy sensation.

So why not use them in food stuff images?

Choose for little or medium-sized candles these will not draw the awareness away from your hero issue but will nonetheless add an factor of fascination. I like utilizing them in seasonal shoots these kinds of as during Christmas, Halloween, Mother’s Working day, Fourth of July, Thanksgiving, or other celebratory scenes.

If you’re seriously making an attempt to impress, come across unusually shaped candles twisted and bubble candles (pictured previously mentioned) are a great example.

White Parchment (Baking) Paper

This listing wouldn’t be total without just one of the most well-liked props, an complete staple in my assortment: for crisp and cleanse pictures, I like to use a sheet of brand name new, clean baking paper.

Even so, most of the time, I simply consider a sheet, scrunch it up in my fingers, and then lay it back on my taking pictures surface (as over). It adds remarkable texture, whilst its slight transparency will make confident the white is not too overpowering or distracting.

3 Recommendations for A Far better Prop Collection

As a entire-time food stuff photographer and food blogger, I’ve realized that maintaining factors straightforward is in some cases the most effective solution. In developing my prop selection these are the matters I keep in thoughts:

Dimensions: I deliberately continue to keep a small prop collection, earning my food stuff styling a lot quicker and pushing me to reinvent the identical props once more and again.

Variety: As I shoot information for numerous customers, I do need a degree of flexibility in my props. Most of my items are small & neutral, with some colourful & greatly patterned pieces sprinkled in among. Adhere to neutral props, but do not ignore to add some daring kinds from time to time!

Supply: If you can, try to supply your props second-hand. This is so considerably much better for the world, but also is effective out more affordable and leaves you with more distinctive props! It’s a win-win condition!

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About the creator: Tajda Ferko is a food items photographer & recipe developer driving the well-known vegan site My Vegan Minimalist.