Props For Product Photography
I have been a product photographer for almost ten years and I have done hundreds of photoshoots. I’ve accumulated a healthy collection of props over the years – I am unable to leave a shop without looking for good props. There are some types of props that are versatile and work really well on a variety of shoots, so let me show you my most used props for product photography.
What are props and what is their purpose?
Props are physical objects used to enhance the aesthetics or storytelling of a scene or photograph. I use them to add context, create mood and draw attention to certain elements. In photography, props are often used to create a specific look or feel, and to make the product in the photo stand out.
The best props for product photography can…
- help you create the right look so that you can reach the right audience for your brand
- make your products look more premium and high-value
- enhance the features of your product, such as its shape, colour, ingredients or materials.
- enhance product shots with texture, colour, and depth to make them visually interesting.
- give the viewer an idea of the size of the product
My most used props for product photography
Plants and flowers
Possibly my favourite type of props, plants and flowers come in a range of colours, shapes and sizes. They are great for achieving a more lifestyle, homely look. I often use them to add a pop of colour to images and give the viewer a sense of realism.
Blocks
Blocks come in various sizes therefore are really useful for using height and adding depth to a product shot. They can also have complimentary colours and textures.
Vinyl backdrops
My collection of vinyl backdrops is ever growing and I don’t think it’s possible to ever have enough backdrops, so be prepared to get hooked! I love using tiled, wooden and stone effect backdrops to achieve different looks. Here are some one my favourite shops:
- Club Backdrops (UK)
- Captured by Lucy (UK)
- Black Velvet Styling (UK)
- Backdropshop (EU)
- Fondos Para Fotógrafos (EU)
- Errer (EU)
- Instant Backdrops (EU)
Vases
Great for adding complimentary colours and shapes to the images. I used them for creating lifestyle shots from recreating dressing tables, desk tops to cute bathroom/kitchen corners, etc.
Trays and dishes
Very useful for drawing the viewers’ eyes to the right part of the image and highlighting the product in the image. Like the vases, they can also be very handy for creating homely lifestyle scenes.
There are many more examples of how I use props in product photography in my portfolio. The main thing is to be creative and try different options to see what you can come up with.
