Most photos start with the subject. But when I get stuck in a rut, constantly grabbing for the same prop over and over again, I find reversing the process so helpful. This is especially true during the holiday season. I gather every prop I want in the scene to create the mood I envision and the finally place the subject last.
It’s a great way to use props you’ve had forever, to discover the unexpected that is sitting around the house, and to decide what you truly need in a collection.
These are a few of my holiday photo prop ideas. The things I keep around to style seasonal photo shoots for both food and products.
Old white painted stool - I use this all the time. Found at a church yard sale for $2.
Baskets of all kinds - larger baskets are ideal for setting on the floor and filling with seasonal items like blankets.
Blankets - you can’t have enough for fall and winter photos and I find IKEA a great place to get smaller, thinner options that are less bulky and ideal for stacking.
Bundles of fabric - with or in place of linens or blankets, buying clearance fabric in large quantities can create a seasonal look that can be stacked.
Dried greens, plants, and flowers of all kinds - Trader Joe’s is where I get most of mine and let them dry on their own, I keep the ones that dry well.
Wooden bowls - for a classic look that works from Thanksgiving to Christmas.
Vintage cookie cutters and baking tins - always a favorite for holiday scenes.
Rolling pins - vintage are nice, but I also like printed versions for holiday-specific photos.
Heavy linens - moving into heavier fabrics like tweeds and flannels changes the mood of a photo for a seasonal look.
In-shell nuts - I’ve written about this one before and I love them for holiday photos.
Mesh shopping bags - these look as great with fall produce as they do with naturally wrapped gifts sitting inside.
Dried leaves and small branches - I gather them when I walk and sift through my collection each year.
Fuzzy table runners - they don’t have to be intended for that, just buy a few yards of something soft and bulky from the fabric store or use a scarf.
Candle holders - I keep red and green around for the holidays.
Pinecones - another thing I collect on walks and from old arrangements and wreaths that are discarded each season.
Antlers - a natural set painted white is perfect.
Matte scrapbook paper - I think these printed papers work well as a substitute for wrapping paper in photos versus glossy paper.
Paper gift bags - I go with brown but matte colors work, too.
Natural twine - this works well with other natural props and dried elements.