Questions to ask before buying props for a food photoshoot

It took me about a year of styling and photographing food and product photos before I considered myself obsessed with props. Also a fan of clearance racks and a good deal, this became a dangerous combination. 

As I navigated the development of a personal style, I made many purchases resulting in props I rarely used. This meant I wasted money and quickly consumed what little space I had to store my photography supplies. 

Over the years, I’ve developed what I consider a good eye for knowing exactly what I need and what I don’t when a potential prop catches my eye. Now, I ask myself these three questions. Hopefully, they will help you when prop shopping for yourself. 

Does it immediately bring a photo to mind?

It has to be more than the prop that catches my eye. It has to create a vision in my head, a photo that I can envision it styled in. If it’s the item alone that I like, well, that’s art for my home, a personal purchase that I may or may not need. If I see it in a photo, then it’s a solid choice for my prop collection and a purchase for my business. 

Can I use it in multiple photos?

I don’t want to create photos that always look the same. If I used this with different backgrounds, light, or linens, would it create a new photo? Or would it look like I keep using the same prop. The props I buy need to look unique, but not so unique that I can’t keep reusing them. It’s a delicate balance that you get better at determining the longer you do this. 

Does it fulfill a need or solve a problem? 

On set, I often think - if I had one of (fill in the blank) it would work so well here or I need more options for (fill in the blank) for a better scene. Garnish dishes such as little cups and plates to hold hold herbs, spices, a spoon, or croutons are always on my list. Or it could be bowls, colanders, and baskets because I often photograph fresh produce. If the item I’m considering fulfills one of those needs, it’s an easy yes. 

---

Need more tips for your food and product styling and photography? I’m here to help with 12 years of experience as a solo stylist-photographer working with agriculture boards, brands, and publishers from my home studio. Check out my free resources. 

Food and Product Photography Props for Styling Holiday Season Photos

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.

15 Props for Food and Product Photography

In the past 10 years, I went from a photographer who hated the idea shelves stacked with a clutter of props to a food and product photography prop LOVER. I can’t see anything - a cup, a spoon, or even a salt shaker - without envisioning a photo.

I try to be cautious of repetitively using the same items to prop my food and product photos. But there are some that I love so much. I just have to have them around. 

These are a few things that make it to set with me for nearly all my shots with examples of them in food, candle, and flower photos. I hope they give you some creative ideas for things to keep around your set.