If you’re beginning in product photography and you’re not working with a props stylist, it can feel overwhelming when it pertains to constructing out a props collection. Here are my go-to props for laying the foundations of a versatile collection so that you can save money and area and speed up your workflow.
Blocks and Plinths
Blocks and plinths are frequently utilized in item photography to include height, depth, or accentuate a particular item. I’ve utilized them in past shoots to drape necklaces over or to position little bottles on. The best thing about them is that they are super flexible and can be used over and over for various shoots merely by repainting them.
In the UK, homewares store B&Q has a color mixing station where you can get custom paint samples created. Merely provide an image or referral of the color(s) you need and you can get a little sample pot for just ₤ 3. These small pots consist of ample paint to review the plinths in a couple of coats.
I purchased a set from Mad Props, however you can also find a variety of shapes on sites like Etsy.
Pinch Meals and Side Plates
I’ve gathered a range of small to medium size pinch dishes in a series of products from ceramic to glass throughout the years, and I use them in the majority of my photoshoots for differing reasons. For example, for an appeal photoshoot, you may use a pinch dish to hold ingredients that you want to highlight aesthetically, such as rose petals or chamomile flowers. Including little plates to layer up your scene is a great way to quickly include some visual interest and draw attention to your hero product.
Books and Magazines
Collect a range of books and magazines to add height and background interest into way of life scenes. I like chunky coffee table publications to stand candles on or in front of. Similarly, vintage books found at flea markets and thrift shops can fit the visual for photoshoots with a classic or vintage feel.
Linens
I can’t inform you the number of times linens come in convenient, embeded at the edge of the frame or propped under a plate, bowl, or mug. I have actually collected a series of linens in different colors, from pastels through to darks. You can utilize a little, handheld cleaner to rapidly eliminate major creases before contributing to the scene.
Dried Flowers
It depends upon the client you’re working with and the visual that’s been set, however a great deal of my customers have actually enjoyed including dried flowers into their moodboards and briefs. The fantastic feature of dried flowers is that you can recycle them over and over, whether that’s putting a few stems in a little vase or an entire bunch in the background. You can match the combination to the season with beige, cream, and burgundy tones for fall and winter or yellows, pinks and whites for spring and summer.
Conclusion
Whenever I’m out and about, If I see something that I know would be useful for my props collection, even if I don’t require it for the next shoot I have in my diary, I try to take it house with me if I can see that it will be versatile. Sourcing props is one of my favorite parts of the job, and they can be discovered anywhere, from regional independent shops, flea markets, and charity stores to Etsy or homeware shops like H&M or Zara Home. I ‘d like to know what props make up the structure of your collection!
Source: https://fstoppers.com/lifestyle/essential-props-product-photography-611026