Take your blog and social media photography to the next level with perfectly selected and styled props. Creating content is not just about the written text, your image quality is also a very important component to compliment your prose. These small token props can really set the stage and tell a story just using visuals. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words!

Investing time and effort into your photography will really pay off, especially because high quality images are very valuable. When it comes to styling your photos, it takes a lot of trial and error to develop your own aesthetic and find your groove. You want all your visual content to have a cohesive look and feel throughout your blog and social media, which means you need to develop a signature style.

The Role Props Play in Photo Composition

When crafting the composition of your images, props can help create interest and bring your photo to life. Props have the ability to add color, visual layers, depth and textures. The last thing you want are photos that are simply flat and boring. A well styled image has the ability to evoke emotions such as nostalgia and to joy in the viewer.

In any photo with great composition, there’s a focal point surrounded by the background and/or foreground. Props can really come into play by filling the space with relevant objects that you can opt to slightly blur out with your camera lens. That way you don’t have awkward empty spaces and the image feels more inviting.

On the flip side, make sure you don’t add too many props making your photo look cluttered and overwhelmed. It’s all about finding the right balance to achieve a visually pleasing image.

Finally, make sure all your props are the proper scale for the photo and they’re on-theme for the subject matter. Just like the fairytale with goldilocks, a prop needs to fit just right to enhance your image.

Where is the Best Place to Shop for Photography Props?

Etsy is my #1 place to shop for all my photography props, no matter what the category my theme falls under. On my Etsy profile you can see my lists and collections of favorite things I’ve found on their website. Fair warning… I have A LOT of favorites because there’s just so much cute stuff on Etsy!

The Best Props for Foodie Bloggers

Although we all love a plate of delicious food, it can take quite a bit of effort to make food look appealing in an image. In my own food photography I use a lot of props made of natural materials such as wood, marble, cotton and linen fabrics, glass and ceramics (I avoid plastic at all costs because it immediately makes your image look cheap).

I have found that the combination of fresh produce and herbs mixed with the textures from props made from natural materials is a killer combo for food photography. Visual examples can be found in my guide to building the perfect charcuterie board.

One pro tip: when you’re ceramic shopping for photography, opt for ones with a matte finish. If your ceramics have a glossy sheen they will reflect light and distract from the focus of your image.

Food Photography Prop Shopping List

Home Decor Props for Photography

Home decor is a very broad subject because there’s so many areas of a house you can photograph. You can find inspiration for your creative direction in any little corner of your home. The process of styling your home for photos involves playing around with the arrangement of props and taking test photos along the way. Once you’ve finally achieved the look your going for, you’ll be able to feel the vibe in your finished result photos.

In order to properly cover the vast home category, I’ve broken it down into the following sub-sections.

Photo Props to Make Your Bathroom Pop

A bathroom can look very cold and uninviting without the proper staging. Adding soft touches such as rugs and towels helps to add warmth along with texture and depth. Following a decor color palette also goes along way in a bathroom because the blank tile backdrop tends to be plain and drab.

Best Props for a Home Office Themed Photoshoot

Many of us boss babes work from home and our home office is our own little power spot where sh*t gets done. An uncluttered desk relays the message of an uncluttered mind and gives the impression of productiveness. That being said, a few carefully selected and styled props set the scene for a welcoming home office.

Notebooks & Pens
Laptop
Cell Phone with Eye-catching Case
Desk Plant

Interior Winter Cozy & Hygge Themed Props

One big trend emerging in lifestyle photography is the idea of shooting images that look more candid and lived-in, especially when you’re trying to achieve that warm and cozy feel. This means carefully styling your props so that your images walk the line between “full of life” and just plain messy and disorganized. It takes a lot of practice and trial and error to find that balance.

Photography Props for Motherhood Blogs

When there are little kiddos involved in your blogging adventures, there’s endless possibilities for adorable photos. In the beginning of mama life there’s a pregnancy announcement and then gender reveal photos. Followed by maternity and newborn photo sessions, all of which require sweet photo props to really bring the images to life.

Pro Tip: Felt letter boards are great to add words and make big announcements. You can add humor and tell a story in just a few words and it’s a great photo alternative to those days when you just don’t have anything else to feature.

Below I’ve create some shopping collections on Etsy which are organized by type of mama-themed photoshoot. I have blog posts covering all of these motherhood topics these are my favorite props from our photoshoots.

Best Props for Pregnancy & Baby Photos:

Fashion & Beauty Flat Lay Props

When I’m shooting any fashion or beauty related content, my goal is to use props to give the sense of luxury and whimsy. Adding little trinkets that sparkle and shine awakens the imagination of the viewer and quite honestly makes you want to buy something. Aspirational imagery is the key to making those commission sales!

Because the goal of many beauty themed photos is to be graceful and delicate, you want to ensure that your props are not overpowering the subject or focal point. Once again, achieving balance in your photo composition will make or break your image.

Best Props for Style Flatlays & Fashion Photoshoots:

Picnic Props for Instagram & Blog Photos

One of the biggest challenges for Insta-worthy photos is having enough natural light to create bright and airy images. If you’re struggling with your indoor images coming out too dark, try taking your photoshoot outdoors with a picnic spread.

When taking photos outdoors, make sure to begin shooting at optimal times of day when you get the most diffused light. The general rule of thumb is one hour before sunrise and one hour before sunset will give you the best lighting for photography. Avoid the middle of the day when harsh over-exposed lighting will create shadows.

Best Props for Picnic Photos:

Wicker Picnic Baskets
Picnic Blankets
Picnic Plates, Cups and Utensils
Wooden Serving Board
Tea Party Essentials
Fresh Flowers Add a Special Touch (or opt for stunning silk flowers)

Best Props for Holiday Photoshoots

No matter the season, festive props are crucial for setting a holiday scene in photos. Each holiday has specific symbols, colors and objects we expect to see and associate with it. For example St. Patrick’s Day will always have shamrocks and the color green. Because communicating the holiday vibe through your photos relies heavily on props, you’ll have plenty of excuses to shop in preparation for your photoshoot!

Best Props for Halloween Themed Photos

Halloween has historically been a spooky holiday with gore and goblins. But in recent years we’ve seen more sophisticated and high-style Halloween aesthetics become popular. And of course there’s also the Mexican version of Dia de los Muertos which is full of vibrant color. Whoever you decide to style your Halloween photos, here’s my favorite prop list:

Either Faux or Real Pumpkins
Halloween Costumes (see my Frida costume)
Halloween Themed Mugs
Halloween Home Decor
Twinkle Lights

Best Easter Themed Props for Photography

Easter celebrations can be either religious or secular, but either way they are always filled with cheerful pastel colors, flowers, bunnies and of course eggs. Make your Easter photos memorable with these props:

Photograph a Magical Christmas Using Props

Christmas is surely the biggest holiday of the year. Having your own personal stock of Christmas themed photos will come in handy when creating end-of-year content. Props are essential to capture that magical feeling of Christmas and at the top of your shopping list should be string lights. Learning how to capture the bokeh effect with your camera will really take your Christmas photos to the next level.

Coffee Mugs Help Set the Mood for a Hygge Christmas
Christmas Tree & Ornaments
Twinkle Lights
Christmas Stockings
Christmas Home Decor

Best Props for Spring, Autumn & Winter Photography

Bring Spring to Life in Photos with Fresh Props

If you’re unsure about how to begin styling a Spring themed photoshoot (or any photoshoot for that matter), create a Pinterest mood board to find some visual inspiration. Looking through the images you’ve pinned onto your board, you’ll most likely find a common theme that you’re drawn too. This will set the tone for your photos and help you select your required props.

Fresh or Silk Flowers

Say Hello Fall with Photography Props

Many folks consider Fall to be their favorite season because the heat from the summer is ending and those cozy vibes begin. There’s some quintessential Autumn gems that can be used as props to instantly transport your audience into the months of October & November:

Fall Foliage Leaves in the Background
Hot Drinks Such as Spiced Apple Cider
Plaid Clothing & Accessories
Halloween & Thanksgiving Inspired Props

Outdoor Winter Props for Photography

I covered indoor and interior styling for winter above in my home section, but there’s a whole world happening outdoors during those months. Snow scenes are some of my all-time favorite to photograph and your props will really pop against the white backdrop. Bring the warm and cozy vibes outside with the following props: