DIY photography props help photographers fulfill a specific vision they have in mind for a photo shoot. To make the photos interesting and unusual, and the photoshoot enjoyable both for you and your clients, I recommend you using a variety of interesting DIY photography props for newborns, wedding, couples, food, jewelry, etc. Different things can be used as photography props, starting with vintage briefcases stored in the closet to modern bicycles.
DIY Baby Photography Props
Newborn photography is difficult to take, you need to be very attentive and careful working with these tiny models. To make photos creative and gentle, use the following newborn photography props DIY.
When choosing materials for DIY baby photography props, you should remember that they must be eco and safe for children. Buy clothes, blankets, toys and other things that don’t contain any harmful substances. The most suitable materials are bamboo, wool, and cotton. They do not cause irritation and allergies, besides, they are breathable
1. Nest of Love
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Grapevine Wreaths | VIEW MORE | |
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Cotton Hat | VIEW MORE |
You can easily make such nests yourself. Primarily, visit the craft store and purchase grapevine wreaths. Divide it into three parts and place them on top of one another. Depending on your preferences and a general idea, you can use wreaths of one size or choose the option of a different length. Tie everything with a string. Pay attention: the string must be made from natural materials. Put a blanket, add suitable clothes, and the DIY photography props for babies is ready for shooting.
Pumpkins are great photo props DIY not only for Halloween but also for baby photography. Buy a big pumpkin, cut out the top and the inner part, and lay a blanket inside. Then put the baby in the ready pumpkin and decorate the sides with a pumpkin hat or other pumpkins.
- Get professional newborn photo editing services fast and for affordable price.
3. Wooden Crate
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Rustic Wood Crate | VIEW MORE | |
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Cotton Blanket | VIEW MORE |
You can buy this nice crate in the shop. By the way, check your attic. Maybe, there is an old one you've forgotten about. Anyway, you should prepare a soft eco blanket. It will protect the baby's skin and will complete the image. That’s a wonderful idea for DIY newborn photography props.
To create a holiday atmosphere with a young traveler, take various luggage items: suitcases, maps, compass, etc. Another variant for such photos is placing the baby into a decorated suitcase. Don’t forget to make vintage photo color correction by means of Photoshop actions or Lightroom presets.
- Check out top 30 newborn photography backdrops.
5. Book Bed
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"Voyage" Yarn | VIEW MORE | |
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Decorative Books | VIEW MORE |
The book bed symbolizes the child’s craving for knowledge. To create this kind of DIY props for baby photography, you will need a cozy blanket and several books stacked on top of each other. Depending on the age of books, you can create a more modern or more vintage composition.
6. The Bed Filled with Sweets
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Sweethearts Candy | VIEW MORE | |
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Mesh Crib Liner | VIEW MORE | |
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Soft Blanket | VIEW MORE |
How to express the child's love for sweets? Put the child directly in the candies! Sweets are a good idea for baby photography props DIY. By the way, such a composition can also symbolize “sweet” attitude of parents towards their child. You need a cot, a lot of candies and clothe for this photo prop. Make sure the child is well wrapped in a blanket so as not to harm his/her skin. Use free Photoshop overlays to make baby photos even cuter.
The paper cap can awaken real nostalgia. In addition, it is one of the most inexpensive photography props in the entire list. All you need is one newspaper and some patience. For hygiene safety, do not use a paper cap more than once.
Such flags are a pretty nice and cute background. Though they seem easy to make, you need to spend a considerable amount of time and have enough patience to create these photoshoot props for baby. If you are not sure of your sewing skills, use paper as the basis for flags instead of cloth.
- Learn about newborn professional Lightroom presets to enhance the newborn shots.
This prop is designed for a girly photo session. If you are good at sewing, making these baby photography DIY props will not take much time. You only need fabric, threads, and a needle. From personal experience, I can say that white and pink colors look best of all.
- View more newborn photo ideas.
10. Decorated Armchair
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Lounge Chair | VIEW MORE | |
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Elephant Plush Toy | VIEW MORE |
As an alternative to the crib, you can use a decorated armchair. The decoration style is completely up to you but you need to add a blanket anyway. The best furniture option is a classic wooden armchair that most of us have at home. You can even use a big soft toy as on the example and put it on the chair. Looks too sweet to be true.
11. Wooden Bed
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Wooden Dowel Rods | VIEW MORE | |
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"Voyage" Yarn | VIEW MORE | |
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Maple Leaf | VIEW MORE | |
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Squirrel Plush | VIEW MORE |
To make a wooden crib, first of all, you should have several wooden bars and an experienced assistant if you haven’t worked with wood before. When your DIY wooden photography props for babies are made, you need to put a soft blanket on the bed and place various animal toys on the sides. Leaves and branches will also be a good decoration.
12. Christmas Basket
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Basket | VIEW MORE | |
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Waffle Blanket | VIEW MORE | |
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Artificial Pine Leaves | VIEW MORE | |
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Pine Cones | VIEW MORE |
A Christmas basket with a baby is among the most interesting Christmas photo prop ideas for kids. Place the basket on the branches and decorated it with cones. Then put a blanket and the child inside. Just make sure that the baby isn’t allergic to pine needles.
13. Picnic Set
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Tea Set | VIEW MORE | |
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Cotton Blanket | VIEW MORE | |
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Tray Basket | VIEW MORE |
A picnic set is a fantastic option for outdoor baby pictures. To create such a composition you need a small suitcase, a blanket, and a tea set. Lay a blanket on the grass, use the briefcase as a table, and place a dinner service on it. You can also use various pots or baskets as props for outdoor photography.
14. Eyeglasses and Books
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Blanket | VIEW MORE | |
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Glasses | VIEW MORE | |
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Decorative Books | VIEW MORE |
Unlike the previous version with books, this idea implies a kid reading a book. You just need to place the baby on a soft surface and put an open book and glasses in front of him/her. To enhance this photo prop for babies, you can add a few books in the background.
- View more newborn photography poses.
Nobody will be indifferent with these cute DIY props for baby photography. You should find out the child's name beforehand. Then buy or make the initials. You can place the letters near a baby or put them in front of the basket. Besides, you can arrange letters in some short words. For example, you may make the word «Love" and use the baby's feet to create the letter «V". You will surely get breathtaking pictures.
To create an image of a real pilot, you need a multi-colored cardboard, a blanket, an aviator cap, and a background painted like a sky. To begin with, knit an aviator hat, draw a sky background, and then make an airplane with cardboard and glue. Place the blanket in the airplane, put the cap on the baby, and be ready to take photos. This is one of the best options for baby boy DIY photography props.
- View this FREE Photoshop feather overlay collection o get eye-catching pictures.
17. Boats and Nets
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Cotton Blanket | VIEW MORE | |
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Navy Anchor | VIEW MORE |
To create this composition, get some cardboard, paint, glue, a blanket, nets, and a decorative anchor. First, create a cardboard boat layout and paint it. When the paint is dry, put a blanket inside, and put nets on the front of the boat and a decorative anchor next to it.
Wedding DIY Photography Props
Wedding portraits should be interesting and original, you need the appropriate props for photography shoots during the wedding ceremonies. Use these win-win photography prop ideas that will make any photo session positive, extraordinary or elegant, depending on the wishes and mood of the newlyweds.
18. Flower Bouquets and Flower Petals
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Bouquets | VIEW MORE |
Can you imagine wedding photos without flowers and bouquets? Of course, it is impossible. However, you can use these traditional photography props in an original and creative way, changing poses, shooting angle, etc. You will still get romantic photos if you take pictures using only petals instead of a large bouquet. You can always add roses by means of Photoshop overlays.
- Check out top 55 wedding photography ideas.
Frames are among the most popular DIY photo props and backdrops. You can use them for different wedding photo sessions. Frames are different: minimalistic, luxurious vintage or with a fun print. They can be of various shapes and sizes. You can choose one large frame or several small ones for each person in the photo. Frames also emphasize such styles as rustic, baroque, Provence, and retro.
- Check out these wedding white bokeh overlays to make your wedding images pop.
Use your imagination and create incredible memorable photos of the newlyweds with the chalkboard. Such photo props wedding are really great as couples can write cute love messages, excerpts of wedding vows, or simply specify the date of the wedding on them. You can choose boards of various sizes. These can be large chalkboards but you will need a special stand for them. On the other hand, you can take the small props for a couple can hold in their hands.
- Check out 20 types wedding photography styles.
21. Hobby Props
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Basket | VIEW MORE | |
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Blanket | VIEW MORE | |
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Decorative Books | VIEW MORE |
It can be such traditional things as books and plants or something more extreme, for example, high-speed skiing. These photography props will help you take unforgettable and unique pictures.
DIY Jewelry Photography Props
The most common type of Amazon product photography of jewelry are pictures taken on a white background. Many believe that jewelry attracts enough attention and you do not need any additional props or a creative background. Agree that the photographs of jewelry with the original props are more lucrative.
The jewelry really looks great on a white background. In addition, these photos are easy to use for printing in a catalog or publishing on a website. If you don’t want to buy expensive materials, you can use plain white paper as DIY jewelry photography props. Roll this paper on a simple homemade table, and set the paper roll on the racks and crossbar to support the background. You can also fix the paper in front of the table with office clips.
23. Glue Gun & Double-Sided Paper
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Hot Glue Gun | VIEW MORE | |
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Copy Paper | VIEW MORE |
To get photos of jewelry taken at different angles, you need them to be well attached. Wax or white putty are suitable for this purpose. If you need a cheaper option, you can purchase double-sided paper and a glue gun. Be careful when working with the glue gun. It is best to set the minimum temperature otherwise you can spoil the product. However, it is recommended to use wax, as it is easily rubbed off from the jewelry and it lasts longer.
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You can easily make a cardboard stand with your own hands. To create your own photography props, you need white paper, cardboard, and a tape. It will not take you long to create a stand that is perfect for both long and short necklaces. Adjust the length and you will get great photos.
If a standard set of paper, cardboard, and glue is too boring for you, use plants as creative props for photo shoots. Use the flower as a stand for rings or make a full-fledged background with plants. The crucial thing here is not to overdo and not move the focus from the jewelry to background.
DIY Christmas Photography Props
If you’re planning a holiday photoshoot of friends, family, couples or children, look through the following festive DIY photography props.
26. Christmas Tree
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Artificial Christmas Tree | VIEW MORE |
Christmas tree is one of the most popular attributes of the Christmas holidays. Such a prop is perfect for family photo sessions, where the all the family members either pose against the background of the Christmas tree or decorate it. It is quite simple to recreate such a composition because you just need a Christmas tree and a pair of decorations or some other DIY photography props. You can also put this Christmas tree at home.
- View more christmas photo ideas.
27. Christmas Presents
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Paper Bundle | VIEW MORE | |
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Gift Boxes | VIEW MORE |
Christmas isn’t only about festive spirit and delicious food, but it is also about beautifully wrapped presents! Such DIY Christmas props photography can be used as a background for a common photo and as the main subject of the pictures as well. For example, you can photograph the family presenting each other with the gifts. You just need a rectangular box and beautiful wrapping paper and here you are!
Christmas candles will help you convey the warmth of this holiday and create a truly homely atmosphere in your photos. Take the standard candles and decorate them yourself. The best idea to create beautiful photography props Christmas is to cover the candles with cinnamon sticks and tie them with a thread, or you can also decorate them with green pine tree twigs. If you find it difficult to catch a fire with a camera, you can add it in Photoshop with a help of brushes.
Another excellent Christmas photo props are the homemade cookies and sweets. These edible props can be purchased at any grocery store, or you can bake it yourself. If you cook well, the last option is even better, because the form and filling of such props are limited only by your imagination. If you find it difficult to determine what kind of cookies you want among this variety of pastries - gingerbread in frosting, as well as oatmeal or gingerbread cookies, will be a fairly good choice.
30. Sleeping Santa
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Santa Claus Hat | VIEW MORE | |
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Waffle Blanket | VIEW MORE |
This is a pretty simple and cute combination of Christmas and DIY baby photography props. All you need is a soft surface, a Santa hat, and a blanket. You can also place your pet next to the child that will enhance the overall mood of the photo.
Studio DIY Photography Props
Artificial flowers will become a great choice, as they do not fade unlike natural ones, and their perfect look does not make anyone doubt their naturalness. Modern technology allows you to create incredibly natural flowers, and at the same time, you may use them as many times as you need. If your customers are allergic to natural flowers, such photography props DIY will be an ideal decision.
32. Hanging Clouds
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Paper Lanterns | VIEW MORE | |
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Hot Glue Gun | VIEW MORE | |
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Poly-Fil | VIEW MORE | |
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Fishing Line | VIEW MORE |
Hanging clouds will enable you to create a fairly light and dreamy composition. To make such DIY props photography, you have to tie a durable thread to a lampshade or any other frame. Then glue the cotton wool to your frame with a glue gun. Use small cotton pieces, as this will make your fluffy lamp more natural. Put LED-lamp inside and here you are.
Backlit books can become a detail that adds some mystery to your photos. Moreover, it is an additional element of lighting, which is also an advantage for you. You can either create such a book yourself or buy it on Amazon. Such photography DIY props look great in reading rooms, libraries, dim lighting, otherwise, there will be simply no sense of this illuminating.
34. Artificial Bonfire
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Foil Paper | VIEW MORE | |
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Bandage Roll | VIEW MORE | |
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Textile Glue | VIEW MORE | |
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Warm Lights | VIEW MORE |
It is another version of an artificial bonfire but more like a real one. If you want to create such photo prop, you should have common tree branches, stones, foil, bandage, glue and light bulbs. First of all, lay out the stones in the shape of fire. After that wrap the branches with foil, and then attach a bandage to them. Place the bulbs in the center of the stone circle and put the branches on the top.
35. Artificial Trees
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Wooden Dowel Rods | VIEW MORE | |
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Wood Slices | VIEW MORE | |
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Hunter Green Acrylic Felt | VIEW MORE | |
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Scissors | VIEW MORE | |
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Hot Glue Gun | VIEW MORE | |
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Pine Trees Coloring Pages | VIEW MORE |
Though it may seem difficult, the artificial trees are quite easy photo props DIY to create. You have to take felt, tree branches, log cut into pieces, hot glue gun, the layout of the Christmas tree and scissors. Take the layout and felt and cut your tree crowns. Then glue these crowns to the branches. As soon as everything is dry enough, glue your tree to the piece of a log, and here you are. You can combine these props with the previous one and get amazing results.
36. Teepee
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Wooden Dowel Rods | VIEW MORE | |
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Twine | VIEW MORE | |
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Round Pillow | VIEW MORE | |
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Cotton Drop Cloth | VIEW MORE | |
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Warm Lights | VIEW MORE |
In order to create the DIY props made of wood for photography, such as teepee, you should have several long logs, jute twine, canvas drop cloth, floor cushion, and flashlights. Form the logs in the desired shape, tie them with a rope, pull the fabric on the frame, put inside the floor cushion and decorate all the composition with the flashlights.
37. Giant Flowers
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Transfer Paper | VIEW MORE | |
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Scissors | VIEW MORE | |
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Hot Glue Gun | VIEW MORE |
You can use giant wall flowers as the DIY photography props and backdrops for your indoor photography. To create them, take some paper, scissors, and glue. Make the necessary figures out of paper, glue them evenly, and your great composition is ready.
Props for Outdoor Photography
Here you will find some interesting homemade DIY outdoor photography props that are cheap and easy to do.
38. Mini Hot Air Balloon
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Giant Ballons | VIEW MORE | |
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Twine | VIEW MORE | |
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Multicolor Voile | VIEW MORE | |
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Storage Crate | VIEW MORE | |
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Blanket | VIEW MORE |
This concept will be perfectly suitable for the DIY newborn photography props. Take a white and 36′′ round balloon and wrap with the organza of rainbow colors. Use the string to attach the balloon to the basket. It is better to make little bags with sand and burlap, and hang them on the corners. Put a warm blanket into the basket and your baby is ready for his/her first flight.
39. Fairy Swing
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Artificial Flowers | VIEW MORE | |
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Swing | VIEW MORE |
Make it safe for your models to avoid unpleasant falls. A wreath swing gives an outdoor photoshoot a romantic and dreamy mood. It doesn’t require any special expenses from you. For its creation, you need an ordinary little swing, artificial or natural flowers, decorative branches and glue.
Smoke bomb prop has a large color range and with a combination of different colors, you can take interesting and unique photographs outdoors. The behavior of smoke is impossible to predict and repeat again. Smoke is safe, does not paint clothes, it can be safely held in the hands. It is used outdoors, the time is from 5 to 120 seconds.
41. Vintage Car
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Paint Shop Finish System | VIEW MORE | |
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Aerosol Can | VIEW MORE |
Give the old, unusable cars a second life! Such photoshoot props for adults will be an excellent addition to the romantic, rebellious, vintage or even criminal stylized image. A suitable style depends on the appearance of the car, whether it is a rusty, aged car or painted and polished one.
DIY Props for Birthday for Photography
Polaroid Photo Booth is quite easy and cheap to make, moreover, all the guests will like it, especially children. If you are not sure that you can make it correctly, you can buy a ready-made version on Amazon.
Using such photo props printables, you have a real chance to highlight the theme of the birthday. There is a huge variety of guides on the web how to create masks, ranging from Superhero, ending with carnival ones.
Mustache sticks are very suitable photo props for any holiday – whether it is a corporate party, a family one, or children feast. To begin with, you should print them out on thick paper or outline the patterns made of plain paper on colored cardboard, it is up to you. Attach a stick on the back side of the mustache with thick paper and glue.
45. Party Cone Hat
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Transfer Paper | VIEW MORE | |
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Glitter Cardstock | VIEW MORE | |
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Colorful Glitter | VIEW MORE |
Such cone will become great photo prop ideas for kids and adults. To create such a thing, you should have standard and golden paper, an elastic lace, and several paper roses for decoration. First, you have to create a cone from cardboard and decorate it with roses. After that attach an elastic lace and form the number of years of the birthday girl/boy with the help of gold paper.
DIY Food Photography Props
When it comes to food photography, the main thing here is the composition in the frame. So, if you want each of your Instagram followers to admire your masterpieces or even drool on them, here you have an opportunity to learn some new tips and props, which will help you, make your pictures truly outstanding. Of course, nobody wants the DIY photo props and backdrops distract the attention from the food itself, but it is still worth getting some beautiful things just to decorate the photos.
46. Serving Items
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Espresso Cups | VIEW MORE | |
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Dinner Spoons | VIEW MORE |
A white cup for coffee or some spoons will become a great choice, as such DIY photography props are considered to be universal, suitable and not distracting at the same time. Moreover, you can use them again and again with different dishes. Do not be afraid to experiment and try various serving items to highlight the beauty of your food.
- View more how to become a food photographer.
Have you ever thought about taking the shots while cooking food? In fact, the way people manipulate with food looks just as beautiful as the finished dish. As a background you may choose a wooden cutting board, as it is not only a universal photo prop, it also adds some special atmosphere to the picture.
48. A Surface that does the Work
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Chopping Board | VIEW MORE |
Actually, now there is no need to waste a lot of money to make your furniture look fashionable in the pictures. You should just find a beautiful surface, which you could put at any table. Whether it is wood DIY photo props for photography or a chunk of marble, you will always have a durable prop that can be used for other photos as well.
All the details in the food, such as different seeds or seasonings can become excellent and creative props for photo shoots. Try to experiment with colors, forms etc. They are quite cheap and shelf-stable, and they also will also make your photo more vivid and tasty.
So, you shouldn’t be afraid to create your own photography props, as they will enhance your photos and highlight its main subject. When you realize that the props are a really important part of the composition, you will see how much they improve the composition. However, it will take a little time to understand the best ways to use such essential elements.
Ann Young
Hi there, I'm Ann Young - a professional blogger, read more
