How To Use Props for Photoshoots

Props are a fun and intentional way to change the energy of the photoshoot. I’m not referring to those cheesy masks on a-stick props you typically see at DIY photo booths. I’m talking about real props: flowers, sunglasses, hats, purses, vintage cameras, the outfit you’re wearing (if it has movement,) a jacket, or an aesthetically pleasing background.

Bringing a prop during a photoshoot for various reasons, including breaking the ice between you and the client, is a good idea. Your subject might not be as worried about the other moving pieces of the shoot because they’re being directed to engage. Giving your subject a role or intention helps them focus on what the photographer is trying to convey. Ensure to be clear with providing directions and give them some compliments to hype them. Knowing you’re doing well at something you might not be used to is always an excellent feeling.

Aside from props used by your subject, braces are ideal for set designs whether or not you have a big budget. Mounts allow you to use your imagination. Whether it’s in the foreground or background, your subject is interacting with it.

Props and backgrounds help tell a narrative you’re trying to convey. For example, If you’re working with a painter, you might want to consider having them use paintbrushes or a yoga instructor bring a yoga mat. Being intentional with your props and your selected background elevates your storytelling through photos. It can make people feel more comfortable in front of the camera in a familiar environment (or maybe even a dream photoshoot location).

Examples of props I have used for different photoshoots:

barbie-photoshoot-girl-poses-with-sunglasses

Sunglasses

Sunglasses: Channeling Cool and Confidence
Sunglasses have long been associated with a certain air of coolness and confidence. A simple accessory that can instantly transform a person's look, they exude an aura of mystery and style. Whether donned on a bright, sunny day or used as a fashion statement indoors, sunglasses can channel the essence of a calm and confident person.


First and foremost, sunglasses grant a sense of anonymity. Behind those tinted lenses, one can observe the world without revealing one's emotions or intentions. It creates a shield against prying eyes and offers a certain detachment from the outside world. This anonymity allows wearers to carry themselves with a poise and self-assuredness often associated with those deemed "cool."


Moreover, sunglasses lend an air of effortless style. They effortlessly elevate any outfit, lending an edge and sophistication to the simplest attire. Whether it's a classic aviator style or the retro-inspired cat-eye frame, sunglasses are a statement piece that completes a person's ensemble. The right pair can instantly enhance one's appearance and boost self-confidence, inspiring admiration and intrigue from others.
Additionally, sunglasses can project an image of confidence and competence. When someone puts on a pair of sunglasses, they project an air of assurance and self-belief that can be infectious.

rock-band-does-a-cake-smash-for-their-photo-shoot

cake

Smashing Delight: Unleash Your Inner Sweet Tooth!
Get ready to ignite your wildest dessert fantasies as Smiling Eyes Media presents a compelling twist on the traditional photoshoot! In an explosion of sugary indulgence, we invite you to join us in an extraordinary experience: smashing cakes for a genuinely unforgettable photoshoot.


Lose yourself in a world of mouthwatering madness as your photographer captures the essence of joy, liberation, and unadulterated pleasure. Picture yourself, dressed to the nines, standing before a flawlessly decorated cake that beckons with its creamy allure. The anticipation builds, mirroring the childlike excitement you once felt while eagerly awaiting your first taste of confectionary bliss.

Every smashing session is expertly choreographed to showcase your uninhibited spirit and capture your unique personality. Whether you channel your inner elegance or embrace your naughty side, your photographer will artfully encapsulate the unforgettable energy, electrifying each photograph with your contagious happiness.

girl-holding-candle

candle

Candles: Setting the Mood
Candles provide a timeless allure, and we embrace the art of using them as props in our enchanting photoshoots.


The candle's elegant presence enhances the storytelling aspect of photography, inviting us to reflect upon cherished memories and dreamy moments. It adds depth, texture, and a touch of nostalgia that transports viewers into a dreamlike world.

MODEL-POSING-WITH-RINGS

MULTIPLE PROPS: DREAMY BACKGROUND, WILDFLOWERS

Wildflowers in my Rings: Capturing Natural Beauty
When capturing the essence of nature, one cannot underestimate the power of using what's around you as props for a photoshoot. These elements can transform a photography session from an array of bright and delicate wildflowers gracefully nestled within rings to a dreamy background that transports you to another world.

But not just the wildflowers themselves make this choice so rewarding. It's the act of using the beautiful elements that surround us – those seemingly ordinary objects that we often overlook – that truly changes the trajectory of a photoshoot.
Nature offers an inexhaustible supply of inspiration, and incorporating it into a photography session opens up countless possibilities.

We can create captivating and timeless imagery by utilizing the natural world as a backdrop. Whether it's a sprawling field of wildflowers, a secluded forest path, or a stunning sunset over a serene lake, the dreamy background becomes an integral part of the story.

subject-is-holding-coffee-mug-admiring-her-creations-of-home-goods

Multiple Props: HANGING MACRAME DECOR, plants, coffee mug, French Bulldog

Macrame Magic: A Whimsical Photoshoot with a Canine Twist!
Together, the hanging macrame and our canine model transcended the boundaries of the ordinary, inviting viewers into a world where art and nature coexisted in perfect harmony. The final result evoked a sense of serenity and wonder, reminding us of the incredible beauty that can be found in the simplicity of life's little moments.

band-is-sitting-on-a-yellow-couch-and-a-colorful-background-is-behind-them

MULTIPLE PROPS: COUCH, MULTIPLE ROLLS OF SEAMLESS BACKGROUND PAPER

Unleash Your Creativity with Seamless Backdrops: Elevate Your Props Game!
Look no further than the versatile and visually captivating rolls of seamless backdrops! From professional studios to creative enthusiasts, these props have become a must-have tool in creative industries.
Seamless backdrops open up a world of infinite creative possibilities.

Designed to be flawlessly smooth and without distracting creases or folds, these rolls provide a clean canvas that enables your subjects to take center stage. Whether you're shooting portraits, product images, or artistic projects, the beauty of seamless backdrops lies in their ability to effortlessly enhance your visuals.

No matter your skill level, using rolls of seamless backdrops is simple. Unroll, hang, and let your imagination run wild!

Step into the world of endless possibilities and elevate your creative game with rolls of seamless backdrops. Transform your visual storytelling, capture your subjects' essence, and watch each project come to life with professionalism and artistic flair. Let the scene support your visual narrative, enhancing your subjects and elevating your craft.






Stephanie Heath

Steph Heath is the founder of Smiling Eyes Media, leaving a beach town in South Florida behind to move to the city of Atlanta and pursue her career as a music photographer. Steph has years of experience working with artists on tours, festivals, and local events and can handle all lighting situations, including low light.

https://www.smilingeyesmedia.com
Next
Next

10 Things I Wish I Had Known SOONER About ‘Making It’ In The Music Industry