Sharing is caring!

10 Must Have Blog Photography Props

10 Must Have Blog Photography Props for Gorgeous Styled Photographs

If you have a good eye for photography, you can create gorgeous styled photographs with things you likely can find with just a walk around your home!ย The key is finding a great space for regular photography sessions and simplified storage for your collection of blog photography props.

Join me today as I give you sneak peek into my photography studio. Find more detailed styling and props techniques in the Ultimate Blog Photography Bootcamp.

This post contains some affiliate links for your convenience. Click here to read the full disclosure policy.

SPACE

Do you have a favorite place in your home where you photograph your projects, stills, or recipes?

When we bought a bigger home in the country two years ago, I got a bigger studio! Itโ€™s on the third level of our home in the corner with four large windows facing the south and west. It really is the perfect space for me! I generally write in the mornings when the light is soft and blue.

In the afternoons I tend to more creative with my hands while the light is brilliantly streaming in my studio. In the summer months the light lasts long into the day and I can even photograph projects after dinner. ย Mind you, it can get quite warm in the summer with the south facing windows. Luckily, my husband installed a powerful ceiling fan for when it heats up and my mother sewed layered fabric shades for each window that help keep the heat or cold out.

In addition to the generous daylight my studio has a walk in closet with almostโ€ฆ enough space for all my supplies, backgrounds, and blog photography props. Which brings us to storage –

STORAGE

Before you take a walk through your home to gather props you will need a plan to simplify the storage. I use totes, baskets, and bins for storing my โ€œgo toโ€ blog photography props. I store each group of items in a designated fabric or burlap basket.

It saves me a lot of time, instead of searching my home or closet for each item. It is not only organized, it is also in near armโ€™s reach from my studio table I shoot on. This makes for a more enjoyable, stress free photography session.

10 Must Have Blog Photography Props

10 Must Have Blog Photography Props

#1 COLOR SCHEME

One of the first things I think of when planning or preparing a photo shoot is color. I consider how props will fit together with the color of my subject. If youโ€™re just starting your blog photography prop collection, start with neutrals. They are easy to mix and match with just about any subject.

When youโ€™re ready, starting choosing colorful props that are cohesive with your branding. What do you see a lot of on your blog, pinterest, or Instagram? Those are the colors you should add to your prop collection.

ย 10 Must Have Blog Photography Props

#2 VINTAGE FINDS

Think beyond your normal blog photography props. Is there something you already collect that could add character to a styled shoot? If it fits the mood or color scheme place it in your frame and see what you think.

10 Must Have Blog Photography Props

#3 TRAYS & LAYERING

When a subject lacks dimension or seems lost on the background I add layers. My staples for layering are culinary trays, muffin pans, cookie sheets, and cutting boards. ย You can also try sheet music, torn book pages, place-mats, or linens.

10 Must Have Blog Photography Props

#4 PEDESTAL STANDS

Another way to add dimension to an object or group of objects you are photographing is by adding height.ย  Pedestal stands are my favorite way to add height to a subject. I keep a handful in my studio and use a few more in my home for decorating. They happen to be very useful for keeping counter tops or desktops clean by placing a group of items you use often on the top.

10 Must Have Blog Photography Props

#5 RAW INGREDIENTS

A great method for adding depth and texture to blog photography is with raw ingredients.ย  If you are photographing a project or recipe texture you can use raw ingredients to tell your readers more than just how it looks. Is it soft to the touch, wet, tacky, or rough?

Adding a sense of touch to a photograph makes it more attractive. Try photographing the ingredients or supplies for your next blog post.

#6 MARBLE & TEXTURE

In addition, I incorporate marble it into styled shoots for extra interest without overpowering the subject. Marble boards are my staple blog photography prop or might we say addiction. I just canโ€™t have enough of them. ย They add a beautiful touch of texture and depth to any styled shoot.

10 Must Have Blog Photography Props - Linens

#7 LINENS

Additionally, linens and fabrics can create compelling textures in photographs. Linens not only add a sense of touch and dimension, they also add variegated shadows and lines. I look for neutral dish towels, dinner napkins, and place-mats. World Market is one favorite places to shop for linens! I also browse the occasional antique store for vintage scarves and doilies in addition to those I have inherited.

10 Must Have Blog Photography Props

#8 ARTISAN CLAY

So, weโ€™ve talked about color schemes, layering, adding height, and texture. But, what about the little details. They donโ€™t have to be in the spotlight, but gosh these artisan clay accessories by AZ + Airalee certainly can be! The delicate detail of clay is a beautiful background to handmade soaps and bath salts. Look for items with a handmade artisan touch to use a blog prop.

#9 FRESH FLOWERS AND GREEN FOLIAGE

While a arrangement of fresh flowers can certainly shine in the spotlight too, a little can go a long way. Try adding a few fresh flowers or a pop of green foliage to your next shoot. You truly donโ€™t need a large plant or an entire vase of flowers to take it up a notch. Just tuck them under the little details or into the edges of the framed shot.

10 Must Have Blog Photography Props - Lavender

#10 FRESH AIR

If an image looks to static, it needs a breath of fresh air. How do I add a breath of fresh air to styled shoot? Movement and little details are two methods I use to achieve it. I use rumpled linens, an open book, or most off fresh or dried herbs.

Sprinkling herbs across my styled shoot applies both methods. You can see an example of this my photographs of my Vanilla Lavender Linen Spray.

10 Must Have Blog Photography Props

What are your favorite blog photography props? Do you have any tips on storage? Do you need tips for styling your image for Instagram? Check out my 5 Ways to Style Instagram andย find a near dozen photography cheat sheets in the in the Life-n-Reflection Resource Library.



14 Comments

  1. Great tips and beautiful images! Have a fantastic weekend. ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Thanks Melissa, same to you!

  2. Pinned for future reference to your excellent photography tips. I’ve been blogging less than a year, and I am beginning to focus more on quality photography for my blog. I see more and more how important it is.
    Carol (“Mimi”) at Home with Mimi

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Thank you Carol, it’s true great photography can really make a difference in how far a blog post will go. It looks like have one of the most important steps and often the most difficult step of photography down; and this is white balance. Well done!

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Thanks Debra!

  3. These are beautiful tips! I tend to just take photos with a plain background and maybe some wildflowers, so I need to step my photos up a notch. I’ll be browsing around your site to see some of your tips in action…and then hitting the thrift shop! I’m pinning this!

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Thanks Jessica, the thrift shop is great place to go hunting for versatile photography props!

  4. Hi Jessica,
    I do have some props but they are pulled out of little cupboards and bins as needed. Thank you for the great ideas! Pinned to my Blogging 1,2,3 board. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Have a great day,
    Barb ๐Ÿ™‚

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Thanks Barb, same to you!

  5. Great tips and food for thought. I need to set up a space in my now cluttered room. I share sewing with my computer/craft room, but may need to adjust some things and try some of your tips. Thanks so much. And, your photography room sounds so lovely as well as your house and area outside. ~hugs ‘n giggles~ for a great week ahead.

    Peabea@Peabea Scribbles

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Thank you Patricia, you should! Set up in front of a window in your craft room for best results.

    1. lifenreflection says:

      Thanks Noele!

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *