Household Props to Make Your Photos Pop

Whether I am photographing something for the blog or photographing for a client, I always try to use things around the house to add a little something to the photos. Adding something personal gives a little more meaning to the photos.

By using household props, you don’t have to spend a ton of money. There are  a lot of props out there that I would love to have but I don’t want to spend the money on. After all, they are only props. They may only be used once or twice. You don’t have to spend a lot to grow your prop collection!

Most of these props are probably sitting in your living room or out in the garage or maybe in the attic. But keep in mind, you don’t want to add too many props in your photo. Don’t go overboard! Don’t use something that will take away or distract your viewer from the subject. Add something simple to enhance your subject!

7 Household Props to Make Your Photos Pop

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Wooden Crate

You may not have this laying around the house but you can pick up a wooden crate {inexpensively} at a craft store. I stained mine for an aged look and I love how it came out.

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Not only can you prop a baby up in the crate, you can flip it over and use it as a stool.

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I have also used it as a backdrop for some food photography.

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Baskets

Baskets are always great to contain a newborn or wiggly 6 month old. For whatever reason, they love to sit in them and you can get the shot! Baskets are also great to use when photographing things like spools of yarn, leaves, or apples.

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Books

Last year, I was on the hunt for some vintage books for a back to school session. I picked up a whole set of books for about $10. You can also incorporate your child’s favorite book to capture their current likes.

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Tablecloth or Placemat

Tablecloths or placemats are an easy background to your food photography! I find a lot of mine at the dollar store or on clearance at Target. I have so many now that I keep them in a box. You can change them up for the seasons or to match your subject. Most of the food photos on the blog have some type of placemat or tablecloth in the backdrop!

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Textured Blanket

I don’t know what I have more of, baskets or blankets. I am always on the lookout for blankets when I am out shopping. I look for muted colors and texture! Texture is great for newborn sessions as they make a great backdrop to a sleeping baby.

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Or stack up some baby blankets and place your baby on top, a la Princess and the Pea. This photo was extra special because the blankets were Mom’s, Dad’s, and baby’s.

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I will also use blankets when doing sessions outside. Some kids just do not like sitting in the grass! I will put a waterproof blanket down first and then add my fun blanket on top. I especially love the green blanket below. It works well in the grass and doesn’t take away from my families.

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Chair

Most people would have thrown this chair out or repainted it. Not me! I love the chipped paint and faded colors. This reminds me that I need to fix it {a little wood glue goes a long way} so that I can use it in my Spring sessions.

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Rug

Just like a textured blanket can make a great backdrop so can a textured rug. I picked this rug up at Ross on clearance for only $4! I was going to attempt and make my own but at only $4 I couldn’t pass it up.

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Looking for more props? Dye your own cheesecloth!

How to Dye Cheesecloth for

 

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8 Comments

  1. My husband laughs at my box of mismatched place mats! lol Thanks for these tips. I really wish we lived close!! I love your photos.

  2. I need to pick up more placemats! I also use wrapping paper sometimes… it was perfect for Christmas food shots!

  3. I’m with Brandi on the spring thing!

    I found wooden crates at Home Depot back in January. I wonder if the kids will notice if I swipe one…JoAnn Fabrics has them, too.

    One of my favorite photos of my 3rd son is one of him in a basket. I put him outside in front of our front porch stairs. He thought it was such fun.

  4. Looooove that pink rug! All the props are great but that’s my favorite, it makes the newborn seem so comfy and perfectly happy.

  5. for fabric to use as napkins or “tablecloths” I like to buy fat quarters at Joanns. They go on sale for $1 and come in hundreds of colors and patterns. They are big enough to cover a small table or roll up into a napkin or stuff into a basket as a liner but small enough to store easy. Space is my biggest issue.

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