Using Props in Photography

We’ve all seen them--the cute baby wrapped up in an embroidered baby blanket or the family portrait where everyone is wearing a Santa hat. Props can lend so much to a photo. Let’s take a look at how props can enliven your photographs.

A good thing to remember when using props is that they should always enhance the photograph, never detracting too much attention away from your subject. Just take a look through the camera and ask yourself, is the eye drawn to the subject first, and prop(s) second? If it is, then you know you’re on the right track.

A few questions to ask yourself when selecting props…

• Does it enhance, without overpowering, your subject?
• Does it help tell a story?
• Are the colors, patterns, size, etc. clashing with your subject?

Now go and take a good look around your house. You probably have more props waiting for you to get creative than you realize. A prop can be something that is significant to you or your subject, or it can be something as simple as a dining room chair. Some suggestions to get you started:

• Large basket with a fluffy blanket for small babies
• Seasonal items such as Santa hats, pumpkins, Easter eggs, a dreidel
• Wagon
• Small flower, or flower petals
• Cute little bench or stool
• Angel wings
• Sports equipment
• A child’s favorite stuffed animal or blanket
• American flag
• Rocking chair
• Washtub for toddlers and babies

Props don’t always have to be something like the objects I’ve listed above. Remember to think outside of the box as well. The best part about using props is that you can get as creative as you want. Some examples…

• Use mom’s or dad’s arms to prop up a newborn baby
• Have your subject lean against an old, beautiful tree
• Use mom’s and dad’s hands to form a heart over mom’s pregnant belly
• Draw a heart in the sand, and have your subject(s) stand or sit in it

These are just a few thoughts to get you started. Don’t limit yourself…Get creative. Just because you haven’t seen your idea in the window of your local portrait studio doesn’t mean it’s not a great idea. Just like in scrapbooking, we all love to try new things and put our own spin on art. Let that carry over into your photography as well. Have some fun with it!

All photos and article by Jessinga