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Easy Prop Ideas for Your Next Photoshoot



11/24/2020

Easy Prop Ideas for Your Next Photoshoot

There are two kinds of people in this world: people who are a real natural in front of the camera and those who are not. I’ll be honest, I used to be the latter. But these days, I often get asked how to pose in photos and honestly, after years of photoshoots, it has become second nature at this point. My number one tip is to always keep moving throughout the shoot. However, I’ve also found that using props helps me feel less awkward and gives my hands some purpose.

Sometimes I will pose for a photo but have no clue what to do with my dang limbs! Insert the prop. Props can be cheesy, but I’ve found a couple that can be naturally worked into an image. My tried-and-trued favorites are listed below and I’ve added in a few pictures of these examples. Hope this will help a little bit for your next photoshoot! Most of all, don’t forget to have fun!

 

Flowers

Flowers have, in the past, been my go-to prop, especially in the spring. I love wrapping mine up in brown paper (like they were just purchased from the farmers market!) or adding them in my bag for a pretty accent.


 

Cameras

I know it seems to be a bit goofy to be holding a camera while getting your photo taken, but this has proven to be one of my favorite and most unique props, especially if you have a cool looking vintage camera like a polaroid or film camera.

 

Food

Looking for a fun vibe in your photos? Add food! This is my favorite prop for obvious reasons! Throw it up in the air, make a funny face, and eat it all. It’s impossible not to laugh during these photos which means you’ll have the perfect all-natural shot.


 

Newspaper

I always have an old newspaper on hand during my photoshoots. It’s a simple prop that can change an entire photo. This is also a good prop for announcement type photos, where you can caption your post “breaking news” or “hot off the press”.


 

A Cup of Coffee

Last year, I purchased a reusable Starbucks coffee cup (seen below) and it has been one of my best investments yet! This is another prop I always try to have on hand during photoshoots because it makes what would be a basic picture of me standing in the street, just a little more different than the rest. Purchase your own reusable cup here!

Mugs are also great for morning/breakfast shots or travel-related pictures.


 

Hats

Hats may not seem like a prop, but they give your hands something to do, whether you’re holding it with one hand or throwing it up in the air.


 

Books

We all have a coffee table book or two and these totally come in handy for photos! Find a book that’s color matches your outfit or stack up your entire collection.


 

Bags

Last but not least, the easiest of them all. When in doubt, grab a bag and swing it around. This will feel so natural and, of course, complete your cute look.


 

Check out more of my favorite random props below!

14 Comments CATEGORIES / Blogging, Lifestyle

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Comments

  1. Morgan Klein says

    04/20/2020 at 12:13 pm

    This post is amazing! I am always trying to think of what props I can add to my pictures. So many good ideas here. Thanks for sharing!!

    Reply
  2. Mollie says

    04/20/2020 at 12:20 pm

    Omg you are the prop queen!! Flowers and coffee are definitely my go-to’s, but I think its time to expand! I need to try using some new ones!

    xx Mollie

    Reply
  3. Laura Leigh says

    04/20/2020 at 1:41 pm

    Okay HI I love this post! You’re inspiring me to change up my props. I’ve been using books a little too often lately haha. Need to spice it up! And omg I miss our trip to the beach and those amazing cupcakes!

    http://louellareese.com

    Reply
  4. Lizzie says

    04/20/2020 at 1:41 pm

    What a fun post! I love all of your props! My favorite props are accessories, flowers and all of my vintage things (especially for product shots!).

    Lizzie
    http://www.lizzieinlace.com

    Reply
  5. Rach says

    04/20/2020 at 2:39 pm

    This post is so helpful Hillary! I’m running out of ideas for my photos and this props list is inspiring me!

    http://www.rdsobsessions.com

    Reply
  6. rebecca says

    04/20/2020 at 2:50 pm

    okay i definitely needed this post!! especially for creating at home. I have been running out of ideas! thanks for sharing, gf.

    xx rebecca // thecrystalpress.com/blog

    Reply
  7. Morgan says

    04/20/2020 at 4:22 pm

    The QUEEN of dresses, props, and cuteness factor!!

    -Morgan
    the HER chronicles [] http://theherchronicles.com

    Reply
  8. Stephanie says

    04/20/2020 at 8:43 pm

    Props = the blogger’s best friend. I mean, really! They make photos so much more interesting. I find myself floundering and doing the same 4 poses when I’m prop-less haha. I usually reach for bags/coffee/books! These are awesome inspiration photos too. You’re so creative!

    Reply
  9. Kileen says

    04/20/2020 at 8:48 pm

    These prop ideas are so cute and so perfect!! I’ve always loved the vintage camera use in my pictures as well!!

    Kileen
    cute & little

    Reply
  10. Sarah Lindner says

    04/21/2020 at 7:56 am

    Love all the photos…all so cheerful and playful. Simple props with big impact, I love it! xoxo, Sarah

    Reply
  11. Dana Mannarino says

    04/21/2020 at 1:42 pm

    You’re literally the prop QUEEN! So freakin’ creative, ALWAYS!

    Dana | The Champagne Edit 

    Reply
  12. Mercy says

    04/22/2020 at 4:00 am

    Love your photos from the outfits to the props and backdrops!

    http://www.busyandfab.com

    Reply
  13. Anna English says

    04/24/2020 at 9:10 am

    Such a cute post! Flowers and drinks are always my go-to prop of choice!

    Reply
  14. Kaitlyn says

    05/01/2020 at 4:38 pm

    YOU’RE KILLING IT WITH THE PROPS! YOUR PICTURES ARE BEAUTIFUL!! THANKS FOR THE PROP SUGGESTIONS.

    Kaitlyn @ Oh, the Places We’ll Go!

    Reply

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