You do not need to have props to be a good photographer, but sometimes they can be helpful in order to enhance your photography and build your skills. Having props can give character to your photos and add interest. Also, props can help you tell the purpose behind your story efficiently (it's important to know when to use props because too many can distract from the story you are trying to tell!). Here are my top photography props that can get your creative juices flowing!
1. LIGHTS
Lights can be a good way to set the tone of your picture--ranging from horror to carefree. Props such as candles, lightbulbs, flashlights, fire, sparklers, headlights, and even neon signs can help bring different colors to make your photo POP! If you don't feel like spending a lot of money, you can always turn to natural sunlight and play around with the times of day you shoot in: morning, afternoon, golden hour, and nighttime.
2. GLASS
Glass is reflective and can illuminate different or multiple perspectives when shooting. Some examples include windows, glasses (cups or eyeglasses), glass shards (which can highlight parts of things such as a part of a person or object), and mirrors.
3. FLOWERS
Flowers are my favorite prop to use because you can get them for free simply by going outside to a field or even finding a small section of flowers in your neighborhood. They are usually used in celebration of something (especially bouquets) such as birthdays, weddings, and anniversaries and they are known to symbolize happiness. However, you can portray wilted flowers or fake ones to convey the opposite effect as well!
4. WATER
Water does not seem like a prop, but it can be used in many ways to convey your purpose! Some examples include any body of water (like oceans, lakes, pools...etc) baths, showers, rain, puddles, fountains, bubbles (water and soap, so technically it counts), and more!
5. ACCESSORIES
Especially if you are a fashion or portrait photographer, accessories are essential to highlight and add character to your photo! Accessories such as eyewear, scarves, jewelry, headwear, and other small items can add more detail and shift the atmosphere of your photo.
6. SMOKE
Adding smoke can enhance your photo and add to its' character. Smoke can create a sense of mystery or secrecy within your photo. It can also showcase destruction. Examples include smoke from fires (like candles or bonfires), smoke bombs, and fog (it's not smoke exactly, but it can be a free alternative).
Leave a comment down below of your favorite prop to use, I'd love for all of us to inspire each other with our art! And remember that it's not what prop it is, it's how you use it.
xx,
Gabriella