If you're a new food blogger who wants pretty food photography props that don't cost too much or take up extra room, I've got all the basics you'll need to get started. And you may already have some of them!
I'm a lot of things, but a few traits that describe my cooking and food photography style are:
- I'm lazy, the easier the better
- I'm a wanna be minimalist. If something has multi-uses I'm sold. IE if I can use just one plate or use an item for real life cooking & food photography that's a game changer
- I'm cheap. Current income = near nothing (thanks to my *brave* decision to take my business to the next level and nearly quit my day job)
I've been taking food photos for about 4 years now. I remember when I first started, I felt this tug between needing to get lots of great props & wanting to save $$$ and space. I bought lots of fun colored props, towels, and stuff. And found that I only use about ⅓ of what I bought. Shoot! That doesn't align with my wanna be minimalist-ism and cheap ways. Not at all.
Over the years, I've instead shopped in my kitchen and photo cupboard before hitting the store. Here are a few of my fave kitchen items that photograph beautifully and that I still use in my kitchen:
Utensils.
using a fork to cut open a slice of whatever or a dessert adds interest. Take a look in your drawer for interesting looking utensils.
Parchment/brown paper.
This is my favorite easy way to add texture and interest without distracting from your food. Plus you've probably already got some lying around from an Amazon package.
Old baking sheets.
The rustier the better. Don't throw out those old baking sheets and instead tuck them away in your photography box. Like the parchment/brown paper, old baking sheets add texture and interest without distracting too much from your food.
Cutting boards.
I'm all about being practical for 2 reasons. 1. practical means looking around your pantry for photography props because it's less expensive. 2. I'm all for functional/practical photos, or however you'd call them. Essentially you're including props that your reader would actually use as they're preparing/serving your recipe. Show them how to use it
FOOD.
This is the easiest and best prop to use. Using ingredients/garnishes as a 'prop' is not only budget friendly, but it emphasizes what's in your recipe. Plus food looks interesting, it's a really easy way to add texture, color, and height to your photo
Pots & pans.
Why take your dish out of the pot/pan you made it in? I mean it's the worst when your food doesn't come out clean, and you've got a hot mess to photograph. Save yourself the stress and take your first photos in your cooking dish, then move it out. Also, if you've got an interesting dish or pan that you cooked in, even better!
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- My Biggest Food Photography Mistakes and how you can avoid them
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Let's get chatty:
- What are your favorite household props for food photography?
Emily @Sinful Nutrition says
Love all of these! I just need a bigger closet for all my props, haha!
Rebecca says
haha right?! me too
GiGi Eats says
I am LAZY! I don't have props! EVERYONE always tells me I should invest but UGHHHHH - I mean, people are JUST looking at the food, right? LOL! Oh man, if only that were ACTUALLY the case! I appreciate these tips though, showing me that maybe it's NOT as intimidating as I think?
Rebecca says
ahhh haha! well at least you've got dishes & things in your cabinets you can use. no need to go buy a bunch of other props (unless you wanna).
Abbey Sharp says
Definitely learned a few tricks thanks to this post! I think I have a food prop shopping addiction 🙂
Rebecca says
oh great! glad to hear, and I feel ya, every time I go somewhere that has dishware & have to just walk away haha! I literally have no space
Rachel says
You do have such pretty food photos. 🙂 In my old house I had the BEST lighting but no camera. Now I have an awesome camera and TERRIBLE lighting! Can't win. At least I have decent props!
Rebecca says
Thanks Rachel! and oh no! that's annoying! hopefully a good tripod would help you make the most of your current lighting situation
Deborah Brooks says
I've been working hard on my photos thanks for the tips!
Rebecca says
great! hope you find them helpful. you can also check out my other free resources 🙂
Kelly says
Such great tips. I have to pull out my old baking sheets more!
Rebecca says
thanks Kelly! and yes, they are the best
Jessica Levinson says
Thanks for sharing your tips! Great ideas for those just starting out and not wanting to pay a lot of money for props!
Rebecca says
absolutely! and so true, it can be overwhelming getting started
Chrissy says
Great tips! I use pretty much all of these. I also love Target's post-holiday sales (valentines day will be happening this weekend!) for finding fun props (colored napkins, treat cups, etc).
Rebecca says
girl you are a pro on all these levels! I'll have to hit up target this weekend too
Natalie says
This is exactly what I needed. Great tips. Thanks sooo much. It seems I need more pots and pans 😉
Rebecca says
ahh great to hear! and if you need an excuse, there it is 😉
Mikki says
Lots of great tips! I've been going to thrift stores and yard sales and finding lots of great stuff! The older the better. LOL.
Rebecca says
those are great places! yes!