No prop budget? No problem!
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Perhaps you are just starting out with no money to put towards a prop budget. Or maybe you just need a few photos here and there and spending money on food photography props simply doesn’t make sense.
Even if you have a prop budget, who doesn’t want to save money and have a few extra items to work with?
I have so many items in my prop collection that I first purchased for an everyday use. By keeping a watchful eye you can shop smart and buy things that will serve a dual purpose.
This means that you are essentially building your prop collection for free!
Below is a list of times to look for. I use these items all the time to style creative images for myself and for my clients. When you aren’t using them in the day-to-day, grab them for your photo set-up and create some killer food and product images.
Terra cotta pot bottoms
That plate (or bowl) under a terra cotta pot that catches drained water? Grab it and wipe it down. The smaller, flat versions are great for garnishes. One with a deeper edge (those from IKEA are excellent) can be used as a shallow bowl.
Yogurt and pudding jars
Finally, we have more options for glass yogurt jars in the States. The next time you need yogurt, opt for a few of these. Wash the jars in the dishwasher. You can use something like Goo Gone if the labels are difficult to remove. They are perfect for sauces and dressings. A similar option are pudding and dessert jars. I’ve been seeing more and more of these at Costco.
Jam and mustard sample jars
You know the little jars that jams and condiment samples come in? Keep those, clean them up, and put spices or nuts in them for your set.
Berry baskets
When you buy berries and other produce at the farmers market, ask the vendor if you can keep the basket they are displayed in. Most of the time the answer will be yes.
Reusable bags of all kinds
I’m big on making an effort to reduce plastic so I have all types of bags for produce, carrying groceries, and picking fruits and vegetables. White mesh, canvas, knitted bags - these can all styled into photos.
Amazon packing paper
You know the kind. All that brown paper that comes stuffed in that huge Amazon box with one small item in it. Yeah, that. Keep it. Brown paper can replace plates and platters for cookies and bars, trail mixes, sandwiches, breads and baked goods, and chips or fries.
Bed and bath storage containers
Many of the items used for the bed and bath as storage solutions can serve as props. I have some small bamboo boxes and I can use the lids or the whole box. Some soap dishes can even work as small plates.
Chunky sweaters
Not kidding. I have an Instagram photo coming up soon that uses a chunky sweater my mom made for me to create a cozy coffee scene.
Books
I know vintage books in photos are a bit of the rage, but you can use new books to create an interesting set, too. Just remove the jacket and you’ll have a clean, crisp, colored or white surface to stack a hot drink or cocktail on for a beautiful shot.
Scarves
I can’t tell you how many times I’ve used a scarf as a linen in a shot. Lacey, silky and flowy, plaid, flannel, solid, print - they can all work.
While I know that this won’t give you a complete prop collection, it does provide some no-cost options when you have a limited prop budget, or no budget at all. Keeping these types of things in mind for photography gets the creativity flowing and you’ll start looking at everything in your home or shop in a different light.
Now go search around the house and see what you can find!
Need some creative inspiration? Grab a copy! A helpful guide with information that can be applied to all types of food and product photography!
