If you want your product or food photography to stand out, adding props is a great way to do it. Props can help set the scene, add color and texture, and even tell a story.
In this blog post, I will share 17 product photography prop ideas that will allow you to create beautiful product photography.
17 Best Product Photography Props in 2023
#1. Backdrops
A backdrop is a great way to add color, texture, and interest to your product photos. You can buy backdrops or make your own out of fabric, paper, or even wallpaper. Backdrops are also a great way to add dimension to your product and food photography. By using a backdrop, you can make your product photos look more realistic and professional.
Here are some tips for choosing the right product photography backdrops:
- Consider the colors in your product. You want to choose a backdrop that will complement the colors in your product. Remember, the choosing right background for your photo is very important!
- Consider the texture of your product. If your product is textured, you may want to choose a backdrop that has a similar texture.
- Consider the size of your product. You will want to choose a backdrop that is large enough to fit your product.
- Consider the style of your product. You will want to choose a backdrop that matches the style of your product. For example, if your product is vintage, you may want to choose a backdrop with a vintage pattern. On the other hand, if your product is modern, you may want to choose a more contemporary backdrop.
- Consider the mood of your product. You will want to choose a backdrop that matches the mood of your product. For example, if your product is playful, you may want to choose a brightly colored backdrop. On the other hand, if your product is elegant, you may want to choose a more subdued backdrop.
#2. Geometric Blocks and Shapes
Geometric blocks and shapes are a great way to add interest and dimension to your product photos. They are also very easy to use! Simply place the blocks next to your product and you’re done!
Pro tips:
- You can paint over geometric photography props to make them even more visually appealing and unique.
- Try placing geometric blocks in front and at the back of the subject, you are photographing to create a more complex and dynamic look in your product photography photos.
As you can see, geometric blocks are a must-have product photography props and in situations where you run out of composition ideas, they can be used to quickly create dynamic and interesting photo compositions.
#3. Greenery Leaf Props
Greenery leaf props are a must-have product photography props. You can use these photography props in pretty much every situation simply by placing a leaf into the vase behind or next to the product, or by simply placing greenery leaf props next to the actual subject in the frame.
You can also use greenery leaf photography props to create beautiful shadows in your photos. For example, take a palm leaf and place it next to the light source (natural light from the window or studio light) and it will automatically create beautiful shadows in your product photos.
Pro tip: try to experiment with the shadow by placing the leaf closer or further from the light source. The closer you place the leaf to the light source, the more defined the shadow will be. The further you place the leaf from the light source, the more diffused the shadow will be.
As you can see, greenery leaf props are versatile product photography props that can be used in a variety of ways to create beautiful and professional-looking product photos.
#4. Vases and Planters
By adding different vases and planters with various textures and structures, you can create additional depth to your product photos.
If you are on a budget, try collecting vases and planters from garage sales or flea markets. You can also find vases and planters at thrift stores or online second-hand stores.
By shopping around for vases and planters, you can find some great deals that will help you save money.
If you are looking for vases and planters specifically for product photography, there are a few things to keep in mind.
- Make sure the vase or planter is clean and free of any dirt or debris.
- Choose vases and planters that are neutral in color and not too brightly colored.
- Select vases and planters that are the appropriate size for the product you are photographing. By following these tips, you can ensure that your vases and planters will complement your product photography compositions.
Pro tip: you can use vases and planters as a unique pedestal for your product and food photography by placing the vase upside down. This will give your product photos a unique look that will make them stand out from the rest.
By using vases and planters in your product photography, you can create beautiful and budget-friendly compositions.
#5. Transparent Acrylic props
If you are looking for transparent props, then acrylic blocks are a great option. They come in different shapes and sizes, which gives you plenty of options to choose from. You can use them to create simple or complex compositions, depending on your needs. Acrylic blocks are also very affordable, making them a great option if you are on a budget.
One of the great things about transparent acrylic props is that they can be used in a variety of ways. You can use them as a pedestal for your product, or you can place them at different heights to create a more dynamic composition. You can also use them to create shadows in your product photos.
Pro tip: when using transparent acrylic props, make sure that the props are clean and free of any fingerprints or smudges.
#6. Coffee Table Books and Magazines
Lifestyle product photography frequently involves the use of magazines and books. Product images and flat lay photography that are meant to be used on social media or in advertisements usually include fashion publications and novels. A stylish cover on a magazine or book may make your product photo seem more high-end. Additionally, having an open publication next to the subject might give additional lines that draw eye attention to the product and create a focal point in your product photo.
Consider what types of media might appeal to your target audience and help you tell your brand’s story. This is a simple approach to creating emotive flat lay photography using elements of visual storytelling. If your company’s slogan is “self-care,” go for some motivational, inspiring books with prominent quotations and readings. Alternatively, if your brand is high-end and glamorous, using well-known fashion magazines would be a better option.
#7. Mirrors
Mirrors can be used to give a simplistic touch to a photo while also providing another view of the item. They’re good for product shots with cosmetics, fragrances, and so on.
One way to use a mirror in product photography is to place the mirror behind the product. This will create a reflection of the product and can add an interesting element to the composition.
Another way to use a mirror is to place it beneath the product. This will create a reflection of the product and can add an interesting element to the composition.
Mirrors in the product photography are also used to reflect light from the light source. This can be used to create a soft, diffused light in your product photography.
To reflect light from a mirror, place the mirror next to the product and angle it so that the light hits the product.
#8. Natural Stones, Rocks, and Pebbles
Product photographs with stones and pebbles are extremely popular on social media platforms such as Instagram and Pinterest. They’re utilized in product photography compositions to add texture and make products seem more intriguing. Stones and bricks are frequently used in product images of items with smooth surface, such as perfume, luxury watches, and jewelry.
One way to use stones as a product photography prop is to create a background with them. This can be done by placing the stones on a surface and then placing the product on top of the stones.
Another way to use stones in product photography is to create a foreground with them. This can be done by placing the stones at the back of the product.
You can shop for stones, rocks, and pebbles for product photography at garden and hardware stores.
Pro tip: If you are looking for black sand as in the photo example above, you can get it at any store that sells aquariums.
#9. Textile and Fabrics
Textiles and fabrics are commonly utilized to create stunning and layered flat lay photography. Textiles and fabrics are frequently used in food photography and to photograph beauty items such as fragrances, creams, and luxury goods like jewelry.
One way to use textiles and fabrics in product photography is to drape them over the product. This can be done by placing the fabric behind the product and then letting it fall over the product.
Another way to use textile and fabrics in product photography is to lay them on a flat surface and then place the product on top of the fabric. This creates a beautiful and unique background for your product and increases the perceived value of your product in the eyes of a consumer. You can find great fabrics in many different and bright colours at any home décor store or buy them online.
Pro tip: When choosing textile and fabrics for your product or food photography, remember to consider the colour scheme of the product. If you want to learn more about color psychology, you can read about it in our article: 8 Useful Tips to Improve Your Lifestyle Product Photography.
#10. Acrylic Splash Tray
Acrylic splash trays have recently become very popular in product photography because they enable you to produce genuinely stunning product photos by placing items inside of a tray with water and making product photos with stunning water reflections.
To use an acrylic splash tray in product photography, simply place your product inside the tray and then add water. You can angle the product to create different reflections. You can find ready-made clear acrylic splash trays for water photography online (or buy a fish tank instead).
#11. Tinsel and cellophane
Many product photographers utilize tinsel and cellophane as a backdrop in their flat-lay photography. The reflection created by tinsel is very distinctive and intriguing, and product pictures with tinsel appear really unique.
Tinsel can be found in any party store and cellophane can be purchased at most craft stores. Simply place tinsel beneath the product to create a very inexpensive product photography backdrop with an interesting reflection. Remember, the best product photography props don’t have to break the bank, and photography props, such as tinsel can be used to create truly stunning product photography.
#12. Dried flowers
Naturally dried flowers can be a beautiful addition to a flat lay photo shoot. Lay them strategically in place with your photo subject and you’ll have an added point of interest to highlight a unique photograph. You may put a soft feminine touch on a product photo of any subject, whether fashion, craft or stationery, with some naturally dried flowers.
Pro tip: If you’re photographing fresh natural flowers, tie them together in a group with a thread after the shoot and hang them upside down in your photo studio. It takes several weeks to fully dry out. When you can’t obtain fresh flowers, these naturally dried flowers are a wonderful alternative! Naturally dried flowers retain their beauty even after they’ve been dried and can be used over and over again.
#13. Pink Himalayan Salt
Pink Himalayan salt can be used as a product and food photography prop. It creates a beautiful and natural-looking background. You can use it in two ways: either by placing the product on top of the salt or by using it as a foreground element by sprinkling it around the product.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly product photography prop, consider using pink Himalayan salt. It’s a natural and beautiful way to add interest to your product photos. Plus, it’s easy to use and you can find it at most health food stores or online. Give it a try the next time you need a product photography prop!
#14. Acrylic Ice Cubes
Oftentimes product photographers need to take photos of various beverages using ice cubes. Real ice cubes are not very easy to work with on product photography photosets as they tend to melt down very quickly. This is especially problematic if you need to create a very detailed product photo using the photo stacking technique.
Instead of using real ice cubes, you can purchase fake acrylic ice cubes which look very good in the photos and don’t melt. You can find them in some home décor stores or buy them online.
#15. Micro Fairy lights
Fairy lights are excellent for photographs, but they can be bulky and difficult to wrap around products, so these wire microlights are ideal. You may even wrap them around items! They emit just enough light to give your product photos a bit of extra sparkle without being too overbearing.
These microlights are very inexpensive and can be on Amazon. Give them a try the next time you need a product photography prop.
#16. Gift Boxes
Gift boxes make great product photography props because they can be used in many different ways. You can use them to create a flat lay product photo or place the product inside the box for a more traditional product photo.
If you’re looking for an affordable and versatile product photography prop, consider using gift boxes. You can usually find them at your local dollar store or online.
#17. Textured panels
Textured panels are one of our favorite props for product photography. They can be used to add additional depth to your product photos and they are relatively inexpensive product photography props. You can buy them at any hardware store.
Pro tip: Want to add additional uniqueness to your textured panel? Use spray paint to paint over the textured panel to get an even more unique look for your product photography composition.
Conclusion
In this article, we discussed 17 favorite product photography prop ideas and showed you that the best product photography props don’t have to be expensive. In fact, there are plenty of ways to get creative and make your own props on a budget. These 17 ideas should give you plenty of inspiration for how to style your product photos and make them look professional without breaking the bank. So get out there start shooting and impress your product photography clients and potential customers.
