The Importance of Props in Food and Product Photography - Unlimited Creative Assets As A Subscription

8/1/23, 12:05 PM The Importance of Props in Food and Product Photography - Unlimited Creative Assets as a Subscription
J A N UA RY 7, 2 0 2 2
The Importance of Props in Food

and Product Photography
P RO P S
We use cookies to analyze site usage and ensure a smooth browsing experience. By using this website, you
agree to our use of cookies. Learn more
https://www.joyce-leong.com/blog-food-photographer-sg/the-importance-of-props-in-food-and-product-photography/ 1/8
Let’s talk Props!

It is important but oh man the decisions are tough when it comes to deciding what to buy and use in
your shoot. While I try to ensure that I have a variety of props in my collection for clients to utilise
for their shoots, I do not have an endless amount of space or time or money to buy, organise and use
them all. Thus I do ask clients to either provide their own props if they do not see anything they like
in my existing collection. If they choose to ask me to source for props for their shoot, I charge a prop
sourcing fee and all props bought would belong to them after the shoot. Typically the lead time for
prop sourcing is 2 - 3 weeks especially if props are being purchased online and have to be shipped
over.
What constitutes as Props?

Props can be anything that will add meaning, tell a story, create layers, texture, balance and provide
visual interest in your image. Props range from the practical such as crockery, cutlery, tools,
garnishes or fresh ingredients used in the dish to the decorative such as a vase of flowers, plants,
books, paper, magazines to set the scene and create the mood to something special like traditional
tools or equipment or fabric that showcases your culture or way of life. Props serve an important and
practical aspect in food photography since we cannot serve soup on the table but would require a
vessel of sorts to hold it. Another practical prop would be fresh ingredients so that viewers know
what the soup is made out of. To set the mood and create a rustic homely dining table scene,
decorative elements such as an old wooden board to mimic the tabletop and fresh flowers in a vase
can be used as props. Something special could be a traditional pot used to make the soup and
including it as a prop would elevate the storytelling element in your photo.
Who uses Props?

Generally
We whoever
use cookies is styling
to analyze the
site usage food
and would
ensure be the
a smooth one using
browsing the props.
experience. On
By using thisbigger
website,shoots,
you there is a
separate prop stylist but for smaller shoots, the food stylist usually doubles up as the prop stylist. On
some shoots, sometimes the photographer or chef or marketing staff is doing the food styling thus
they will be using the props to enhance the scene and tell the story as encapsulated in the brief or
mood board.
Why are Props Important?

Very few dishes look great just on the table or ground with no container or vessel or surface to
contain it so functional props such as crockery or boards are a necessity rather than a splurge. An
exception is fresh produce or products where you may be able to get away with no props and
showcase it on its own for a minimalist look. With the addition of props that compliments your
food, you will find that your imagery gets transformed to tell a compelling story about your food.
As we often recreate the outdoors or create different sets in studio, props play a key role in setting
the scene, creating the vibes and transporting us to a different world that would evoke emotions such
as nostalgia or happiness that are closely linked to our food memories. Props affect our composition
as what we choose have an influence of how we are going to compose the various elements in our
frame.
Props help to add texture and depth, create layers and ensure balance in the frame which adds much
visual interest to the image and holds the attention of the viewer. It is likely that some of your props
are textured rather than smooth and that catches the light beautifully. Having props in the
foreground, centre and background creates much needed depth and makes the photo look more
three dimensional. Layering your props close to or with your food gives it visual weight and draws
the attention of the viewer. Props can also act as a way to balance up a visually heavy part in frame so
that the image looks more pleasing to the eye.
How to Choose Props?

The million dollar question of how to choose props has been asked and answered by many and here
is my thought process of what you need to consider when selecting your props for your shoot. Take
a look
We at yourtocreative
use cookies brief
analyze site or mood
usage board
and ensure or reference
a smooth browsingimages andByrun
experience. through
using theseyou
this website, questions
belowto to
agree ournarrow down Learn
use of cookies. yourmore
prop selection for your shoot.
PURPOSE
• Is the prop functional or decorative or special?
• Does the prop add texture or meaning to your story?

• Is this a hero prop that will work it’s magic in your frame?
• Does this prop work well with the other elements in the image?
COLOURS AND TEXTURE

• Is it light or dark or colourful?
• Is it shiny or matte?
• Is it smooth or textured?
• Are they versatile neutral colours or with patterns?
SHAPES, SIZES AND HEIGHT

• Does it reinforce or contrast from the shape of the food?
• Is it petite, small, medium, large or extra large?
• Is it short or tall?
• How does it work with the other elements in your image?
Where to Buy Props?

The best place to start is in your own kitchen as you probably have some pieces that you can easily
utilise for a shoot. Next, ask family, friends or relatives whether they have any crockery, cutlery,
tools, equipment that they wish to give away. Check out vintage or second hand shops, garage sales
or car boot sales to pick up unique and vintage pieces at a bargain. Lastly shop at retail stores or
online websites for pieces that you cannot find and are essential in your prop collection. Some of my
favourite places to shop at for affordable props are Daiso, Iuiga, Carousell, Ezbuy, Shopee and
Lazada. There are times whereby I just Google the prop that I wish to buy and see what pops up in
the search results. If you are good with your hands as you can make your own props that are project
specific and befitting of the brief. Or you may know someone who is a good crafter and can make
those props for you.
Ending Note
Props have their place in food and product photography and choosing the right props forms part of
the planning process. Drop me an email if you have any burning questions about props which were
not answered in this post. Follow along on my Instagram and I would love to connect with you
through my email list
P RO P S , F O O D P H O T O G R A P H Y , P RO D U C T P H O T O G R A P H Y
Related Posts
All you Need to Know about Backgrounds and Surfaces

J U LY 2 3 , 2 0 2 2 — P RO P S
$6 DIY Vinyl Backdrops

J U LY 2 3 , 2 0 2 2 — P RO P S
10 Napkin Styling Ideas in Food Photography

S E P T E M B E R 4 , 2 0 2 2 — S T Y L I N G · P RO P S
© 2023 JLS Pte Ltd

The Importance of Props in Food and Product Photography - Unlimited Creative Assets As A Subscription

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

You might also like

The Importance of Props in Food and Product Photography - Unlimited Creative Assets As A Subscription

Uploaded by

Document Information

Original Description:

Original Title

Copyright

Available Formats

Share this document

Share or Embed Document

Sharing Options

Did you find this document useful?

Is this content inappropriate?

Copyright:

Available Formats

The Importance of Props in Food and Product Photography - Unlimited Creative Assets As A Subscription

Uploaded by

Copyright:

Available Formats

8/1/23, 12:05 PM The Importance of Props in Food and Product Photography - Unlimited Creative Assets as a Subscription

The Importance of Props in Food

Let’s talk Props!

What constitutes as Props?

Who uses Props?

Why are Props Important?

How to Choose Props?

• Does the prop add texture or meaning to your story?

COLOURS AND TEXTURE

• Are they versatile neutral colours or with patterns?

SHAPES, SIZES AND HEIGHT

• How does it work with the other elements in your image?

Where to Buy Props?

All you Need to Know about Backgrounds and Surfaces

$6 DIY Vinyl Backdrops

10 Napkin Styling Ideas in Food Photography

© 2023 JLS Pte Ltd

You might also like