Photography props and accessories can add depth, context, and personality to your photos. Whether you’re shooting portraits, products, or creative projects, using unique props and accessories can take your photography to the next level. Here’s a list of versatile props to inspire your next photoshoot, along with tips on how to use them effectively.
1. Mirrors
Mirrors can add depth and interesting reflections to photos, creating a sense of duality or framing a subject in a unique way. For portraits, try placing a mirror at an angle to capture both the subject’s face and profile, or use smaller mirrors for fun reflections in product photography. Mirrors come in all shapes and sizes, making them incredibly versatile for any style.
2. Fairy Lights and String Lights
Fairy lights bring a magical, cozy atmosphere to portraits, product shots, and even landscapes. Use them to create a soft bokeh effect by positioning them close to the lens or drape them around the subject to add warmth and depth to your photos. String lights work beautifully for indoor shoots or nighttime photography, adding an ethereal glow.
3. Smoke Bombs
Smoke bombs are an excellent way to add a burst of color and drama to your photos. Available in various colors, they create a thick, smoky effect that’s ideal for outdoor portraits and creative shoots. Be mindful of safety when using smoke bombs, and always check for restrictions on their use in public spaces. Their fleeting nature makes every shot unique and dynamic.
4. Vintage Frames and Empty Picture Frames
Frames aren’t just for hanging photos; they’re great for adding a layer of depth to your compositions. Have your subject hold an empty picture frame to create a fun “frame within a frame” effect, or use vintage frames to add a touch of nostalgia. This prop works well for portraits and even for pet photography to draw focus to the subject.
5. Color Gels for Lighting
Color gels are translucent sheets that can be placed over lights to cast colored light. They allow you to create vibrant, creative lighting effects and are especially popular in portrait and product photography. Try using contrasting colors, like blue and orange, to add mood and dimension to your shots.
6. Glass Prisms
Glass prisms add a touch of whimsy by bending light and creating beautiful rainbows, flares, and reflections in your photos. By holding a prism in front of the lens, you can introduce unique distortions and add color gradients to your shots. This technique works well for portraits, landscapes, and abstract photography.
7. Fabric Backdrops
Fabric backdrops are a great way to add texture, color, and personality to a scene. From neutral tones to vibrant patterns, backdrops allow you to customize your setting. Fabrics like linen, velvet, and burlap can enhance portraits, while patterned fabrics make product shots stand out. Backdrops are lightweight and easy to switch out between shoots.
8. Flowers and Greenery
Natural elements like flowers, leaves, and branches add organic beauty to photos. Use flowers to frame a portrait or add depth to flat-lay shots, or place leaves in the foreground to create a natural vignette. The colors and textures of flowers bring a softness to portraits and product photography, perfect for romantic or nature-inspired themes.
9. Crystal Balls
Crystal balls are unique props that create an inverted view of the scene, adding a surreal twist to your shots. Perfect for landscapes and cityscapes, a crystal ball brings the background into focus in a new way. This prop is small, portable, and instantly adds creativity to a scene by capturing an entire world within a globe.
10. Chalkboards and Letter Boards
Chalkboards and letter boards are a fun way to incorporate text into your photos. Use them for product shoots, family portraits, or any scene where you want to add a personal message or title. They’re great for seasonal shoots, allowing you to add context or quotes to a scene, and they work well in lifestyle photography.
11. Balloons
Balloons add a celebratory feel to photos, making them ideal for birthday shoots, engagement sessions, and other festive occasions. Use different colors, shapes, and sizes to match the theme of the shoot. Balloons also work well for outdoor sessions as they create playful and whimsical vibes in the photos.
12. Fake Snow and Confetti
For winter scenes or celebration-themed photos, fake snow and confetti are perfect props. Sprinkle fake snow over objects or create a snow-filled scene indoors, or toss confetti for fun, celebratory shots. Both add texture, movement, and a festive touch, especially for holiday or New Year’s photos.
13. Vintage Suitcases and Trunks
Vintage suitcases and trunks bring a sense of adventure and nostalgia to portraits, travel photos, and styled shoots. Use them as seating props or stack them to add height to your composition. Suitcases also work well in themed shoots, adding a travel or “retro” feel that draws viewers into the story.
14. Textured Blankets and Throws
Blankets and throws add warmth and texture, making them ideal for cozy portraits or lifestyle shots. Draped over the shoulders of your subject or used as a background, they bring a sense of comfort and a natural, relaxed look. Knitted, faux fur, or quilted blankets each add a different style and feel.
15. Sunglasses and Accessories
Fun accessories like sunglasses, hats, or scarves can add personality to a portrait and help bring out your subject’s character. Try using sunglasses with different colored lenses or retro frames to give a playful, stylish twist to portraits. These small details bring uniqueness to a photo and can make your subject feel more comfortable in front of the camera.
Incorporating unique props and accessories into your photography can help you create one-of-a-kind images that tell a story. Whether it’s a colorful smoke bomb, a reflective mirror, or a cozy throw, each prop adds its own style and element to the scene. Experimenting with props not only enhances your creativity but also brings fresh perspectives and new life to every photoshoot.