Props for Food Photography - Tutorial #1

The popular subject among food bloggers is props. I got ton of emails with questions about where I buy them, how I handle them etc. I have decided to make today’s post about pots and spoons, crystals and silver. For starters, I must say, there can never be enough props, not for me, nor for any women on earth. We would like to have more beautiful things even if we got endless shelves already filled with them. So, let’s talk about it.



I am constantly on the outlook for new backgrounds with interesting textures. Anything can go - old windows and doors, wooden boxes, ceiling panels, even very old wallpaper. I have a story to tell you about one of my favorite green background. While driving through my neighborhood last spring on a rainy day I have noticed a gorgeous pile of old fence wood in someone’s trash. I’ve stopped and tried to put it in my trunk, but it was way too heavy. I have rushed home and as soon as my husband got home from work I have dragged him to see it -"Please come with me, I found it, it is perfect!" He was not too happy about the idea to begin with, but as soon as he has seen it the immediate response was “no way this junk goes to the car and definitely not to our house!” However, after some nagging he has reluctantly agreed to take it home. All the way back he grumbled and grouched how foul this old wood stinks and why we need to haul this trash around. However, at home this turned into fabulous wooden panel, rustic and beautiful as you can see here:



If you are looking for rustic backgrounds you may ask some farm owners for leftovers of wooden cases used for vegetables. I did. That is how I got another amazing rustic panel.



Also, I have painted some plain wood panels I have purchased from Home Depot for $20. Painted crackle is simple but beautifully looking effect.



Every time I go to local farmers market I look for old used wooden cases. They are usually free, you just need to ask.



One of the best backgrounds I have is very old baking sheet I have for about 10 years. Over time it has turned brown with perfect rust. If you really look around there are plenty of backgrounds everywhere and they don't cost a penny.

Another good idea is to buy very inexpensive artwork in Home Goods stores, next time check it out.



I use fabrics of different colors and textures. It is always helpful to have them washed and ironed before use. I never buy fabrics online because I must touch them first. You don't have to spend a lot or buy many yards. I shop at Craft stores and Thrift shops. Again, use your imagination, if you have an old sweater, you may cut out a peace and use it in your compositions. Old linens are perfect, any cotton fabric or silk, whatever fits your mood.



Another story I like to share with you, this time about very old coffee sack, it has become a perfect decadent accessory for my photos. Some time ago we went to small nearby artsy town of New Hope (historic Bucks County) to check out iron work and stone statuary for our front porch. In the local garden decorations shop we have met the owner (who happened to be major of the town) and his assistant, lovely 85th year old lady, who after a long chat has invited us for a cup of tea. Anyways, at the shop we have picked sneaky dragon statue that prior happened to decorate grounds of some old English castle. The owner has wrapped it in some old ripped coffee bag assuming we will just throw it away once we bring our purchase home. However, my husband who knows me really well, said “Oh no, my wife will surely use it for her photo shoots”. Voila, here it is:



Search around your house, I am sure you can find few treasures in far corners of cupboards or in old drawers chest.

Thrift stores and garage sales are real goldmine. For a very small amount of money you can get huge variety of items. Try to look for unique things reminiscent of your country, traditions, interests or the food you make. Do not buy every item you see, try first to imagine how you may be able to use it. Don’t buy large quantities of the same item, most likely you’d never end up using it. I am lucky to have Thrift store nearby where I am regular customer. Most of my stuff is from there and I have never spent more than $5 per store visit.

Here are a few shelves with my props. And yes - there's more -))



I also love to use in my compositions all kinds of garden finds. Twigs, leaves, berries, feathers, small stones – anything can go. These elements animate your picture, give it depth and make it more interesting, closer to nature. They grab viewer’s eye, add mood and define the season. For example in spring when everything blooms it is nice to add some yellow flowers and green branches, in fall red and yellow leaves, acorns and nuts make your picture warmer. Next time you walk in the park just look around!



Your opinion is very important to me. Let me know if this post was helpful at all and what would you like to discuss next time. Happy hunting!