How to Choose Props for Product Photography

Ah, propping. Choosing the right props for your product photography may seem like a minor detail, but take my word for it: props can make or break a brand photograph. Here in my Chicago product photography studio, I have an entire storage unit devoted to props—stacks of plates, more cocktail glasses than you can imagine, and all sorts of plant matter.

You probably aren't staring at a prop closet, and that's totally okay. Don't go running to the store. Don't panic. If there's one thing I've learned, it's this: you don't need to spend a lot of money on props for product photography. Actually, I’m willing to bet that you have the props you need (if you need them at all!) in your home, ready to go.

First, decide what strategy you're going to use to prop your photo, then style the photo so you make the most of the props you have. It's that easy!

Heavy Propping vs. Light Propping

Depending on which type of product photography you're aiming to shoot (check out our Product Photography 101 post here if you're not sure!), you'll either need to include heavy use of props or light use of props.

It's rare that you'll need a prop for a traditional packaging shot. Packaging shots are usually taken against a clean, white background, and distractions are kept to a minimal. Depending on the interface you're using to sell your product online, there may even be standards and guidelines that you need to follow for these types of photos. Here's an example:

This product photo is focused on the packaging and is meant to show how the product looks to retailers and online shoppers. I used minimal props because the photo didn't need props to do its job. Purpose informs props.

If you're shooting a lifestyle photo, you'll likely need to be incorporating more props into your photo than for a packaging shot. Why? Because as I discussed in a previous post, Lifestyle Photography 101, the goal of a lifestyle photograph is to feature your product in a natural setting. I can't speak for every product on the market, but I’m pretty sure that the natural setting for most products isn't in a white box. Using a couple of props, like in the photo below, I can tell a story about the product that will motivate consumers to engage with the content.

Choosing Props for Product Photography

So what props are you going to choose for your product photos? A lot depends on the style of the brand itself. I’ll talk more about how to find your brand's visual style in another post, but what you need to know for now is what sort of message you're trying to convey in your photos.

If you're communicating that your high-end, vegan skincare products are worth $80 per bottle, for example, it's important to use props that will reinforce that message. You should select props that would appear in a high-end spa or glamorous bathroom. On the other hand, if you're promoting your family-friendly new boxed macaroni and cheese, you'll want to use props that would appear in a family kitchen.

Good Props for Product Photos

So what are the best props to use in product or brand photography? I'd be lying if I said I had a one-size-fits-all answer for you, but I do have a few favorites that I use in many of my product photography shoots in Chicago.

• Plants: I wish I knew why, but I LOVE using plants in product photography. Whether it's to show the natural aspect of a product, to add a pop of color to the background of a scene, or to create an interesting shadow, plants are an easy way to add a prop element to any product photograph.

• Simple Backdrops: A simple, textured backdrop can become a prop if you choose wisely. While you don't want a texture that overwhelms the product, a backdrop can add an element of interest and dimension to your photos. Another trick I love? Using a solid color as the background to incorporate striking contrast into a photo.

• Light: This may seem like a cheap trick, but way back when I learned it from my friend Sam, it changed the game. Here in my studio, I have a couple of artificial lights I love, but if you're not ready to spend the money to get there, just slide your set-up into the sun and let the shadows do the work for you.

There's not a single prop in this photo, but the shadows created by the light emphasize the product (the wine) while adding interest.

Choosing props for product photography can be daunting, but it shouldn't be! Just think about the purpose of the photo, the visual identity of the brand, and what you already have hanging around.