Beginner Food Photography Props
Even though you don’t need hundreds of fancy props to become a good food photographer, there are a few that will really up your photography game and create more interesting images.
Small White Plates
White plates are a staple in food photography! I use them in pretty much every photo. When you use a larger plate, it can make the food look disproportionate and odd in the photo. The smaller, the better. But another thing to keep in mind is to choose matte plates so that they don’t cause reflections in the photo. Click the link above to buy the same plates that I like to use!
Linen Napkin
The second item I use all the time are linen napkins. It's good to have a few different colours and patterns; white, black, striped, etc.. However, it is important to make sure that when placing these into a display, not to let them take the focus away from the subject. Sometimes patterned napkins can really clash over a patterned backdrop. The largest size of napkins are usually best because they are easier to move around and work with.
Book Pages
I first saw this idea on @RosslynMaria's Instagram page. You rip pages out of an old book, drip coffee on them and crumple them up so they look even older. This prop is great if you want the photo to look a bit more rustic and ‘lived in’.
Flowers
Real flowers look amazing if you have them but there are some pretty good artificial ones available now too and I often use them myself. Again, like smaller plates are better, smaller flowers are better as well. You don't want them to become the main focus of the photo!
Mini Bowls
Whether you are taking product/ingredient shots for a client or you are taking a photo of a recipe for your blog, mini bowls are a MUST HAVE item! If you have lots of ingredients in the food like nuts, spices, fruit or herbs, it is a great styling technique to place the ingredients in bowls around the subject, maybe spreading some of the ingredients onto the table as well. People like to know what is in the food you've made, so it is important to include this in the photo. And a great way to do this is by placing some mini bowls in the background or around the subject to frame it.
Creamer/Pitcher
Calling all food photographers who love drip shots! This one's for you! Creamers are absolutely essential when it comes to those perfect drip shots. And you can use them for an endless amount of photo ideas; maple syrup being poured on pancakes, chocolate drizzling onto a cake or cookies, butter being poured onto popcorn...
Cake Stand
A good quality cake stand is invaluable - especially if you are a dessert photographer! Obviously, you can use it to display a cake in your photo but you can also use it to pile a ton of cookies or fresh madeleines. Or you can place the cake stand at the back of your scene and then cut the cake or pie into slices to put in front of your photo. This way, it looks like you just cut the cake and you are now serving it. It can be helpful to buy a cake stand that has a smaller plate size because it tends to fit better in the photo.
Use What You Already Have
Most of the time, food photographers try to make their photos look as realistic as possible so that the viewer can imagine themself eating that food. Which is why using everyday items from around the house can make your photos look incredible! Here are just a few ideas to get you started:
Parchment Paper
Clear glasses and jars
Measuring Cups
Baking Trays
Cooling Rack
Cutting Board
Sifter
What props do you use most? Where do you like to buy your props? Comment below, I would love to hear from you!