Aspiring photographers often spend thousands of dollars on the wrong things.  

Another new camera. Another new lens. Another flash and/or light modifier. Another this, another that.

Photographers often neglect the props that add more interest ie. more stopping power to a photograph.

Last week, we covered some of the 17 Best Newborn Photography Props, today we’ll talk about some of my overall favorite studio photography props. Some of the most unique props can be found on Etsy, here’s my favorites page featuring a lot of photography props.

Here’s a self-portrait I took last week featuring a few of my favorite props:

The background is a given, every photographer should have that in their arsenal. Here are some of the others featured in the photo:

• A Rustic/Vintage Wood Ladder – You wouldn’t believe how hard it is to find an old wood ladder on Craigslist. Fortunately there are plenty on Etsy that can spruce up your photography. You might want a couple for variety, and of different lengths for your clients. Definitely nothing taller than your client, a good 4′ or 5′ ladder is the perfect starter ladder. You want character, older the better. Paint drops are a plus. They go fast on Etsy, checkout this beautiful ladder before it’s gone.
• Mole Richardson Vintage Lights – Alright, these are expensive. But well worth it in my eyes. They’re pretty rare so I’d jump on them quick if you can. Definitely get one with barn doors, it helps you control light and adds much more to the photo aesthetically. I’d hold out for the light you can get with the matching Mole Richardson light stand, otherwise I’d highly recommend you buying it separately. This one has all of the above, and has been converted to a lamp so you can use any bulb – so you could use it as a photography prop and a living room statement piece!
• Floor Drops / Wall Paneling – Wood floors are the best, but not everybody has them. Vinyl plank flooring are the next best option that are easy to install. Wall paneling is my choice, as featured in the above photo. Some even have texture to it, though this one did not we can bring out a little “texture” in-post. The cheapest and most convenient option are floor drops. Unlike the other options, they’re easy to store and they’re so cheap you can buy a lot of different ones. Take a look at the many different floor drops available for studio portrait photography props.

Take a look at another one of my favorite photos, the props really do add a lot to this photo:

There are plenty of flower walls on Etsy, but a nice vintage settee might take you a while to find. Plenty of nice ones on Etsy, but they can be expensive to ship. Try scouring your local vintage market and/or furniture store.

Another idea is to find inspiration with from your favorite photographer, here’s one of mine, celebrity photographer John Russo on Instagram.

Few more ideas:

• Interesting vintage and rustic stools and/or chairs
• Director’s chairs
• Vintage wooden crates in all shapes, sizes and colors
• Vintage trunks
• Interesting rugs
• …and the list goes on!

Overall the props you use for portrait photography are small parts to a bigger picture – take advantage of that!

What are your favorite studio photography props? Let me know in the comments below!

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