Why?

The style of photography I do, and love, is more of a what I like to call, lifestyle, candid, or journalistic approach. I love the closeup of my subjects and the blurred background look which helps to alleviate the necessity of props. I really don’t want something else in the frame that could steal the focus of the subject.

The Photography Prop I Will Use…

Sometimes I’ll make an exception, and when I do, the only real prop I may use is a large textured blanket for clients to sit on, or maybe to be wrapped in. This can help to add some great contrast to a photo without taking away from the subject(s). It also has an added bonus by helping to keep the clients warm if we’re outside shooting on a very cold day. Babies also love them and melt right into the blanket making for great pictures.

What Photography Props Clients Like to Bring…

Other exceptions are things that clients may love to use. Sometimes they’ll bring a cute headband to put on their babies, toddlers and young kiddos. Maybe a favorite hat for the boys, or some really cute jewelry to go with the girl’s outfits. But these are really more like accessories than props and can really help to bring out the emotion and personal character of my clients, without being something else distracting in the frame but separate from the subjects. Other times though, clients will have an idea to use props that are just a really great fun idea, such as costumes. I recently did a shoot where the whole family wanted to wear animal themed onesies! It was an awesome and fun shoot, and the end result was fantastic!

Just remember that texture is key. Anything that has a good texture makes for a great prop or accessory in your photographs, and even more so when you convert the photo to black and white.