I’d love to hear about the photography props you’ve been loving lately! I take a super minimal approach to my photography, and typically just use things like dishcloths and ingredients that are in the recipes sprinkled around, but I’m always looking for inspo!

Are you more maximalist or minimalist when it comes to prop usage in your photography? What are some of your favorite props and why?

Bumping this post up because I’m wondering the same. 🙂 I really want to get a basic collection going so I always have what I need to take beautiful photos.

I’ve been running a separate food photography business since 2019 (in addition to my blog which started in 2016). Here are my thoughts.

eBay is great for searching up old silverware. Search for “lot of silverware” and you’ll usually find inexpensive mix-and-match sets with a nice patina. Ebay is also great for antique bakeware search for vintage Ovenex or Ekco; you’ll find lots of great stuff. Ebay is also fantastic for rustic cutting boards. “Primitive cutting board” is the best search term there. Watch prices and sizes, but you can’t replicate the age or the true vintage feel in something new. If you are looking for the popular under-the-cookie or dessert item teeny tiny cooling rack which is actually a safety grater, then you’ll find them here.

Crate and Barrel is great for glassware and inexpensive plates. Ensure you are buying appetizer and salad plates, not dinner plates. I usually don’t use anything larger than 8-9.” I usually buy 4 at a time. I usually only use 2-3 in a photo, but I’ve dropped enough plates that I’m down to 2-3, so it isn’t the worst to have a buffer even if it is for layering. For glassware, keep your stems thin as that photographs better. Best of all you don’t have to buy a whole set of glasses.

Etsy is good but pricey so look for really rustic and one-of-a-kind items they usually photograph the best. And again, watch sizes with plates and avoid deep bowls (or keep a lot of instant mashed potatoes to move the food up in the pictures so the bowl is full). Look for matte finishes if you are beginning. Or be ready to clean up unwanted reflections in post-production if you are more advanced.

TJ Maxx/Marshalls- This is hit or miss for glassware, but they do have nice pots/pans that photograph well and are priced well.

HomeGoods- Holy wooden serving trays Batman. Mine has an entire aisle. Everything is hit or miss. Either I get nothing or I’ve spent several hundred dollars. Also good for picking up Le Creuset items at a discount.

Checking regularly is the best way to set up a prop collection. It usually happens when you aren’t looking for something.

If there is a specific item you are looking for, just ask. I’ll probably know where to find it.

I hope that helps!