What are your favourite props?
Monday 25 March 2024, 16:08 by Elja Trum | 4,468 views | 2 commentsThis article was translated from Dutch with the help of AI. Read the original.
Props are things you use to make the scene you are photographing a bit more appealing. In proper English, they are called props. I like using props in my photos, because a model against a background on their own can become a bit boring.
In the photo above, I used an old wooden crate and some old books to make the photo a bit more interesting.
I found both at a second-hand shop nearby, by the way. It is worth browsing through these sorts of shops now and then to look for new (old) things.
A useful prop that almost every photographer has lying around is an older camera. In the photo above, for example, Regina is holding my first SLR, a Nikon FE.
I like it when my photos have a 'vintage' look, and older things naturally fit in well with that.
A prop also immediately gives your model something to do. This can be especially difficult for a beginner model, who may not know where to put their hands. You also immediately bring a story into your photo when your model is doing something.
A cup of coffee (or tea), as above, is perhaps the simplest prop you can use. Drinking something, or reading something as in the previous photo, is a recognisable activity that you can do almost anywhere.
Furniture also counts as 'props', as does practically the entire dressing of a location. If you have a lot of space, you could perhaps create your own locations, but usually it is easier to find suitable locations to match the idea you have for your photo.
I took the photo above in a farm museum. A museum can be a useful location, provided you are allowed to photograph there with a model, of course. All the props are already there, after all, and usually the space is well sorted too.
The only things I still needed for the photo above were a model and matching clothes.
About the author
Elja Trum is the founder of Photofacts and online photography course website Photofacts Academy. He has been writing about photography since 2006. Elja is also the author of (Dutch) books on composition, black-and-white photography, flash photography and portrait photography.
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2 comments
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Donald Willemsen wrote on Monday 25 March 2024 at 16:53 | replyThe use of props is commonplace in model photography. It makes sense that they add something to a photo. Photographing a model in a particular setting is often more interesting than just a shoot in the studio with only a background in a certain design or color.
Translated from Dutch.
As long as you use props properly, they add something to the atmosphere in a photo. There is, however, one condition. Everything has to be right. If you place a model in a particular museum-like setting with, for example, props from the 18th century, then the model must also wear clothing that fits with it. The make-up, or precisely leaving it out, must also fit the atmosphere.
I once saw a film that was set on a ship from the 17th century. One of the actors was wearing a modern wristwatch. That just isn't possible. You really have to pay close attention.
So using props; yes. But make sure that everything is right. -
Karel Derickx wrote on Tuesday 26 March 2024 at 12:23 | replyGreat article
Translated from Dutch.
I'm a bit advanced in age (75) and have been photographing for 55 years I follow you with interest. The "prop" I want to add is "Being open".
If you photograph one or more people, I consider that an "Encounter" If you open yourself up to that, together you arrive at something good!!
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Would you like to take better photos and keep up with what is happening in photography? Photofacts publishes articles that teach you something about photography — from a product announcement to a practical shooting tip or a look at a website. Photofacts covers photography every day and is a hobby project of Elja Trum's that got out of hand. The articles are written by a team of volunteer authors. If you would enjoy writing one or more articles for Photofacts, do get in touch.More about PhotofactsPhotofacts is made possible in part by
