Great Props to Use for Your Photoshoot:
Props can significantly enhance your photoshoot, adding depth, personality, and a narrative element to your images. Whether you’re planning an engagement shoot, family portraits, or a solo session, choosing the right props will help create the perfect atmosphere. Let’s explore some creative prop ideas for each type of shoot, including some unique and fun additions like powder cannons, bubble guns, and fairy lights to make your session stand out!
I’ve created an Amazon list of prop items for inspiration, click here!
Engagement Shoots: Capture Your Love Story
Engagement shoots are a special way to celebrate the connection between two people. Incorporating personal or playful props can make your session more meaningful and memorable.
1. Signs with Dates or Words
Customized signs with your wedding date or words like “Love,” “Forever,” or “Together” can add a romantic touch. Using a mirror as a prop to reflect the couple's expressions or backdrop can also add a creative element, symbolizing reflection and the journey ahead.
2. Picnic Setup
Create an intimate, cozy scene with a picnic blanket, wine, and a bottle of champagne. For extra impact, try using powder cannons during a toast for a burst of color and energy—perfect for an outdoor shoot at golden hour!
3. Bubbles and Bubble Guns
For a whimsical and lighthearted vibe, introduce bubbles or even a bubble gun. This playful prop adds movement and joy to your photos, especially in outdoor settings where natural light can capture the reflection in each bubble.
4. Fairy Lights
Wrap fairy lights around the couple or scatter them across the background to create a dreamy, magical atmosphere. They are especially effective for evening or dusk shoots, adding a soft glow and romance.
5. Fog Machine
For a more dramatic and ethereal feel, a fog machine can create a mysterious and cinematic effect, particularly for engagement sessions in natural settings like forests or lakes.
Family Portraits: Showcase Your Family’s Personality
Family portraits can be made more relaxed and personal by including interactive props that allow for natural, candid moments.
1. Favorite Toys for Kids
Letting kids bring their favorite toys, such as bubble guns or spray string, can create spontaneous and joyful moments. These props encourage play, which leads to more authentic smiles and interactions.
2. Books for a Cozy Vibe
Set a comforting scene by having family members pose with their favorite books. To add a warm element, consider wrapping them in a colorful quilt or adding soft fairy lights to give the portraits a cozy, intimate atmosphere.
3. Seasonal Props
For holiday or seasonal shoots, incorporating props that reflect the time of year can enhance the mood of your photos. Pumpkins are a great choice for fall sessions, adding a cozy, autumnal feel. An umbrella can be a fun and stylish prop for spring or rainy-day shoots, bringing a sense of movement and playfulness to the photos while embracing the weather’s natural charm.
4. Stools or Baby Rocking Chairs
For younger children, a cute baby rocking chair can act as both a prop and a focal point, adding charm to the session while keeping little ones entertained. Stools can also be used to create variety in posing, especially for larger family groups.
Solo Sessions: Highlight Your Personality and Interests
Solo portrait sessions offer a unique opportunity to showcase your individuality and passions, and props can enhance that story.
1. Musical Instruments
Whether you play guitar, violin, or another instrument, incorporating your musical talent into your photos will make them more personal. For added flair, use fairy lights or a fog machine in the background to enhance the mood.
2. Hats, Sunglasses, and Accessories
Props like hats or sunglasses can help change up the look quickly. For a more artistic approach, add a mirror to capture creative reflections or experiment with powder cannons to introduce colorful elements in the background.
3. Journals or Sketchbooks
If you’re a writer or artist, bringing along a journal or sketchbook can help capture you in your creative element. Whether you’re jotting down ideas or sketching, these props tell a personal story and give a glimpse into your artistic process. They can add authenticity and depth to your solo portraits, reflecting your passion and creativity.
4. Stools
A simple stool can be incredibly versatile in solo portraits, helping to create more dynamic poses and giving structure to your images. It’s especially effective in studio or minimalist settings where the focus is solely on you.
Maternity Shoots: Celebrate the Journey of Motherhood
Maternity sessions are all about honoring the beauty of pregnancy, and the right props can enhance the storytelling of this special time.
1. Baby Shoes
Small baby shoes symbolize the upcoming arrival and add a sweet, sentimental touch to maternity photos. To make the moment more impactful, pair them with fairy lights for a soft, glowing effect.
2. Sonogram Photos
Including framed sonogram photos is a beautiful way to acknowledge the bond between mother and baby. Add soft blankets or a baby rocking chair to enhance the cozy, nurturing feel of the session.
3. Umbrellas
An umbrella can be a beautiful prop in outdoor maternity shoots, particularly if the weather is moody or rainy. Add some bubbles or spray string for a playful twist that will make the moment feel even more joyful.
4. Letter Boards or Chalkboards
A letter board or chalkboard is a great way to display the baby’s name, due date, or a sweet message. These props add a personalized touch to your photos, allowing you to share meaningful details while keeping the focus on the precious moments. Whether used as a subtle backdrop or a central element in the shot, they bring charm and simplicity to your maternity session.
Newborn Shoots: Sweet and Simple Props for Your Little One
Newborn sessions should be soft, gentle, and focused on the baby. Props should be comfortable and unobtrusive, highlighting the newborn's innocence.
1. Soft Blankets and Swaddles
Use a beautiful blanket or textured swaddle to keep the baby cozy while adding color and depth to the image. Soft pastel tones paired with fairy lights can create an ethereal effect that keeps the focus on the baby.
2. Special Heirlooms
Heirlooms like a family blanket or vintage toys add meaning to the session. Incorporating props like a baby rocking chair or a small basket can help create a timeless look.
3. Baskets and Crates
Placing the newborn in a soft basket or crate with blankets adds a cozy, rustic feel. For a dreamy twist, introduce bubbles or use a fog machine to enhance the background, keeping the focus on the baby.
4. Stuffed Animals
Stuffed animals are always a sweet touch in newborn sessions, adding warmth and charm. Pair them with fairy lights or soft blankets for an intimate, heartwarming scene.
