Let’s go photography prop shopping at IKEA! Finding the right props for your photoshoots is easy if you have a plan for your product hunt! This video and blog post will give you an overview to help you find the best photography props.

What’s in a Good Photoshoot Prop?

There are several themes to consider when shopping for art dept/props for a shoot. I’ll do a quick overview but the video goes into detail. For this book cover shoot, I was content with my photography prop shopping to happen at IKEA because:

• Matching the Mood Board to the props you set-up for the photoshoot: It’s a big deal to fill up the scene but not allow any prop or art dept. piece to steal the attention from the main subjects.

• Matching the Wardrobe to the set props: Communication with the wardrobe stylist is a big deal because a clash can be ugly. To0 “matchy matchy” can also be obnoxious. Have that conversation with your wardrobe stylist. They might inspire you or your art dept selections may inspire them.

• It’s many themes but at the same time, not really any style in particular: Check out the video to see what I mean about this. It’s more than just photography prop shopping with me. You’ll get all of the reasons behind each item.

• The props you select for the photoshoot will contribute to the imagery, but not steal the entire attention: This is rule. You add to the scene. Do not steal the scene, simply add to it.

• How can you bring comfort to the talent:  Sometimes a cup or simple desk could help them feel comfortable. Imagine standing there for a photoshoot and now knowing where to put your hands. It’s awful! When you give them a simple coffee mug to hold, they suddenly feel anchored and have direction. When you’re holding a mug, you know what to do with your hands. It’s easier to act, to play around. Give each prop thought.

Some of what I created for the Janeika and Jasheika James photoshoot was also creative direction. If you want to learn more about creative direction, check out this blog next!