Curate Your Prop Cupboard

An intentionally curated prop kit is one of the fundamental ways to create a cohesive and rounded portfolio. And it has to be said, I do love pretty things! When I first began shooting, I didn't have the budget to buy every type of wine glass or whatever my heart desired. I had to be very conscientious in choosing the right props that would be trusty workhorses in my work and kitchen. Moreover, I also lived in a small cottage with only a little storage space for a wide selection of fun things to play with. I bought cheaper props to practice and build my portfolio (which has its merit!), but I quickly felt that the more I developed my style as a photographer and stylist, the props simply didn't "feel like me." Instead of trying to accommodate and (store) as many types of aesthetics and props in my tiny cottage, I perused some of my favorite books, Pinterest, and magazines to get clear on my style. One point I wanted to be sure of was to choose props intentionally, which were both functional day-to-day, not gathering dust on the shelf, but aligned with the vision for my brand. Since then, my prop kit has expanded quite a bit, but I adore every piece and use them daily. 

To begin creating your prop kit, if you're on a budget, pull images and references for what you like and what calls you. If, in the end, the examples all kind of mismatch, that's ok! It's all about getting clear on your style. Also, consider what do you like to photograph most? Or another way of thinking about this is, what do you enjoy cooking/baking and photographing? Is it pasta? Bread? Cakes? Desserts? And if you love to shoot anything and everything, then all the more reason to be very selective in the choices that give you the most versatility. If you love rustic and vintage pieces, Etsy, thrift shops, and estate sales are a wonderful treasure trove of all sorts of goods bound to fit your style. I’d never pass up scouring for a good vintage find! They are often less expensive than something from an online store like Crate & Barrel or Anthropologie. For more modern props, you can often find budget-friendly items at home goods stores. Although, whatever your style, love what you buy. Like a wardrobe, I much prefer opening my cupboard with few things but ones that I adore and regularly use with love, as opposed to stacks upon stacks of nondescript items I feel indifferent about and just takes up space. Elsie Green, albeit a pit pricey, is my absolute favorite purveyor of vintage French goods - I treasure and use them that will no doubt will be heirlooms one day.

So with that said, the few items below are my most loved and used props in my work and daily life at home. Building a prop kit is fun; enjoy it! It takes time to collect quality pieces, so don’t worry if it feels quite limited at first. Regardless of your style, I think these are practical and essential additions to any food photographer's prop kit.

Happy sourcing!

x

Rustic Cutting Board

I use this every day for bread, scones, muffins, and as a cheese or chopping board. Wood props, especially cutting boards, age well and, frankly, look better with age, so I opted for an antique french cutting board. You can find some well-worn second-hand ones on Etsy for a reasonable price. New ones can be quite pricey, nearly $200, but I find the vintage ones have more character and charm.

A Set of Unique Glassware

Invest in a nice glassware set functional for cocktails, water, juice, or any other drink. I have these blue Moroccan glass ones that can be used for either wine, lemonade, or water…and reflect light beautifully. They are minimal but have character and pair with nearly everything. These vintage French coupes are some of my most treasured and used glasses. I try not to be too precious with my props, so don’t think you need to spend a ton on glassware because, well, it’s glass, and it breaks (especially if you’re styling and shooting quickly in the kitchen!)

Serving Tray/Platter

This is another staple in my cupboard for salads, pasta, grilled meats, or any simple sides. I find shallow serving platters (in general) are more attractive than a deeper heavy-set serving bowl. Another item that I use daily is a simple wicker serving tray. You can layer it with a napkin, serve smaller plates, drinks, or coffee. It’s also a lovely way to present a dish that adds a bit of life to the frame.

Unique Serveware & Utensils

Yes, this is obvious, but this more about intentionality and a broader sense of brand’s character; I think your serveware says a lot about you as a stylist and home cook. I think how someone sets a table is a tiny inkling of their personal style, from the types of plates and utensils they use. It’s a little window into their taste and preferences. Every plate or dish I use to capture a recipe I pull from my personal collection, not a dusty closet designated for food photography only. Start with a simple and minimal style if you’re unsure what you like. In time, you will slowly see your aesthetic develop and evolve into something that feels and looks like you.

A Set of Neutral Linens

A neutral-colored tablecloth and set of napkins are essential for any food photographer. A neutral palette is a safe place to start, even if you love color. I love the soft, subtle, elegant look of 100% linen. Etsy has some fantastic affordable options so you can mix and match as you like. If you don’t have many surfaces to shoot on, a simple tablecloth works just as well on your kitchen table. A white, cream, beige, light gray, or even blush pink or light blue give you plenty of flexibility for various scenes.