If you’re taking a lot of indoor photos of families or couples, things can get a little boring quite rapidly. There’s only so much creativity you can exercise with limited background options and such an emphasis on getting a flattering portrait.
One way you can spice things up is to integrate a number of different props in your photos. While the acquisition of these props can sometimes be an expensive proposition, thoughtful props will ultimately add value to your photos.
It will always be quicker and easier to simply purchase the props that have already been made by someone else. However, you don’t have to spend excessive amounts of money to expand your prop collection.
Many useful props can be made on the cheap with a little creativity and determination. Access to the right tools is also essential. There’s definitely a good feeling associated with the construction of your own homemade props.
Here are a few ideas for simple and inexpensive, ‘Do-It-Yourself’ photography props:
Fun Furniture
The first rule of prop making for a photographer is that spray paint is your best friend. You’ve most likely got a few pieces of furniture in your house that are barely used, if at all, and are looking a bit old and worn down.
Taking an old piece of furniture and spray-painting it a bright, striking color can give your old furniture fresh new life, and it can also give you a nice prop to use for taking cute photos of your children indoors.
Chalkboard
This is an often overlooked but incredibly versatile photo prop. It’s great for photos of families, engagements, babies, newborns, weddings, and anything else you can imagine.
You can easily create your own chalkboard by purchasing a wood plaque or finding one lying around your house. A quick trip to your local craft store for their chalkboard spray paint will make for an easy conversion of your wood plaque to a unique and useful indoor prop.
Newspaper Hat
Baby photos can be incredibly cute. One of the main reasons for this is the variety of unique and adorable props that photographers utilize to add to the scene. A quick and easy prop for indoor baby photos is the ever-effective newspaper hat.
Begin with a full piece of paper and fold it in half, then turn the paper so your fold is at the top and your paper is horizontal. Continue by taking the top corners and folding them towards each other so they meet in the middle. Fold up only the top layer of the bottom edge, turn the paper over, and fold in the outside edges. Lastly, fold up the bottom edge and utilize a small piece of tape to make your hat nice and sturdy.
Utilizing props for your indoor photos can add much needed contrast and fun to what can otherwise be pretty boring shots. Don’t let your portrait career bore you to the point of no return. For more amazing prop ideas, check out this link.
Sources
http://www.clickinmoms.com/blog/8-simple-and-inexpensive-diy-photography-props/