Are you a propaholic?! Who wouldn’t be? The thrill of rummaging through second-hand stalls and junk shops for hours in the hope of finding a rare treasure is, in our opinion, the best way to spend time!
Admittedly, sometimes we come back empty-handed…but at least we know we haven’t missed something super special. FOMAP (fear of missing amazing props) is very real for stylists. One-off vintage pieces are scarce and everyone’s after them! Ask stylists where they go on holiday and you could probably map the world’s best vintage markets and flea fairs.
Shot on the 'Jahara' backdrop
Why are vintage props so popular?
Old, worn items usually have more character and tend to sit back more naturally than shiny new pieces. Modern props absolutely have their place, depending on the creative direction, but recognisable or branded items can pull attention away from your hero and confuse the viewer about whose content they’re looking at.
Props should support, not compete. And that’s often easier with vintage or little-known handcrafted pieces.
Props are one of the simplest ways to elevate your styling and build deeper connections with your audience. Supporting your hero – whether food or product – tells a richer story than the hero alone, helping your images feel considered, atmospheric and memorable.
Shot on the 'Brae' backdrop
Show your process with ‘doing’ props
A used zester hinting at zingy lemon curd. A whisk with tiny meringue peaks still clinging on. These details instantly tell the story of a recipe in motion. A simple cooling rack can elevate and frame the subject, while a dusting utensil quietly shows the final flourish.
Props are everywhere and can be anything. But before adding a prop (which as a found-object, you may have become rather attached to!) always ask yourself: does this elevate and connect, or overtake and distract?
A simple cooling rack elevates and frames our subject while the utensil shows that we have dusted the pastries with icing sugar for that final hit of sweetness. Shot on the 'Salt' backdrop
Creating time, place and mood
Props can establish a sense of setting and story.
- Does the scene feel like home or café?
- Who lives or eats here?
- What time of day is it?
Choose props your ideal viewer recognises and connects with.
Seasonality is another powerful layer. Foraged foliage, shells, nuts or blossoms immediately place content in a time of year – which is why many stylists keep orange slices, string, ribbon and evergreen tucked away for off-season festive shoots.
Guiding the eye
Without props, composition would be far harder to control. Props can balance an image, create movement and lead the eye back to the focal point.
They can also frame and define the hero – boards, books, linens and layers all help anchor the subject.
Letting props fall out of frame, stacking height, or creating gentle leading lines gives a sense of an ongoing, natural scene while keeping your hero front and centre.
We hope this has inspired you to lean into props a little more – they’re powerful storytellers in their own right.