Since starting this website, I’ve spent a lot of time taking photos inside of restaurants. I’ve stood on chairs and have no shame in shining a light in a dark restaurant. As time has passed, I decided that I wanted to get better at taking pictures at home. Partially to improve my skill in the area and also to limit myself having to be in a restaurant to get a shot. Now that COVID-19 has changed how we can be in restaurants; I’ve started to take even more pictures of food at home. One thing that has helped tremendously in my photography has been accumulating props. Those items within a picture from stationary, dishes, utensils, and accent pieces that make a picture pop are essential. If you’re wondering where I’ve found and bought my photo props, I have a list below.

The best part: my list of the best places to get photography props will keep money in your wallet and still give you killer photos each time.

Family

Many times, you overlook that your family has stuff that they no longer use or even need. The best part, if you’re someone they care for, they’ll probably give it to you for free. That’s my favorite f-word. Hit up the aunt who has a china cabinet she barely uses and ask if you can take a set or two of her dishes. That uncle who used to fix electronics back in the day may have a few old school cameras or a handheld that is only collecting dust. Ask for it and if he slides it your way, clean it up and throw it in your photos. Don’t forget that things like eye/sunglasses, address books, hymnals, jewelry, family photos, and glass pieces that sit on coffee tables are great ways to highlight your pictures.

Estate and Yard Sales

Say your family doesn’t have the things I mentioned above or they don’t want to give it to you. That’s totally fine. Why? Because somebody’s aunty or uncle is probably selling things for cheap at an estate or yard sale. Chances are, there’s one happening on a weekend near you which means you can hit them up to see what they have. Sure, there’s a chance you won’t find anything, but if you consistently go and keep your eyes open you could stumble on something just right.

Sidewalks and Curbs

Affectionately known as shit you find on the street.

I know this one sounds gross, but I’ve personally found some of my favorite dishes and wood because someone left it on the street. I highly suggest you keep your eyes open wherever you go, whether you’re jogging in your neighborhood or driving to work. Often people simply throw things out because they don’t have anyone to give it to or they couldn’t get rid of it at yard sale. That’s when you’ll see it on the curb ready for anyone to take it home. If you stumble upon a forgotten box, eyeball it to see what’s inside. If you’re brave, sift through what’s there and grab what you can use.

Discount Stores

I think people think they have to go to expensive stores to get props and that’s not the case at all. Discount stores like Dollar Tree, the 99 Cent store, and Big Lots have items that can really help your pictures at a great price. Whether you’re looking for picture frames or candles, these are the stores to hit up. One of my favorite finds was a letterboard that I picked up at the 99 Cent Store. At the time, Target sold the same board for $13 each and I found it at that dollar store for (you guessed it) a dollar. I bought every last one of them and didn’t care how I looked walking out of the store with 13 letterboards. Ok 8, but who’s really counting? Half of them I used for gifts and the others displayed quote or business names for photos.

I still get happy when I think of that.

Department Stores

As much as I love a discount store, there are larger department stores that come in handy too. Some of my favorite are Marshalls, Home Goods, TJ Maxx, and Target. Strolling through the stationary, gifts, kitchen, home and school supply sections can lead you to finding really great items. Small plant pieces, cloth napkins, planners, cute pencils, funky erasers, padfolios, and paper weights are great to get at these stores. If you want to spend a few dollars (say somewhere under $10) you can also grab beautiful dishes, utensils, and glassware. Should you have an extra $20 you can buy enough to build an entire dining scene.

If you’re at Target, one of my favorite budget-friendly brands is Hearth & Hand by Magnolia. I can’t lie, their bigger items can be pricy, but their smaller pieces like their spoon rest and plates are each $5 and under. You can grab some here and there or pick them up all at once and not feel like you’ve directed deposited your paycheck to Target. My friend and beautiful food photographer Aileen put me on to that brand so here I am putting you on too.
Restaurant Supply Stores

If you’re looking for a ton of items to put into your food photography then great places to hit up are restaurant supply stores. Think about it, they have all the things restaurants use so it’s a no brainer that they would have what you need. The best part is they’ll have the highly specific things that restaurants have that you won’t find in department stores. If you know someone with an exclusive Restaurant Depot Store membership, ask if they can pick up the things you need. If you’re like me and you don’t have someone with the connect, but you live in Los Angeles then go to Bargain Fair LA. I absolutely love this store and have picked up so many perfect things there. From kitchen checks, reserved signs, ramekins, and dishware they are the best. If you don’t live in LA then Google to see where you can find restaurant and/or kitchen supply stores in your area.

Did you catch those search terms? If not, here they come again: “restaurant supply store in (insert your city)” or “kitchen supply store in (insert your city)”. You know I got you.

Etsy

My next favorite place to get props is Etsy. The online retailer aggregates creatives who make unique items that can fit your needs. The best part is you can find a seller for pretty much anything. I use Etsy when I can’t find something I need or if I’m looking for a statement piece for less. A perfect example is I bought my green typewriter from Etsy and am now looking to buy a Polaroid from a seller there too.

The difficulty with online shopping is you can’t see it in person so make sure you read the description fully. Double check the measurements of items and ask if the product is fully functioning. Knowing everything about a product you’re into will help you feel confident that you’re buying a piece you need. Keep in mind, if the item is just for photos whether it works or not may be a moot point.

Ahem, that typewriter of mine does nothing but look pretty.

Make Your Props Yourself

If you can’t find what you need in a store, online, or it’s way too expensive there’s always the option for you to make it yourself. This is something that I did when I wanted a wooden board as a background for my photos (example, the wood board in the photos here). Everything I found was over my budget so I decided I could make it myself. A few attempts and now I can make any wooden board I want. I even found some wood on the street and it’s my favorite piece to date. If wood isn’t the thing you know how to make, figure out what you can do. Maybe you can make drapes, that sounds like a photography backdrop. Maybe you make calendars, hello planner for photos. Whatever you’re good at doing, make it happen and use it in your photos.

To be honest, seeing your creation is your images is a beautiful feeling and one I’m sure you’ll be proud to see on your camera.

Whenever you feel that you’re in the market to start getting photography props, I hope you can reference this list to help you along the way. Don’t feel pressured to buy expensive items just because you think you have to. There are so many other options to getting photo props that will be gentle on your wallet yet still lend you incredible photos. Start slowly and build your collection and before you know it, you’ll love everything you’ve amassed and your bank account will thank you.