Fun Photo Props

Everyone likes to take photos, but what can make photos better are some fun photo props.

Props can make photos more interesting. We’ve all seen how popular photo booths are at weddings. What makes these popular are the props people use when posing for silly photographs.

Fun photo props work great for children’s photography as well. If, for example, you take photos of your children, adding a prop will always create more interest. Here are five inexpensive suggestions for fun photo props.

1. Colorful yarn. I often use yarn in photos with babies and pets. I purchased several different colors of yarn and find that plopping it down in front of a baby or toddler not only will add more color to the photo, good chance the child will be entertained and you can capture some fun moments. Maybe a toddler will wrap the yarn around him or herself. That can be a classic moment. Yarn — it’s an easy and cheap prop.
2. Fun-colored furniture. Anytime you take a photo out in nature, adding a bench or a chair will almost always add to the photo. Make that bench or chair colorful and you’ll have even more interest. Go to garage sales or antique shops — maybe even your own basement — to look for something easily portable that you can use is the photos. Then grab a can of paint or spray paint in a bright fun color and paint away. Go to a park or other outdoor place with your child and try some shooting. You’ll likely be pleasantly surprised by the results.
3. Small chalkboard. This one is a favorite of engaged couples. Many of the couples I have photographed have brought along a small hand-held chalkboard with their wedding date written on it. Or sometimes they’ll write the words “thank you” to use this photo for their thank you cards. The sky is really the limit when it comes to chalkboards. You can put anything on them to make the photos more interesting.
4. Flowers. Flowers are always going to add that pop to your photos. Look, for example, at a photo of a bride and groom with and without the bouquet. The one with the bouquet likely will stand out. It’s the additional color and the beauty of these flowers that can add tremendously to your photos.
5. Baskets — I like using baskets in photos with babies and pets. Put your baby in a basket or create what looks like a nest from grapevine wreaths. The put some faux fur inside and lay the baby in the nest. It’s adorable. I put my dog in a basket and was lucky enough to have him stay there long enough for me to snap a photo.