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As a newly minted professional food photographer, I had a long wish list. On that list were lenses, camera bodies, and fancy tripods {all of which I eventually got and loved} but for some reason, photography props and backdrops took a backseat. Once I got into the full swing of a professional photography schedule, it became very clear that good photography equipment is only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to a food and product photographer’s tool kit. I needed props and backdrops!

 

I spent a few years putting together my perfect home studio which of course includes a healthy {aka overflowing} stock of my own props and backdrops, which I rotate out and replace every so often when the need arises. I tried a lot of different places, but there are 11 sources I just keep coming back to time after time. Today, I’m sharing those sources with you! When you’re ready to build up your own supply {or just go shopping for fun} these 11 places are where I recommend you get started.

 

1. Bessiebakesbackdrops.com

 

This is one of my go-to’s for backdrops because they are such high quality. The faux cement backdrops are incredibly believable on camera and they add texture to my shots while leaving the food the star, but I also love the marble ones…it’s really hard to choose! To set up a “kitchen” shoot, the subway tile backsplash is a great base for a countertop shot. Their online store has some backdrops that are rigid, which are great because you can stand them up, and they recently created the thin ones, which are just as great quality but at a very affordable price point. I love using these for flat lays because I can scatter crumbs and just wipe it clean afterward.

They add new designs regularly and are very open to suggestion and feedback! Right now, they are offering 10% discount to my readers, so use the discount code “FRENCHLY10” at checkout for 10% off your entire order! Did I mention they offer free shipping to all 48 contiguous states?

 

 

2. Mylucie.com

 

Mylucie.com is another of my favorite sites for photography backdrops. You can download your backdrop files and have them printed locally on vinyl banners. It works out to be very inexpensive and pretty quick. She also recently started making vinyl backdrops that she ships. I love the vinyls because they are so easy to transport, and they’re easy to wipe down and store when not in use. She has a great selection of unique {and sometimes funky} backdrops that are fun to play around with. If you’re looking for something with a pop of color, this is the place for you!

 

 

3. Photography Props from Etsy

 

When a lot of people think of Etsy, they think of crafty trinkets and handmade gifts. Although there is a GREAT selection of that, I also use this site to find linens, plates, bowls, and yes, more photography backdrops for my food and product shoots. One thing I recommend here is to check the seller’s star rating and customer reviews.  Also make sure to order ahead of time. Etsy isn’t Amazon Prime, so if you need props for a shoot three days from now you might find yourself in a bind.

 

4. HomeGoods and Homesense

If you want it to feel like home in your shot, where better to go for photography props than a home goods store? HomeGoods and Homesense are under the same corporate umbrella, and I’ve used each of them to find linens, plates, bowls, and cookware for my food photography.

 

5. Antique Photography Props from Antique Stores

 

I can easily get lost in antique stores…in a good way! I usually try to go in with an open mind, because it can be hard to shop for just one thing in a place like that. Old antique silverware is often as cheap as a few cents per piece if you buy in bulk and I often see old wooden signs that could be repurposed as photography backdrops.

 

 

6. Target

 

I know you didn’t think I was going to forget Target! They are a great place to shop for basic food photography props like plates and bowls. I particularly like Chip and Joanna Gaines’ collection. I’ve also found woven baskets and metal buckets at Target that add a farmlike feel when I need it.

 

 

7. Amazon

 

Amazon is my go-to when I need a last-minute photography prop or can’t get out to shop in person. You just can’t beat the convenience of free two-day shipping and there’s a huge variety of products available at any price point. I’ve found stick-on backdrops from there as well as some surprisingly beautiful linen napkins. If something is not as I expected, I can usually return it with very little hassle.

 

8. Home Improvement Stores for DIY Photography Props

 

Not afraid to get your hands dirty? DIY backdrops or diffusers sometimes require a little more elbow grease but they’re also highly customizable. I love to drop by Lowe’s or Home Depot just to walk around and get ideas. You can make rustic photography backdrops from the lumber section, look for samples and cast-offs from the countertop and tile sections, and even buy bits and pieces to make your own kitchen or bathroom setups {like a clearance sink with an inexpensive faucet. And of course, these stores usually have landscaping sections where you can find succulents and indoor plants to add some greenery to a shot.

 

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Starting a photography business can be expensive but there are some ways to save some money by DIYing some of the equipment. Today I am sharing how I made a large DIY diffuser, with 4 pieces of wood and an old bed sheet, and the 3 ways I use it in my studio. For more tips and tricks for your photography business, head to my blog https://www.french.ly/blog #foodphotography #foodstylingandphotography #foodphotographer #smallbusiness #diyphotography #photographytips #bts #behindthescenes #behindthescenesphotography #productphotographer #diyphotographer

A post shared by Fanette Rickert (@frenchlyphotography) on Nov 7, 2019 at 7:00pm PST

 

9. Michaels and Other Craft Stores

 

There’s potential for DIY here as well {I love this tutorial by Christina Greve}. Craft stores are especially good for seasonal decor, and they’re great about stocking ahead of the season. That leaves me plenty of time to shoot, edit, and submit the images, leaving my client plenty of breathing room to post them in time to advertise seasonal products.

 

I also like to wander the fabric section. You can hot glue fabric to a board for a quick, temporary backdrop, style it as napkins in a flat lay, or just drape it cozily around to add layers to your scene.

 

10. Trader Joe’s

I love me some fresh flowers from Trader Joe’s. It’s always a highlight of planning a shoot, getting to putter around and find just the right colors and textures. And usually, I can’t resist doing a little personal shopping on a separate bill. I mean come on, it’s Trader Joe’s!

 

11. Photography Props in Your Home or a Family Member’s Home

 

You probably already have a library of props scattered around your home and don’t even realize it. There’s absolutely nothing wrong with using personal items {as long as they’re not personal-IZED} in a shoot! If you have access to an older family member’s storage — with their permission, of course, you’d be surprised at what you can find just digging around in an old attic. I’ve found amazing vintage knives ad scissors before that I still love to use to add character to a shoot.

 

{Psst! To find more ideas for props you may already have, check out this blog post!}

 

Bonus: Check the Clearance Aisle at the Nicer Stores

 

Crate and Barrel, West Elm, and Anthropology often have plates or glasses that work great for food photography props. The only problem is the price — ouch! I don’t let that stop me from shopping there, though. I just check the clearance section to see what’s discounted. When they’re trying to clear something from their inventory, they often have only a few pieces, which is perfect for food photography! I’ve also been known to keep an eye on favorite pieces over several months, waiting for them to make their way to the clearance shelf so I can snag them at a better price.

 

Are you feeling inspired? It’s time to go shopping and fill out your collection of food photography props and backdrops! Be sure to share your amazing finds on Instagram so I can see what you got. Or you can sign up for my email list and click reply. I’d love to hear from you!