11 of the Best Props for Food Photography
As a nosey curious kid, I’m a huge fan of anything behind the scenes. I love seeing what goes into making something come to life. Photography is no different. I love seeing what people’s behind the scenes look like, which is why I wanted to share a glimpse behind the camera with some of my favorite tools. As I’ve taught myself how to improve my food photography, one of the things I’ve invested in along the way is a supply of great props.
Now I’ll be the first to admit that my photos and props weren’t so hot when I just started. Hopefully with this post I’ll be able to save some of your valuable time so you won’t have quite so much trial and error. I’ve rounded up my absolute favorite props from my own collection.
These are the simple tools that help bring my favorite dishes to life. As you first start out I would suggest going for a “less is more” approach and slowly add as you see fit. There’s no sense in buying and shooting with a bunch of props you don’t need quite yet. Slowly I’ve built up enough props to sustain me for most shoots but like anything it takes time.
Props for Food Photography
1. wooden photo board
Photography wise, a wooden photo board has absolutely been one of my favorite investments. Having a beautiful backdrop to set your photos on makes such a huge difference.
In Action
Get it
- Make one: Ma gurl, Erin has a fantastic DIY for photo boards if you’re feeling crafty.
- Buy one: After using them extensively for work I fell in love with Erickson Woodworks’ photo boards. Yeah, it’s a bit of investment however I use it for almost every single photo so it’s more than paid for itself.
2. Unique Cutting Boards
I love having a variety of cutting boards to choose from in order to enhance or add some visual interest to a photo. Sometimes a simple board can add that much needed contrast between the wood and the dish. I’m a sucker for the wooden cross section but I’ve also been seeing a ton of beautiful smaller marble cutting boards that look great against a dark background.
In Action
Get it
- I’ve gotten some of my favorite cutting boards from HomeGoods and Target.
3. marble slab
Along with wood, marble is a gorgeous surface to shoot on and can make most anything look good. Each slab is so unique and can illuminate a dish in a really special way. I love using these for ingredients shots or breakfast recipes because there’s something able marble that gives it a “morning glow”
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Get it
- You can find marble slabs at HomeGoods, Sur la Table or if you’re feeling crafty you can find pieces of marble at Home Depot.
4. Parchment Paper
I absolutely love using parchment paper, especially with baked goods photos. There’s something about the texture of crinkled parchment paper that I just can’t get enough of. It can be a great tool to add more dynamic lines in your photo’s composition.
In Action
Get it
- You can find parchment paper at most grocery stores and cooking stores.
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5. white & neutral cloth napkins
White cloth napkins are another great tool to add visual interest to your composition. They can also help reflect light back onto the dish which can brighten up the image in a natural way. I love using them with smoothie bowls photos and they’ve made many an appearance in shots of baked goods.
In Action
Get it
- You can find white cloth napkins at places like Target and Homegoods.
8. a variety of bowls and plates
When I first started blogging I used the same plastic plates over and over again. Photos started looking stale. Overtime I’ve built up my bowl and plate collection by always keeping an eye out in places like Home Goods, Pier 1 Imports, the Christmas Tree Shops and Target. Look for simple pieces that will be versatile but don’t be afraid to try something different too if you have a use in mind.
I definitely suggest looking for wooden, clear glass and white bowls which are infinitely versatile and do a great job and highlighting the food, rather than distracting from it.
In Action
Get it
- Find great dishes at HomeGoods, Pier 1 Imports, the Christmas Tree Shops and Target.
9. a variety of utensils
Some of my favorite food prop purchases have been on fun spoons. I know it sounds silly but they make a huge difference – especially if you’re always sharing smoothie bowls 😉
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Get it
- Some of my favorite utensils are from Sur la Table, Pier 1 Imports & Target
10. colorful cloth napkins
Colorful cloth napkins are fantastic way to brighten up a dish and add visual interest if your composition is relatively simple. If you can bring out the colors in a food with the accents in a napkin it can look amazing on camera.
In Action
Get it
- You can find cloth napkins at most homeware stores and aisles – look for simple patterns and warm colors, but don’t be afraid to branch out if you have a specific dish in mind.
11. fun paper straws
Despite their tendency to disintegrate in your mouth, paper straws still look adorable in drinks and smoothies. They can add that extra pop of color you’re looking for, but be careful because they can be easily over done too.
My favorite are the brown and white stripes or the birch pattern.
In Action
Get it
- You can find straws at Target, Michael’s, HomeGoods and most grocery or mass retailers.
Looking for more photography resources? Check out the Blogger’s Guide to Instagram Photography
Pin for later
Your Turn:
- What are your favorite props for photography?
- Where do you go shopping for food props and dishes?
This is such a great post Georgie and pinned it for later! I am totally surprised by the parchment paper…who would have thought? I am sure I can scramble some of the wood and marble slabs on Nantucket somewhere…You ROCK!
Thanks Katie! Yeah parchment paper is a surprisingly gorgeous texture especially for those baked goods.
My favorite prop is my new trusty marble board that I am slightly obsessed with if you can’t tell by my IG. Homegoods is my main bishhh
Yaaas. It’s so good. Omg I already forgot the name of our Sur la Table bff…
Homegoods is dangerous and I almost never leave there or Target without something for da blog. ALSO, just recently discovered a Sur La Table while I was in Seattle. *swoon* This post is amazing (per the usual) <3
Thanks Ash – Sur la table is a dangerous dangerous place for my wallet. It really is a candy store.
This is so, so helpful!
Thanks Sara! So glad I could help.
So many helpful ideas, and thanks for including my DIY post 🙂 My favvvvvvv backdrops are my marble slab, wooden boards and poster board. So simple yet so functional.
Love me some maaahble (that’s me being from Boston)
This is so great! I have found a lot of my favorite food photography props at Salvation Army (they have THE BEST deals on mason jars!). I am working on increasing my collection of bowls, plates, and utensils for more unique items rather than what I have for day-to-day use.
Great suggestion. I found my favorite heart shaped bowl at a goodwill
So many bowls, that’s all I want 😉 I get yelled at for taking up multiple shelves in the pantry 😛
Haha I have my little corner near my window with all my goodies 😛
Super helpful and awesome post, Georgie! I recently made my own photo board but could definitely expand my photo prop collection a bit. Thanks for always being willing to share what you’ve learned!
That’s awesome! Photoboards are game changers. I knew my prop addiction was bad when I’d rather by spoons than new clothes lol
Love love love this!
Thank you Tara!
I’m obsessed with your “behind the scenes” posts! Most bloggers just have these CRAZY good photographs with no offering of advice and I find myself frusterated with my pixalated, propless images. This serves as perfect inspiration for my blog! Not to mention perfect timing for the christmas season 😉
Thanks for saying that Maddie. I love sharing the process. Heehee – I might be asking for HomeGoods gift cards foreevva – plus if you can’t find good props there they usually have good nut butter 😛
Brilliant guide here, Georgie! I definitely want to invest in some more food props. Hopefully after Christmas? I also plan on doing that DIY wooden board from Erin’s guide–I’ve had it pinned for ages.
Doesn’t it look like such a fun DIY? Plus photo boards are amazing – they really helped make my photos look more professional
And I… I have none of these! LOL!!! I take pictures on my floor… It’s obvious BAHHH AH AH AH!
Ain’t nothin’ wrong with a little floor 😉
Yes to all of these! I recently got my first board from Erickson’s and am in LOVE. It’s so fun to work with – I want tons more. Lately I’ve also been loving shooting with fresh flowers as a prop. It just adds a little extra something something and I love the look when I can make it work!
Also, I had been wanting to try my hand at using artificial light but couldn’t bring myself to buy a light for it. I found an old sun lamp my dad had in the garage and experimented with taking some photos with it, and they turned out pretty well! I’m excited to play around with that more, and hopefully share tips!
Oo I can’t wait to see! The boooarrds! I had a bunch for work and I was totally spoiled.Now I’ve got my one trust brown’n’white and love it.
This post was MADEEEEE for me!! I always admire all your props, and am so curious as to where you buy everything. I just purchased some adhesives to make an awesome marble and wood board so i’m pretty excited for that 🙂
Ooo can’t wait to see! Always happy to share.
I want all these things! I’ve been using the most random backdrops, but I think I’m just about ready to invest in some good ones! Thanks for the resource!
It feels like a lot up front but I seriously use it everyday for either blog photos or Instagram.
TOTES needed this post. I have soooo many prop ideas on my Christmas list. And you just gave me a few more!!
Gotta have some blogging goodies on the wish list 😀
I am loving all your photography tips – such a great post!
Thanks Sarah! Love chatting about photography. Such a fun part of blogging.
This is an awesome resource! I buy the fun straws at Target in the dollar spot. Best $1 purchase ever!
Thank you so much Kristin. Target has some amazing goodies, including their epic straw selection.
This is EXACTLY the post I needed!! I’m just getting started on taking food photography more seriously and am in total experiment mode with lighting and different plates/bowls etc. Definitely learning lots…especially what NOT to do. 🙂
Yay! So glad you found this helpful. Haha I had so many “what not to do” in the beginning and heck still plenty now. But it’s so much fun learning and growing along the way
Such a great post! I actually went Goodwill shopping the other day and got a wooden board, three glasses, two bowls, and about 5 colorful cloth napkins to use as props. All for under $10 🙂
No way?! That’s amazing. Goodwill is a magical magical place. Got some of my favorite dishes from there.
Hi Georgie! This is a fabulously helpful post. 🙂 Saving, sharing, etc.
Finally a helpful prop post! You saved my life/blog! I couldn’t find any other post where they show in action the props, so million thank you! – Love, Anna
Thanks for sharing – this is so helpful! I love using various cheese boards and table runners as backdrops for my food posts. I’m definitely going to start checking thrift stores for more fun items!
Just thought I’d let you know, your site crashes every few seconds due to a long running script……
Its just an awesome post for all food photographers specially for the beginners. The best part about this post is, you have shown the accessories as well as the use of those accessories which are needed during taking food shots. Thank you indeed.
Thank you so much for this list!
great info, I love the idea of parchment paper, and it has the wheels turning with even more ideas like brown craft paper, I recently bought a roll of that that I think I will try now after reading this post. Thanks for sharing these great ideas and for the inspiration
I am a graphic designer. Also i have a IT firm. I read this post. This is very useful for me.Thanks fot this post.