The art of food photography is all about capturing images that evoke a full sensory experience. You want your audience to be able to almost smell and taste the food through the images. And one effective way to do this is by using food photography props.
While the food itself can often speak for itself, props can enhance your imagery and take it to the next level. That's why we've compiled a list of our 15 favorite food photography props for you right here.
Where to Buy the Best Food Photography Props
When it comes to food props such as dishware, utensils, and cooking equipment, your local cookery store is a great place to start. These stores offer a wide range of brand new kitchenware that can serve as fantastic food props. Shiny metal utensils, for example, can add a touch of elegance to your images. And if you know exactly what props you need, you can even order them online from platforms like Amazon!
But if you're looking for something more unique and rustic, there are other avenues to explore.
Second-Hand and Online Stores
If you're in search of more unique items, consider taking the time to explore antique stores and other second-hand shops. Antique stores are treasure troves when it comes to finding old-fashioned pieces of cooking equipment and accessories that can add a touch of nostalgia to your food photos. You may stumble upon rare or obsolete props that can help create truly fascinating images.
Garage sales, charity shops, and flea markets are also excellent places to find great props. It may require a bit of patience and time to dig through the items, but you can discover simple pieces and vintage food photography props that you won't find in a modern cookery store.
Our Favorite Food Photography Props
Now that you know where to find them, let's dive into our list of top props that can make your food photography come alive:
1. Present Food on Wooden Boards
A wooden cutting board has become a staple prop for food photographers. Not only is it one of the most common pieces of equipment in the kitchen, but it also evokes the idea of authentic home cooking. Consider buying a new wooden cutting board or finding second-hand ones that show signs of use. The age and knife grooves on these boards will give your images the feeling that you're working with an experienced chef.
2. Use a Wood Surface Background
Wood can also serve as a fantastic background surface for your food photography. The grained texture of wood adds a rustic feel to your images and can transport viewers to settings like a farmhouse kitchen. If you don't have a wooden table, you can get creative by using large wooden chopping boards for close-up shots or even creating a mini tabletop using planks of wood. You can paint or treat them with varnish to add color or age them.
3. Experiment With Different Tablecloths
Tablecloths can be powerful visual props in food photography. Gingham cloths, for example, invoke feelings of summertime, picnics, and bake sales. Striped tablecloths, on the other hand, can add dynamism to your compositions with their lines and angles. If you prefer a more neutral look, plain tablecloths are perfect for enhancing food colors or achieving a minimalist style.
4. Make Use of Marble Backgrounds
Marble surfaces are commonly found in modern kitchens and can provide an upscale look to your food photography. If you're shooting in a kitchen with marble countertops, that's perfect. But if not, you can still achieve the same effect by using vinyl imitations or realistic duo boards with different textures on each side. These options are more affordable and offer texture and detail to enhance your images.
5. Use a Slate or Chalkboard Backdrop
Slate surfaces have become popular food photography props as they add a solid tone and texture to your images. Similarly, chalkboards offer a dark background that can make colors pop, especially in food flat lay photography. You can draw lines, pictures, or words on a chalkboard to add an extra touch of creativity to your compositions.
6. Match the Food With Cooking Utensils
Kitchen utensils are essential food photography props, but they can be used strategically to match the food you're photographing. Incorporating rolling pins and cookie cutters when photographing cookies, or using baking tins for cakes and other baked goods, helps viewers understand the cooking or baking process and adds authenticity to your images.
7. Photograph Drinks in Correct Glassware
Using the correct glassware for each drink can elevate the professionalism of your food photography. Stemmed wine glasses or champagne flutes are well-known options, but there are also specific glasses for whiskey, brandy, and other alcoholic beverages. Paying attention to these details can make a significant difference, especially in product photography or advertising.
8. Pick Dishware to Elevate Presentation
Dishware plays a crucial role in food photography as it enhances the overall presentation of the food. White plates can make colorful dishes stand out, while bowls with rich tones can set a warmer mood. You can also experiment with glossy and matte plates, big and small bowls, or square and round dishes to create different visual effects. Consider how you arrange the food on the plate and add additional garnishes to make your dishware truly shine.
9. Arrange Cutlery for a Dining Experience
Forks, knives, spoons, and even chopsticks are perfect food props as they create a connection between the food and the viewer. Different styles of cutlery can be mixed and matched to create various dining experiences and draw viewers into the scene. Use these props strategically to tell a story and make your audience feel like they are part of the dining experience.
10. Display Infusions in Transparent Vessels
For teas and infusions, clear glass vessels make perfect props as they allow you to showcase the beautifully colored liquids. You can capture the moment when the water changes color or use clear glass cups and mason jars for mixing coffee and other colorful drinks. Showcasing the color transformation in your photos can add vibrancy and visual interest.
11. Find and Use Mugs With Cool Designs
Coffee and hot chocolate moments can be intimate and comforting. Using mugs with distinct or personalized designs can bring personality and uniqueness to your images. Instead of ordinary sets of mugs, try finding cups from second-hand shops or look for ones with eye-catching designs that reflect the atmosphere you want to create.
12. Lay Out Napkins for Color and Patterns
Cloth napkins can not only enhance your dining experience but also serve as excellent props in food photography. They can add color and form to your images, providing more visual interest. Consider using napkins that blend with the colors of the food or ones that create strong color contrast. The shapes and patterns of the napkins can also bring structure to your compositions, making them a versatile prop for any style.
13. Use Parchment Paper to Imply Baking
Cooking parchment is a valuable item in the kitchen, and it can also be a valuable prop for your food photography. It adds authenticity and texture, making it look like you have baked goods in the oven even if you haven't. Adding parchment paper to your shots can create a sense of warmth and create a more immersive experience for the viewer.
14. Keep Things Together With Toothpicks
Toothpicks may seem like a simple everyday item, but they are essential in food photography. They help keep your culinary compositions in position, ensuring that food stays in place and components don't slip or slide on the plates. Use toothpicks strategically to achieve the perfect composition and create visually pleasing images.
15. Create Steam With Cotton Buds
Creating steam in food photography, even when the food is not hot, can add a sense of freshness and appeal to your images. Soak cotton buds in water and put them in the microwave for a few seconds until they start steaming. Then, place them discreetly wherever you need steam in your photos. This industry trick can make your food look appetizing and tempting.
Conclusion
There is a wide range of food photography props available that can help you create unique and exciting food images. Experiment with different backgrounds, fun mugs, or even create your own DIY props for a more personal touch. Keep adding to your prop collection and evolving your food photography style. We hope these suggestions and tips will inspire you to create fantastic food images that capture the senses!
Try out our Products In Focus e-book to learn more about creating dynamic compositions for your food photography.