My Top Food Photography Props
It’s not enough to have beautiful food. In food photography, props create a scene and help to tell a story.
You can have as many or as few props as you want. Here are my top food photography props that will level-up your work.
Small Plates
Something that I have learned along the way is that large plates do not showcase food well in photos. Large plates make the final dish look small and underwhelming. I often gravitate toward salad and dessert plates and this is common for many food photographers - of course, there will be times you reach for large plates.
I also suggest matte plates because dinnerware photographs shinier than it is. For example - in the photo above the white plates in the left corner look reflective, however, in person, they are not glossy.
Baking Sheets
Baking sheets are one of my favorite items to include in food photography. They are versatile. I use baking sheets for process and ingredients shots mainly, but they can also be used as backdrops themselves or to showcase brownies/sheet cakes. The best baking sheets for photos are weathered (in my opinion).
Linens
Linens are probably the most popular prop in food photography! The biggest reason to incorporate linens is that it creates movement. It can guide your eye through the frame and creates a feeling of comfort. Not all towels/linens are made equal. My go-tos are thin and flow-y if that makes sense. If you are struggling to work with linen, most likely it’s just not the right kind. I have found that Etsy is the easiest place to get napkins, linens, and towels that are the right texture and lay nicely.
Pinch Bowls, Bowls, and Ramekins
I cannot live without bowls and ramekins! This sounds dramatic, but they are a constant in my food photography. Pinch bowls and ramekins are amazing at showcasing ingredients. You’ll see them a lot in my process shots. Even larger bowls I frequently use because they create depth for a main dish, whereas, plates can sometimes make a meal look flat and uninteresting. The only bowls I don’t recommend are cereal bowls because they are too deep.
Unique Flatware/Silverware
Spoons, forks, and knives are crucial in food photography. However, most silverware sets are extremely shiny and frankly, boring. I keep a handful of flatware that is antique. I like to have both silver and gold to match different scenes. Interesting flatware tells a story - so it’s important to find pieces that fit your style and don’t create tons of glare. Thrift stores are a good place to start to find vintage items that won’t be costly.
Baking Supplies
So this encompasses many items. Some baking props I like to collect are sifters, pie servers, biscuit cutters, and I often use parchment paper. Props aren’t one size fits all. You might not need the props I have. If you rarely photograph baked goods, then focus your energy on props that make sense for you.
Glassware
I love when the light hits the glass and makes everything shimmer. I recommend investing in cocktail glasses. Crate and Barrel breaks down the different types of glasses in this article. Other glassware I enjoy is sundae glasses. They are super cute and perfect for ice cream, mousse, and a variety of other desserts.
Garnishes and Flowers
Garnishes are the easiest prop because you most likely already have herbs and spices. If I’m ever unsure of how to style savory foods, I sprinkle fresh herbs on the dish and around the scene. As for flowers, I don’t use them frequently. They are nice to decorate cakes with and to create a spring vibe.
Thank you for reading! What are your favorite food photography props?
