Props You Should Incorporate in Your Next Photoshoot

Now that the weather is warming up (yay!), photo sessions outdoors are in full swing. 

• Maybe you’ve been thinking about scheduling a photoshoot to update your family photos. 

• Or you’ve just recently gotten engaged so you’re scheduling your engagement session (congratulations!). 

• Or your child is heading into their senior year of high school, so it’s time to schedule those senior portraits (so exciting!).

Whatever type of photoshoot you’re doing, props are a great way to add dimension and your own personality to your photos. They are an extra element to show who you are and what you like! I’ve put together a list of some props you could incorporate into your photo session. 

Click here to jump to props for high school seniors

Props for families and couples

Pets – because who doesn’t want to have their dog, cat, or horse included in their photoshoot. Your pet is absolutely a member of the family and should be included! Be sure to check that your location allows pets.

Balloons – are you celebrating a birthday? Or an engagement? Maybe you just like balloons? Balloons add fun and color as well as movement to your photos. 

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Food – a picnic for your engagement session;  ice cream, cotton candy, tacos, brunch, donuts & coffee, whatever you love to eat you could add to your shoot. 

Wine/ Champagne & glasses – celebrate that engagement with some wine or champagne! If your session is at an outdoor park, just make sure your session location allows for alcohol.

Beer – or maybe you and your boo are into craft beers, bring some six packs and glasses for a fun 

Pillows and blankets – are you all about that cozy life like me? Pillows and blankets help cultivate those cute snuggly moments and add color and texture to your photos. Combine this with your favorite foods or champagne toast for a cute and cozy picnic with those you love.

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Vintage bicycles or cruiser bikes – I don’t know why, but adding a vintage bicycle makes your photos feel more romantic. It is an added layer to your photos and also gives you something to pose with or sit on. 

Flowers – flowers always look gorgeous in photos. You can opt for fresh flowers or save some money and opt for faux flowers! Flowers look great whether you’re holding them, scattering flowers around you, or creating a flower wall. 

Umbrellas – raining or not, umbrellas add a little something extra to your images and it gives you something to do with your hands!

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Bubbles – this adds a playful element to your photos. It is a great way to get the kids involved and break some of that camera shyness when the session first starts.

Board games – maybe your family loves playing board games on Friday nights. Set up a game night themed photo session to capture your family’s fun and playful side. 

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Props for high school seniors

Sports equipment – did you play sports throughout high school? maybe you’re heading to college to play also? Show off your athletic side with your lacrosse equipment, hockey stick, soccer ball, etc.

Musical instruments – maybe you love playing an instrument, bring that for your photoshoot. You’ll probably want to leave the piano at home, but your violin, clarinet, saxophone, etc. are perfect! 

Art supplies – are you an artist? Bring your art supplies, sketch pads and pencils/oils/pastels. Or your easel, canvases and paints. I’m definitely down to get messy with the paints!

Books – do you love snuggling up with a good book? Bring some books, maybe even a cozy bean bag.

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Flowers – flowers always look gorgeous in photos. You can opt for fresh flowers or save some money and opt for faux flowers! Flowers look great whether you’re holding them, scattering flowers around you, or creating a flower wall.

Makeup and makeup brushes – are you a senior who is super into makeup and even plans to become a makeup artist? Your makeup and brushes can add beautiful color and texture to your photos. 

Old camera or instant camera – old cameras add a vintage vibe to your photoshoot and give you something to do with your hands. 

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Balloons – cause we all love balloons… or maybe that’s just me. Balloons in your school colors or your class year add color, dimension, and context.

Cars/ trucks – have a car or truck you’ve fixed up yourself? Cars add dimension and color to your photos and give you something to pose against.

Colored smoke bombs – colored smoke bombs will add color and drama to your images and just look total bad@*$.

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These are just a few of the many things you could bring to your photoshoot. Talk with your photographer to see if they have any suggestions. And also let them know what you are planning to bring. This way they aren’t surprised the day of the photoshoot and can make sure there are no rules at your photoshoot location. Your photographer can better plan knowing your props to create the most amazing images for you!

Until next time, xoxo Nicole