9 Props You *ALREADY HAVE*!

If you’re anything like me (brownie-obsessed & thrifty), you don’t have the time or $$$ to go out and buy tons of new props to do a shoot!

Instead, I’m always looking for new and interesting ways to use the items that I already have! That’s why today I thought I’d share how to use some of the items you probably have lying around in your house — so you can keep from breaking the bank & elevate your scene in the process. Let’s do this!

1. Parchment Paper

Parchment paper is the best because it incorporates insane texture and adds an extra layer between your background and your subject. Bonus points for crumpling it up to get beautiful highlights and shadows.

2. Flowers or Plants

Got houseplants or some flowers hanging around? Use ‘em! Plants add a gorgeous, organic element. If you don’t have any, just go for a stroll outside and cut some flowers to add that pop of color.

3. Crumbs

Use the crumbs from your baked ziti, bread, sugar cookies, or — you know — brownies, to add delicious texture. Plus, place your crumbs in strategic locations to create movement in your scene!

4. Books

Grab a novel from your bookshelf and put it in your shot! Play around with adding height by stacking them, texture by tearing out pages (don’t come for me, book lovers!), or “tell a story” (…get it?) by adding an open book to the scene as though someone was just reading while enjoying your delicious creation!

5. Baking Sheets & Cutting Boards

Cutting boards and baking sheets are a great option to add more layers to your scene. Use them to add visual interest, incorporate geometry, AND help frame your subject!

6. Newspapers & Magazines

Newspapers and magazines are a great way to tell a story with your scene too. Shooting a cup of jo or a breakfast croissant? Add a newspaper or magazine. You can also use them as backgrounds or crumple their pages to add texture. We love versatility!

7. Glassware

Nothing does more fun things with light than glassware. If you’re shooting a scene straight on, try adding glassware in the background to add height, dimension, and interest.

8. Ingredients

If you find yourself stumped thinking of props to use, stop looking around your house and start looking inside of your dish! Did you use lemon zest in that lemon meringue? Add lemon slices to your scene. Did you brush melted butter on top of those scones? Use the butter as a prop. Simply including the ingredients already in your dish is a super simple way to fill your scene and add visual cues!

9. Bedsheet

No background? No problem. Throw down or hang up a bedsheet to get a soft, simple backdrop!

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If you take a look around, I bet you’ll find that you don’t have to go very far to find some amazing props.

Try out some of these ideas, then take a look around your house to see if you can come up with a prop that’s new and unique! You might just surprise yourself…