Budget-Friendly Styling and Staging
Introduction
Photography can be expensive, especially if you're styling your own shoots, like I often do. But adding visual interest to your photos with props doesn't have to cost a fortune. Props can bring more dynamism to your images and give your subject something to interact with, elevating the final product. In this post, I'll share some of my favorite budget-friendly ways to create and source props for your photoshoots.
Discount Stores
One of my go-to methods for finding unique and affordable props is thrifting. Thrift stores are treasure troves of fabrics that can double as backdrops, tablecloths, or draped clothing. I also hunt for costume jewelry, fake flowers or fruit, and other visually interesting items that fit my shoot’s theme. Thrift stores near Halloween are especially great because they often stock costumes and related props, offering some truly unique finds!
In addition to thrifting, check out dollar stores, Five Below, or other local discount shops. These stores often carry affordable craft supplies and materials like poster boards, which can be taped together to create makeshift backdrops for portraits or product photography. They also stock vinyl, which can be used to replicate more expensive surfaces for a fraction of the price. Tablecloths—especially metallic ones—make for fantastic backdrops or props, too!
Craft Stores
If thrift or discount stores don’t quite have what you're looking for, local craft stores are another great option. They tend to have reasonable prices, and if you can't find a local option, big chains like Michaels, Joann, and Hobby Lobby have a wide selection of pre-made items and niche supplies.
I recommend buying props and materials that can be used across multiple shoots. If you have an eclectic style like I do, you might even be able to repurpose some of these items as home decor!
Online Shopping
For more specialized items, Etsy and Amazon are excellent resources. On Etsy, you can find niche items like replica swords, headpieces, and other unique props. Amazon is also a great option for finding backdrops for portraits or products, clothing, and hard-to-find items. One perk of shopping on Amazon is that you can return items after your shoot if you don’t plan to use them again.
I personally bought my collapsible backdrop stand on Amazon, and it’s been serving me well for over five years. It’s particularly handy for at-home shoots!
Short-Lived Props
You can also experiment with temporary props like food, flowers, or plants that you can find at your local grocery store, farmers market, or food stand. I love incorporating flowers into my shoots—especially if they’re free! My friend Brandi Nicole is a big advocate for using flowers in your work. If you attend an event and they have leftover bouquets that you’re allowed to take, snag them for your next shoot. Flowers add so much life to portraits and product photos!
Food can also be a great addition. For example, I once cut up cherries to complement a cherry-colored lipstick in a product shoot. Using food can help convey a product’s scent or color and create a strong visual connection. You can even play with elements like water or ice to add texture and intrigue to your photos.
Next time you're out grocery shopping or walking around, grab something extra to experiment with. And as a bonus, if you don’t use it all, you get a nice snack or a new bouquet to brighten up your room!
DIY Props
As a self-proclaimed “hobby hoarder,” I always enjoy crafting my own props when I can. I keep a stash of basic supplies like cardboard, cardstock, and glue on hand, which often comes in handy. Before buying anything new, I’ll first dig through my existing supplies—you’d be surprised at what you can create with materials you already have!
Some recent DIY props I’ve made include a giant candy wrapper out of cellophane, a clown hat, and a popcorn bucket made of cardboard and paint. The possibilities are endless when you get creative!
While crafting props can take time and sometimes things don't turn out as planned, I find it incredibly rewarding to combine my love of crafting with photography. There’s nothing quite like the sense of accomplishment when all your creative work comes together in a final, well-composed shot.
Conclusion
Adding style and visual interest to your photographs doesn’t have to be expensive. Whether you’re thrifting, hitting up discount stores, or making your own props, there are plenty of budget-friendly ways to enhance your shoots. All it takes is a little creativity! I hope this guide has been helpful and inspires you to create stunning photos on a budget.
