It has taken a loooong time to learn the art of food photography and I'm still learning! I find it's constantly changing and evolving. It's now all about the art and props that make that million dollar food shot. That million dollar shot though doesn't have to cost you a lot of money! There are so many gorgeous props available for under $10!
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Boards
A white or black foam board is a great background for any photo. They can be found easily at craft stores for just a few dollars.
Backgrounds
A natural looking background makes your food look natural and beautiful. Looks like distressed wood are very popular. if you can diy or find an old distressed wood board that always gives a great realistic look, but these backgrounds do just as good a job. They come out to about $4.99 per background and they can be easily wiped off and cleaned up when you have food spill.
Parchment Paper
Crinkle some parchment paper up and your food has a fun inexpensive look! A roll will run you under $4 and looks perfect for photos with brownies, fudge, bars, and cookies in it!
Photo Props
Target always has a great selection of inexpensive current trend style photo props available in their dollar section. The photo below includes some classic style bowls and spoons with some skis and evergreen from the dollar section at Target. The plant was $1 and the skis were $3. I've found glass milk bottles, plants, and other decorative decor for photo props at Target.
Thrift Stores
I've found lot's of fun props like plates, bowls, spoons, cups, cast iron, cutting boards, cooling racks and vases from thrift stores like Goodwill and Savers. Most props can be found for under $5.
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Dollar Store
One of the most popular food photography posts from this year had a cutting board prop that we used from the dollar store! The dollar store has lot's of props for $1 including wine glasses, glass jars and inexpensive decor like sea shells too.
Linens
Linens are the perfect compliment in any food photography photo! These linen cloth napkins start at $2 a piece.
Silverware
Vintage silverware can be found on places like Etsy for as low as $1 a piece. Vintage is always in style! We found ladles from $3 and forks and spoons for $1!
Plates, Bowls and More!
My neighbors own a high end home decor store and I thought there would be nothing I could afford in it. My neighbor lured me in one day by letting me know that they had just set out their Christmas items and I fell in love with a huge wall rack in their store filled floor to ceiling with various odds and ends from plates, bowls, cutting boards, and even odds and ends like a red ladle spoon for $6. The plate below was only $8 but I had readers reaching out to find out where I bought it. I love adding a few unique items to photos that you won't find anywhere else.
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Have fun with your photos and enjoy taking your photos with some of our favorite finds! Don't forget to let us know where you like to shop!
Love, Traci
PS this article contains a few affiliate links.
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