Studio Sets & Props

Photographers use studio backgrounds and props to create different photographic elements for potential clients. Whether the final photo is intended for school, weddings, or family photos, studio props add style to any photo.

There are many commercial studio sets & props options available to the home and professional photographer. Some sets lean to traditional photography, such as child's headshot in front of a blue crushed velvet screen, or a bride and groom in wedding garb under a rose vine archway. Other sets incorporate unusual photo studio props for a one-of-a-kind setting, like an oversized egg in a nest for baby photography.

For some photos a simple background might be all that is required. A three toned turquoise background behind a red haired woman sounds nice. Now add a simple block set staircase and watch how many more poses the model brings into the photos.

Use anything for a studio prop that makes a photographic statement, or adds interest to the photo. Lace umbrellas, chairs, stools, ABC blocks and wedding columns are common. For Christmas bring in a sleigh prop with a small Christmas tree. Crescent moons make a fun studio prop for babies and toddlers. Small children also are fond of overstuffed toys and rattles. Long curly white wigs, feathered angel wings and polyester stuffing for clouds creates a heavenly photographic setting.

For the crafty and artistically inclined, a good choice is to make your own handmade studio background and props. Use inexpensive muslin or broadcloth to dye or paint a background design. Paper Mache over wire frames to create props like Halloween and Mardi Gras masks. Bring in a fog machine with a scarecrow in the background with the model in a vampire costume for a scary Halloween photograph.

Photographers can create a western set with few props. Use a plain background, or one with mountains and tumbleweeds. Make, or find an old wagon wheel and prop it against a wooden fence with a rope draped over a post. Bring in a cowboy hat for the model, setting a pair of cowboy boots near the fence post for the final touch.

For a personal touch, allow the clients to bring props of their own onto the set. Buy prop sets through specialty prop stores and shops.

Find studio props supply stores online through search engines and photography pages. Search online auctions for cheap and unusual items to use as props and backgrounds.