Transcripts
1. Class Introduction: No fancy kitchen. No problem. In this class, I'll show you how to use prop
styling to set up a scene and create different
moods for your food photos. Hi, I'm Rose. I wear many hats, photographer, videographer, any top teacher here
on skill share. I am passionate about helping
small businesses boost their sales and online presence with eye catching food photos. Over the years, I've
had the pleasure of working with these
amazing local brands. When it comes to
food photography, a question I often hear is, how can I make my scene look
captivating and inviting? Well, the solution
doesn't involve turning your kitchen
into a fancy showpiece, like you'd see in a magazine. It's all about
intentional prop styling. Yep. The right props
can help you tell an amazing food story right
from your own cozy space. And that's exactly what I'm
here to guide you through. In this class, we'll kick
things off by understanding why prop styling is so crucial in the world
of food photography. Then we'll delve into
the realm of props, exploring different types, and learning how to pick the
perfect ones for your shot. We'll discover how to
use props to craft engaging food stories and
elevate your compositions. I'll also spill the
beans on where to find props and how to build a
sustainable collection. Plus, I'll share some nifty tips on caring for and
organizing your props, and to wrap it all up, we'll put everything
we've learned into action with an exciting
class project, we'll style two
different scenes, a wholesome breakfast setup and a farm to table
vegetarian feast. This class is perfect
for food lovers, ploggers, social
media enthusiasts, small business owners, and anyone who wants to make
their food photos shine. No prior skills or
experience required. You can use ADS, LR
camera mirrorless, or even your smartphone
for our class project. So are you ready to
unlock the secrets of prop styling and elevate your food photography
game? Let's dive in.
2. Class Project: I am so thrilled
to have you here and I want to make sure you get the most out from this last. To truly grasp the magic of prop styling in
food photography, you'll need to experience it through your very own photos. That's why I strongly recommend joining
our class project. To participate, all
you need to do is pick a food item or dish
that inspires you. It could be your favorite meal, a mouthwatering dessert, or
anything that looks tempting. Your task is to style
and photograph this dish using the prop
styling techniques will cover in this class. Here's a simple guide to
help you along the way. You can also download this PDF guide under
Projects and Resources. First, choose your dish. Select a food item that
speaks to your heart. It can be a hearty breakfast, a decadent dessert,
or a fresh salad. The key is to pick something
you're passionate about. Next is to gather props. Here's the fun part. Think about the story you want to
tell with your dish. Consider the mood, setting, and message you wish to convey. Pick props that enhance the overall vibe of
your food scene. Next is to plan
your composition. Before you start arranging
props, plan your composition. Imagine how you want your
final photo to appear. Think about the placement of your food props and the best angles to
capture your vision. You can find inspiration in magazines, Pinterest
or Instagram. You might even want to do a
rough sketch or test shots before the actual styling. Next is to style
your food scene. This is where your
prop styling skills shine, thoughtfully. Place each prop to create
a captivating food scene. Pay attention to balance
color and texture. Keep it authentic and
relevant to your chosen dish. Don't worry, we'll cover these topics in detail
during the class. Finally, capture the moment. Set up your camera or smartphone with proper
lighting and focus. Take multiple shots
from different angles. Experimenting with different
prop arrangements until you capture the perfect shot
that tells your food story. Optional step is editing. If you're comfortable
with photo editing, you can enhance your photos
using an editing software. Adjust colors, contrast, and brightness to make your food
scene even more captivating. Once you're satisfied with your food photo,
share it with us. Upload your masterpiece in
the class project gallery. Be sure to include a brief description explaining the story behind your food scene and the prop styling
choices you made. Don't forget to check out your fellow students
work to show some love. I am super excited
to see how you put the learnings from
this class into practice. Best of flop, and most
importantly, have a blast.
3. Understanding Prop Styling: In this lesson, we're
officially diving into the exciting world of prop
styling and food photography. First, let's start by defining what prop styling is
in food photography. Prop styling refers to
the use of props to enhance the visual appeal of
the food being photographed. Props can include anything
from plates, napkins, and tablecloths, to flowers, candles, and seasonal items. The idea behind prop
styling is to make the food photo look
as good as possible. This means creating a
nice background and surroundings that
match the colors, textures, and how the
food is presented. Now, there are two main types of props used in food photography. Functional props and
decorative props. Functional props are those that directly interact with the food, like dishes, glasses,
cutlery, and utensils. On the other hand,
decorative props are there to set a
mood or atmosphere. They can include tablecloths,
backgrounds, candles, flowers, and even items like
books or seasonal touches. For example, this is a photo
I shot for a local big shop. They wanted to create marketing
content for Christmas. They called me to do a
Christmas themed photo shoot. It doesn't matter
what month it is, you can instantly feel the holiday vibe just by
looking at this photo. That is the magic
of prop styling. Why is prop styling so
important in food photography? Well, as the saying goes, we eat first with our eyes. And that's absolutely true. How you present your food matters the right
prop style a tale, inviting viewers on
a visual journey. They make food more appealing, offer a taste of what's to come, and add a captivating
touch to your image, but it's not just
about the looks. Props can also convey emotion. The right props can evoke
emotions and moods. A cup of hot cocoa with a cozy blanket suggests
warmth and comfort, while a vibrant bowl
of salad brings a sense of freshness
and vitality. Prop styling can also help
in branding and identity. If you're a food blogger, chef, or a business owner, props can reinforce your
brand identity consistently. Using certain props
can make your work recognizable and build a
connection with your audience. For example, Gabby
of Milko Baking Lab is one of my favorite food
bloggers on Instagram. When you go to her page, see that her props
are usually light, cute and minimal, and it's
consistent across her feed. It looks simple but captivating, so welcoming and elegant. Finally, let's talk about
composition balance, a really important aspect
in food photography. Props are like the
secret ingredient to achieving that balance. They step in to fill
up any empty spots. They frame your main
subject beautifully, and they help gently lead the viewer's eyes
around the scene, making everything
look just right. Just like when I
used props to follow the flow of the Fibonacci
spiral in this shot, creating a pleasing path for
your eyes to follow across the frame with a croissant
as the center of the show. To sum it all up, prop
styling is all about using props to make your
food photos look amazing. There are two main
types of props. The ones that actually
interact with the food functional and the ones that create a mood or
setting decorative. Why is prop styling so
cool and important? Because it's not just about
making your food look yummy. It helps tell a story and adds that extra pop
to your photos. Plus props can even
make your audience feel something special when
they look at your photos. Help you create a
perfect balance in your shots and even show off
your unique style and brand. It's like a sprinkle of
magic in every frame. In the next lessons, we will dig deeper by exploring different types of
props. See you there.
4. Types of Props: In the previous lesson,
I briefly introduced the two types of props,
functional and decorative. Now let's dive deeper
into each category. First, let's talk about
functional props. These are the props that get up close and personal
with your food. Like your kitchen helpers, think of them as your food's
best buddies in the picture, starting with tableware,
that means plates, bowls, glasses and cups. They're like the base
of your food artwork, setting the vie for your
photo. Bright and fun plates. I had a dash of excitement, while classy porcelain dishes bring a hint of elegance for me, I opted for plates and
bowls in neutral shades. I also got both a light and dark set to enable me to
capture different moods. Just like choosing the
right outfit for a party, the right tableware can
make your dish shine. Next we have tools and utensils. These are the unsung
heroes of the kitchen. Working behind the scenes,
think about cutlery, those charming old wooden spoons and the graceful forks
that catch your eye. They're not just there for show, they contribute
to the narrative. To a rugged wooden spatula could be the perfect
partner for a hearty stew, while delicate
silverware might add a touch of elegance to
a sophisticated dish, when it comes to
choosing cutlery, my top tip is to have a
variety of styles on hand, a mix of vintage
and modern pieces. A blend of silver and gold,
white animal cutlery, and some with wooden handles, will all bring visual
interest to your photos. Be mindful of
reflections though, because overly shiny
pieces can be distracting. Now let's move on to
decorative props. These are the mood setters,
the atmosphere creators. They are the ones that
add that extra touch of magic to your food. Photos. Decorative props
come in many forms. There are linens, fabrics,
backgrounds, candles, flowers, and even things like books or seasonal bits and bobs. These are the details that turn your photo into a
captivating story. First, let's dive into
linens and textiles. This includes napkins, tea towels, cheesecloth,
and tablecloths. These props introduce
textures and patterns, giving your set up depth
and visual allure. A top tip when selecting
fabrics is to go for softer ones that can flow
gracefully in your images. Another tip is to
consider how well the fabric complements the
food you're photographing. While both patterns might be fun at home in food photography, the props should always enhance the food, not overshadow it. Next, let's talk about
backgrounds and services. Don't underestimate
their importance because a well chosen background
can complement your dish, adding texture and
depth to your set up. On the flip side, a poor
background choice can weaken your composition or steal the spotlight from
your main subject. Common background materials
include vinyl wood, stone, and hand
painted wooden boards. But don't be afraid to let
your creativity run wild. You can experiment with
unique background ideas like curtains, parchment papers, chopping
boards, and even jackets. Here are some of the
backgrounds I've collected. I used to have
more, but I had to downsize when we moved
to our smaller home. I've got a solid texture board, a bunch of double sided
waterproof backdrops in various colors and designs. Last but not the least
are styling accessories. Wooden trays, elegant cake
stands, and stylish platters. These versatile props
elevate your composition, giving your set up
dimension and structure. They create a
special platform for your food star to
truly stand out. And guess what? This is your chance so that your
creativity, sparkle. Feel free to mix
and match props, or even break the
traditional rules. For example, instead
of showcasing cakes, I used cake stands to display these delightful macarons
and these yummy cream pubs. Remember, the secret
lies in selecting props that align with the
story you're crafting. Whether it's a cozy family
meal or a chic cocktail gathering your prop
should harmonize with the mood and
atmosphere you're creating. Don't worry, we're diving
even deeper into this. In the next lessons
we'll keep unveiling the magic of prop styling
one step at a time. Get ready for more insights
and creative tips. See you in the next lesson.
5. How to Choose Props: Get ready. Because
in this lesson, we're diving headfirst into a crucial aspect
of prop styling. Picking the right props. I will be sharing my
top five considerations for choosing props that not
only compliment your dishes, but also tell a
captivating visual story. First is quality over quantity. Sometimes having a few
well chosen props can have a bigger impact than
overcrowding your scene. Look for props that are well
made and of high quality. They'll bring a touch of
elegance to your composition. My next consideration
is quite related. Think about size and scale. Keep an eye on how big your props are in
relation to your dish. You don't want props that
steal the spotlight from your food or appear too
small and insignificant. Find props that match the
proportions of your dish. Take this baking process
photo. For example. The whisk was a bit large, so I position it
towards the back, showing just parts of it, instead of the whole thing. Next is to consider
the color of props. Start by looking at the colors present in the food itself. Note of the dominant hues, shades or tones in your dish. Choose props that go well with and complement
these colors. If your food has
warm, earthy tones, consider props in
a similar palette like brown gold
or warm neutrals. For example, in this photo, for a local business that sells garlic mussels with a
tasty sesame sauce, I made sure to use props with
colors that match the food, creating a beautiful
and harmonious look. I also went for a cozy
and comforting theme, which is why I used warm
colored props that fit perfectly to create
excitement and contrast, you can use prop colors
to your advantage, mix and match by
selecting props with complementary or
contrasting colors. Complementary colors
which are opposite on the color wheel can create a striking effect
when used together. Take this fluffy Brazo
de Mercedes photo. As an example, I
paired yellow food with purple props for an
eye catching contrast. On the flip side, I used yellow props to enhance
these yellow macarons, creating a harmonious,
monochromatic feel. Next is to consider
the story and theme. Every photo has a story to tell. Your props play
an important role in narrating that story. Before you start
selecting props, think about the theme or
concept of your shoot. Are you going for a
cozy picnic scene or a posh, fine dining ambience? Pick props that seamlessly
fit into your theme. Your props should help tell the story you're
aiming to capture. Last but not the least, it's all about your
style and needs. The props you pick reflect
your own photography style. Whether you're into
vintage modern looks or a mix of everything, let your props reveal
your one of a kind flare. Your true self will
shine in your photos. When it comes to props, also consider what
fits your needs. If you're a food blogger
or content creator aiming to establish
a signature style, you might find that
a small set of reliable go to items works best. These should match
your vibe and the kind of food you enjoy
preparing For me, it's all about combining
light and lively props. I gravitate towards
a modern touch. Since I often photograph
for local businesses, my goal is to craft scenes
that emphasize the foods, texture and unique features. To wrap it all up, my prop selection
considerations include quality, size and scale, color, story and theme, and
my personal style. Choosing props is like
an exciting journey of experimentation. So don't be afraid to mix and
match different props until you find the perfect combination that resonates with your vision. Remember, practice
makes perfect, and over time you'll
develop a keen eye for selecting props that elevate
your food photography. In our upcoming lessons, we'll delve into the
techniques of using props, enhanced composition,
and storytelling. You'll learn how
to arrange props for visual impact and to create a sustainable prop
collection that's tailored to your
style. See you there.
6. Props for Storytelling: Our next topic is quite related. In this lesson, we will
be more specific and dig deeper into how you can choose props to tell a food story. Think of props as characters in your food
photography narrative. They set the mood, add context, and bring your audience into the delicious world
you're creating. Now here are five
ways to do this. First is to define the story. Before you start picking props, figure out the story
you want to share. Is it a picture of
one tasty dish, maybe a snapshot of
a whole table scene? Or capturing the cozy ambience. Once you've got
your story in mind, choosing the right
props becomes easier. For example, I often
focus on single dishes, so I keep the props simple. But sometimes, like in my Christmas shot for a
local chicken restaurant, I set up a whole table scene. Here I used fancy
golden cutlery plates with golden edges and a wine glass or wine glasses to make things elegant and
kind of support my story. Next is to stay authentic. The props you choose should resonate with a cuisine
you're showcasing. Authenticity is key of your props as supporting
actors in a culinary story, just like actors need to
embody their characters, your props need to embody the essence of the cuisine
you're photographing. For example, if
you're highlighting a rustic Italian pasta dish, go for cozy and rustic props like handmade ceramic plates, wooden utensils, and a lovely linen napkin to make sure that you get
that authentic feel. Take some time to learn about the cuisine and its traditions. Speaking of traditions,
remember to respect them. Different cuisines have
their own special customs. For example, if you're
shooting Japanese cuisine, use traditional
Japanese tea sets and sushi plates to create
an authentic look. Next is adding
contextual elements. Props can provide context
and set the stage. A vase of fresh flowers hints
at a springtime branch, while scattered ****** bring
that bustling kitchen feel. Next, props that tell a
story within a story. A well worn cookbook or a half full coffee cup can add layers of meaning to your scene. You can get really
creative with this. Everyday items like
chairs, old photos, or even eyeglasses can work
wonders in your images. Final way and quite related
is seasonal touches. You can incorporate
seasonal props to infuse your photos
with a timely vibe. Pumpkins for fall
blossoms for spring, or twinkling lights
for the holidays. Choosing props that match
the story, characters, and colors of your scene is like planning
a fun adventure. For example, in my shot of a famous Filipino
summer dessert, I wanted to capture
that sunny season. So I used a coconut shell, a bright umbrella, and a
cheerful yellow background. Here's another example. In one of my rice cake photos, I wanted to highlight
the Filipino tradition of night masses
during Christmas. So I used colorful
Christmas lights to create that
special atmosphere. To sum it up, props are a secret weapon to tell
amazing food stories. And we've got five ways
to make it happen. First, define your story, then keep things authentic, add some context,
explore mini stories, and embrace seasonal touches. By now, I bet you're cooking up fantastic ideas for your own
food photography journey. In our next lesson, get ready to dive into
the technical side. How to use props to make your compositions
shine. See you there.
7. Props to Enhance Composition: A great composition is like taking your viewers
on an adventure. It's like saying, look at this, this is the best part of this dish and I want
to share it with you. And that's exactly what we'll
talk about in this lesson, how these props enhance your food photography
compositions. Just like you gather
ingredients for a recipe, you can arrange props to turn an ordinary photo
into a masterpiece. The way you place these props can guide the viewer's eyes, make your food the
star of the show, and create a sense of balance. We're going to explore
different ways. Do just that. First, you need to choose
your main subject. This is the star of your photo. The thing you want
everyone to notice first. Sometimes people get carried away with props and
forgot about this star. The key is to pick your
main subject first, put it front and center,
and let it shine. For example, in my photo
of Filipino curry, the curry itself is
the main subject and I placed it right in
the middle of the frame. Everything else
around it supports the curry without
stealing its spotlight. Here's another example. The star of the show in this
picture is the croissants, even though they're not
right in the middle. The way it set up the shot and put the other stuff around, it makes it super clear that the croissants are
the main focus. Once you've chosen
your main subject, you can create paths for
your viewers to follow. Imagine lines or
patterns in your scene that leave the viewers
case around your photo. For example, a line of
utensils pointing towards a delicious dessert acts like a leading
line for the eyes. Cutlery like forks and
knives are great for this. You can also try making things interesting with curved lines. This means using round things or arranging your napkin
in a curvy way. It gives your picture a
smooth and balanced look. Don't just toss props around. Take a moment, look at
your set up and see how these lines
your eye change up, where you put your
props and how you angle them to make your
photos more exciting. Tilt a plate. Lean a utensil or sprinkle some crumbs to give
your scene a lively feel. Experiment with the
positions and angles of your props to make your photo
dynamic and interesting. Next is adding layers and depth. This is like giving your
photo three D effect. By placing elements
in the foreground, middle and background, you make your photo feel more alive. For example, in micros photo, the plate where the
croissant is in the front while the coffee and blueberry
jam are in the background. It adds depth and
makes the viewer feel like they're right
there with the food. Now, these are
just a few ways to use props to enhance
your composition. Remember, it's not just
about what you put in, it's also about what you
leave out. Don't overdo it. Every prop should
have a purpose and contribute to the story.
Here's a top tip. Take test shots before you
start, arrange your props, experiment with
different setups, and be open to
changing your mind. Something isn't working out. Now, if you're hungry for
more composition tips, I've got a deep dive
class on this topic. When you're ready,
just head over to my teacher profile and
you can explore it later. Now that you've got
some new ideas for choosing props and improving
your food compositions, it's time to go prop shopping. In our next lesson, I'll show you where to
source props. See you there.
8. Where to Get Unique and Affordable Props: Where is the best
place to get props? I could answer this
question 1,000 ways, but let's focus on the easiest, most sustainable, and
affordable ways to do it. First is from thrypt
shops and flea markets. Unearthing vintage
treasures is a thrill. And thrips stores
and flea markets are havens for unique finds. You might stumble upon
charming vintage dishes, quaint utensils, and
even quirky trinkets that tell a story
in your photos. Vintage plates, utensils,
and unique pieces with character can elevate
your compositions without breaking the bank. For example, I got the teapot
and tea cups in this photo, as well as the bread plates in this photo from the
same thrift shop. I got the teapot and tea cup
set for only 180 pessos, which is equivalent
to only around $3 Then I got these three
purple bread plates for only 50 pessos, which is equivalent to less
than $1 Amazing, right? The best thing is
that most items from these places show signs
of wear and tear. So they can add a bit of drama
and story to your images. Next place is online. The online world offers a
wide range of prop options. Check out online market
places like ebay, Amazon, and dedicated
photography stores. You'll be amazed at the diverse selection
just a few clicks away. For example, I got almost all my dual sided
waterproof backgrounds. Online websites like Ts have unique items you
won't find anywhere else. You can also follow and support small businesses who sell
on Instagram and Facebook. For example, I got these beautiful wooden bowls and plates from an online
seller on Facebook. I also got it for an
affordable price because the owner is selling
from home so she doesn't need to pay
rent and other expenses related to having a store
in an actual shopping mall. Next is nature's bounty. Nature is a fantastic
prop source. Think fresh herbs, vibrant
flowers, and seasonal produce. These elements
infuse your photos with a touch of organic charm. For example, adding a couple of fresh tarragon sprigs added to the story of this
refreshing lemon tarragon. Cooler. Same thing
with garnishing this creamy chicken dish
with fresh parsley. A small and simple
step that made it more inviting and
mouth watering. Next are craft stores. These creative havens are a
treat for prop enthusiasts, from beautifully
patterned napkins to uniquely designed plates. Craft stores offer a wide
range of items that can add an extra dash of style
to your food scenes. For example, I got props
for my Barbie themed photoshoot here from a craft
store. Looks fun, right? Last but not the least, our local shops embrace your community spirit by
exploring local shops, especially those specializing
in kitchen or home goods. Here you may discover
handcrafted gems that infuse your setups with a
touch of local artistry. To sum it up, places
where you can get props are Therpt stores
and flea markets, online marketplaces, nature craft stores,
and local shops. This is probably the
most exciting part of being a food photographer. Prop shopping, it's like
turning your vision into reality with carefully chosen
props and backgrounds. Think of it as a thrilling
treasure hunt for that perfect plate or cuttery
to make your scene shine. But I want you to
succeed without ending up with a pile of
crops you won't use. In our next lesson, I'll share tips on how to
build a collection that's both sustainable and
stylish. See you there.
9. How to Build a Sustainable Prop Collection: When I started in my food
photography journey, I got myself a fancy camera, but I couldn't create
those captivating shots I admired in magazines. Turns out, food photography is more than just
clicking pictures. You're not just a photographer. You're a food stylist. And a prop stylist too. If you're really serious, you need to have a
prop collection that's both sustainable and stylish. But why is it important to have a sustainable
prop collection? Well, for one, it's better
for the environment by choosing props that are
reusable and long lasting, you're reducing waste and
being kinder to our planet. Plus, having a well curated
collection of props means you'll always have
the perfect item on hand to enhance your photos. How do you go about building a sustainable prop collection? Here are some tips. First is to start
with the basics. Every prop collection
starts with the foundation of essentials. These are high quality
and versatile props that you can use
again and again. Examples are neutral plates, classic cutlery, textured
linens, and basic glassware. These items provide
a solid backdrop for your dishes and can
work with any type of food. If you're into baking,
you can add bakeware, baking tins, trays, rolling
pins to your essentials. Next is to get creative. Once you have your
foundational props, consider exploring themes that align with your
photography style. Are you drawn to
rustic farmhouse, vives, vintage elegance,
modern minimalism? Each theme will guide
your prop selection and add a consistent visual
thread to your portfolio. Don't be afraid to repurpose items you
already have at home. A scarf can double
as a tablecloth, and an old baking sheet can
make a great background for rustic food shots and
glassware for desserts. Before discarding
household items, take a moment to see
if they could find a new life as food
Photography props. Next is the shop secondhand. Building a prop collection
doesn't have to be expensive. Remember what we discussed
from the previous lesson. You can discover
cool stuff without breaking the bank by
checking out thrift stores, flea markets, and online places. You can also get crafty and transform everyday things
into fantastic props. A little paint or
some creative flare. And you've got props
that are totally unique. In fact, about half of my
props are secondhand goodies. I found most of them at thrift
stores and garage sales. Here are some of
the yummy photos I created using these
thrifty treasures. Next step is to choose
natural materials. Using natural materials
in prop styling can add organic and authentic
field to your photos. Natural materials such as wood, bamboo or recycled glass
have a unique texture and color that can enhance the
visual appeal of your shots. For example, a wooden
cutting board or a bamboo place map can add
warmth and depth to a photo. While a recycled glass jar or bottle can add a touch
of rustic charm. In addition to their
aesthetic appeal, natural materials are also
a sustainable choice. They're often renewable,
biodegradable, and have a lower
environmental impact than synthetic materials. Last tip is to mix and match. While themes are valuable, variety adds spice to
your prop collection. The secret is balance. You can combine old school
with modern rustic, with smooth and
different texture. This mix gives you flexibility for various foods,
moods, and stories. To sum it up, building a sustainable and
stylish prop collection is like crafting
your own recipe. Start with the
basics, add a dash of creativity shop smart, choose natural materials and don't be afraid
to mix things up. These props are like treasures. They'll elevate your
food photography. But having a prop
collection is a commitment. So in the next lesson, we will talk about
how to care for and organize your
props. See you there.
10. How to Care For and Organize Your Props: In this lesson, we're talking about something super important. Looking after and organizing
your prop collection. Just like how a gardener
cares for plants, or an artist keeps paint tidy, you need to do the same
thing for your props. It's like keeping your
tools in good shape. When you organize your props, it's easier to find
what you need. No more digging through piles of stop to find that
perfect plate or napkin. Taking good care of your props by cleaning and storing them properly means they last longer and always
look their best. How can you organize and take care of your prop collection? Here are some tips. First is to sort by category. Group similar items together like plates, bowls,
and utensils. This makes finding
things easier. You can also group
them by color. Like I did, this is super
handy when you want to create color harmony or
contrast in your photos. Consider labeling shelves or containers to show where
different types of props go. This makes it super
easy to find what you need when you're in the
middle of a creative project. Next is to store properly. Keep your props
safe from damage. For example, put a
piece of felt or paper towel between stack plates to stop them from scratching. Store them in a cool, dry place away from sunlight to prevent fading and damage. Choose storage solutions that are practical and look good, like open shelves,
glass cabinets, or cool vintage crates. These not only keep
your props neat, but also make your
workspace look awesome. Next is to keep things clean. Regularly, clean your props
to keep them looking great, dust and dirt can make
them loose their shine. Use a soft cloth or a gentle brush to clean
them for delicate pieces. You can use compressed
air to remove dust from nooks and crannies
without harming them. Don't forget to wash dishes and utensils after using them, and clean linens
when they get dirty. Last tip is to
keep an inventory. Keep a list of all your props, Write down their condition, how you use them, and if
they need any maintenance. This helps you
stay organized and make sure no prop
gets forgotten. Sometimes props can change
or no longer fit your style. Go through your collection
every so often. If you find pieces you
don't love anymore, think about using
them differently or passing them on to make
space for new ones. Some of my props have
actually turned into our regular plates and
bowls for everyday meals. Taking care of your prop
collection is like taking care of a garden With a bit
of attention and effort, your props will thrive and help you create beautiful
food photos, sort store and clean your props. It's totally worth it. Now it's time to put everything we've learned so
far into practice. In the next lessons, I will be sharing a demo where
you will see me create different food
stories with the help of props styling. See you there.
11. Demo: Wholesome Breakfast Bowl: Welcome to the most
exciting part of the class, the photoshoot demos
for our first demo. Our theme is wholesome
breakfast bowls. My goal here is to craft a fresh and simple breakfast
scene that's super inviting. I want to show you how
just a few basic props can transform your breakfast setup into something clean
and appealing. For this demo, we'll
be focusing on a yummy breakfast
bowl with yogurt, granola, and fresh fruits. Now when it comes
to the composition, since we're keeping it
minimal with a few props, I'm thinking of going
with a diagonal layout. This can bring some
dynamic energy and intrigue to our final photo. I've also drawn inspiration
from Pinterest. A lot of their photos use
diagonal composition, which has motivated me. Here are some of those pictures. What I'll do is add my
nick twist to them. Now let's move on to the next exciting step,
picking our props. First off, we have
our background. A type of prop that adds to the setting or a
decorative prop. I showed you my collection
earlier for our theme. I've chosen a sleek white
marble surface background. Our shots will mostly
be from above or flat, so this should work great. However, if we decide to get
a straight on or a 34 shot, I've got a white brick
wall backdrop as a backup matching the
marble background. Now let's add functional props. These directly interact
with the food, like dishes and utensils. Since we're aiming for a
wholesome breakfast scene, I thought of using wooden props. Our star prop will be
this lovely wooden bowl. Oh, and those pink items, They're for food styling. More of that later. Moving
on to decorative props. We have these fabrics. I am considering white to keep up with the
minimalist theme. Or maybe bage to balance the white background
and the wooden bowl. As I am looking at it, the wooden bowl might be a
bit too strong for the scene. I'm thinking of trying
a white bowl instead. Let's place them against the background to see
how they blend in. How about taking
a quick photo to compare which bowl
fits our theme better? Let's do that after some styling and a test
shot using both bowls. Here's what we've got. Personally, I feel
the white bowl complements the scene better. Let's stick with that. We can keep the wooden props handy, though they might work
great for our next scene. Next up, adding style to
both the food and the scene. I've got a set of handy tools for food styling right here. Things like a paint
brush, spatula tweezers, food scissors, a knife peeler, and a pizza cutter. Keep an eye out
because we'll be using some of these tools
in our next demo. Oh, any quick heads up. Food styling and prop styling
are two different things. Let's keep them separate. Prop styling is about
everything around the food that sets the mood and
tells a story in the scene. On the other hand, food styling is all about make the food absolutely tempting
and delightful to different stars of the show. Food styling could be
a whole new topic for another day or maybe even
another exciting class. In the meantime, let me
show you how I will do basic food styling for our
wholesome breakfast scene. Let's start with a simple
but powerful trick, using different
shapes and sizes. When you cut your ingredients in various interesting ways, it instantly makes your food photos more engaging
in eye catching. That's exactly what
we're doing here. That's also why I pick
this particular food item. It's a great canvass for adding bursts of color with
vibrant fruits. Next, let's start with
styling the yogurt. Gently scoop it into the bowl, aiming for the perfect
portion. Not too much. Not too little.
Now let's make it look inviting by smoothing and texturing it with a spatula. Time to sprinkle on the granola, but here's the twist. We're using tweezers. Why? Because pouring it directly
might make a mess, and we want it to look
as inviting as possible. We certainly don't want messy splatters.
Here's an example. A dropped piece
makes quite a mess, But no worries, a paper towel can quickly wipe
away those platters. Next up, let's artfully
position the fruits. We want it to look
beautiful, but effortless. Let's not forget
that Chia seeds, they add a lovely layer to our breakfast bowl to top it off a touch of honey
in a neat ramekin bowl. As an extra prop, we might drizzle someone
the breakfast bowl later. To now, let's transition
to prop styling. We're layering in
a white fabric, following that lovely
diagonal layout, the spoon, then the honey and a small
plate of fresh fruits, shifting the spoon
to the right to keep that consistent
diagonal vibe. Let's take a test shot. There it is, looking amazing. I noticed that the side
shadows are a bit dark. It's time to add a reflector
to brighten things up. Adjusting the lighting
settings too, for that perfect brightness. And let's take another shot. Perfect. I think this
shot captures the vision. A fresh, clean and
minimalist breakfast scene. By the way, I am using my trusty iphone for
this shot now let's switch it up and see how
it looks through my mirror less camera with a 60
millimeter macro lens. Just making a few adjustment
for that balanced exposure. There we go, a shot
that really emphasizes the dynamic simplicity
of our diagonal layout. Next, let me just try to
take it up a notch by adding another layer
to our food styling. So drizzling honey into the bowl and scattering granola
bits and pieces around, aiming for an organic, unforced look while sticking to that delightful
diagonal composition. Here are the results. Lastly, let's capture an action shot where I'll pour honey into our breakfast bowl and see how it looks against
the white brick wall. It's not bad, but
I have to admit, I prefer the flat lay shots. The clean and simple
flat lay shots are probably my favorite. But I also really
like the effect of the scattered granola. It makes the scene more
inviting and adds to the story. By the way, I made
some subtle edits to the photos to
boost the brightness, colors and texture, giving them that wholesome breakfast
fib we're aiming for. Not sure if you noticed it too, but while I was styling, I took photos at
different stages, adding more props
as I went along. I do this because I've learned the hard way that it's easier to start with a few props and
gradually build up your scene. It's much trickier to remove
from an overcrowded scene. Remember when I added the
bits of granola toward the end after I had a nice
clean and minimalist set up. Imagine me doing
that from the start realizing that I don't
want them in the scene. So that's a top tip. Start small and take photos at each stage as you
build your scene. You might end up preferring the simplest version
over a busier one, that's a wrap for
our first demo. In the next one, we're switching gears to create a
completely different scene. Get ready for a farm to table vegetarian
feast. See there.
12. Demo: Farm-To-Table Vegetarian Feast: Welcome back. Now let's dive into our second
prop styling demo. We're going for a charming, rustic farm to table vibe. My mission here is to
showcase how using natural, earthy props like wooden boards,
bowls, utensils, burlap, table runners, a
wooden background, and some fresh herbs
can really highlight the fresh and natural feel
of the veggies we're using. We've got a beautiful mix of
farm fresh and vegetables, pita bread and a creamy herb
feta dip as our food item. Now when it comes
to composition, I am thinking of following
the Fibonacci spiral. Our main focus will be those
vibrant veggies surrounding the feta dip on a lovely
round wooden board. Since our main
scene is quite big, I'm considering using a
curved line to position the rest of the props adding to the story
we want to tell. Don't worry, just like
the previous demo, I've got some inspiration
from Pinterest to guide us. I'll be honest, this
set up might be a bit challenging because there
are many elements at play. Task here is finding
that balance, making sure that the props don't overshadow
our main subject, but instead they
should work together, enhancing the overall look. It's a mix of nerves
and excitement, but that's what makes it fun. Now let's move on to the next
step, selecting our props. First up the background, we are transitioning from the white marble background to a paper background
with a wood design. Since we'll mostly be
working with flat lace, a surface background
like this is perfect and we won't
need a backdrop. Next we have some
decorative props. A wooden board and a
dark colored fabric. Originally, I plant
these burl up runners, but I couldn't find any. I'm getting creative with a dark brown scarf from my collection. Finally, we've got
our functional props, utensils and some bowls. These will come in
handy for our set up. Now let's get the food ready and add some food styling magic. I'll start by air frying
all the veggies and pita bread before arranging them on the round wooden board. So first, let's tackle
the pita bread. I'm using my trusty pizza cutter to create pitiful triangles. Remember, having a
variety of shapes and sizes is the key to
captivating food styling. After that, a gentle brush with olive oil to make those
herbs and seasoning stick, sprinkle on some salt, pepper and herbs off
to the air fryer. They go while the pita
bread is crisping up. I can move on to
prepping the veggies, Starting with the carrots. My food styling tools are ready to get them looking chest fried. Since I'll be air
frying the carrots, I'm giving them a cool
carrot fry shape, just like the pita bread. A quick brush with olive
oil and a sprinkle of seasoning next up the asparagus time to trim off those ends and season
them generously. Speaking of the pita bread, it's done so I can air fry the carrots and
asparagus next. But before that, let's arrange the pita bread
on the wooden board. Don't forget the bowl for
the feta dip in the middle. Now while we wait for our
carrots and asparagus, let's tackle the cucumber
to keep things fun. I'm cutting it in
different ways. Of course, I'm not forgetting
the generous seasoning before it takes it turned
into the air fryer. Last but not the least,
our green beans. I'm matching their
length to the rest of the veggies to feed our
wooden board perfectly. While our veggies are getting all crispy in the air fryer, it's time to whip up that
creamy herb, Feta dip. Here are all the
ingredients I'll be using. All right, our carrots
and asparagus are ready, so it's time to arrange
them along with the pita bread on
that wooden board. My aim here is to create an arrangement that's
not just balanced, but also inviting and beautiful. There are no hard
and fast rules. Just feel free to get creative
and go with your gut. As for my arrangement, you might notice I split the
carrots and place them on both sides of the board
to keep things balance. I also avoided putting the green beans and
asparagus together, since they share a
similar shade of green. I want this veggie platter
to pop with color. So that's why I
arrange them this way. As a final touch, I'm
adding some lime to bring even more color
and fun to the scene. Now it's time to add our
creamy herb feta dip, since the herbs aren't visible. After blending, I'm garnishing it with basil and
dial to give viewers a tasty hint of what to
expect from the dip vola. We are done with the
food styling part. Now let's tidy up a bit and
switch gears to prop styling. We'll bring in the
props one by one. Starting with a dark
brown fabric as a stand in for
those burl runners. Next up, we've got
the raw carrots complete with their stems and a touch of dirt
to really bring that farm to table vibe to life. Then in goes the fresh dill, followed by those
rustic wooden forks and some fresh basil
in a wooden bowl. Since our props are
on the darker side, we want a consistent look. That's where the honeycomb
grid comes into play. It's like a magic tool
that sculpts the light, adding drama to the scene. This grid helps us
focus the light on our main subject while leaving the background
a bit darker. Which boosts the contrast and
creates a striking effect. Now instead of wiping out
the shadows completely, we're using a negative
fill technique. Fancy term, simple idea. We're just using
the black side of a reflector to boost
those shadows, giving the set up a bit
more depth and dimension. Ola. Behold our set up, Now it's picture time. Let's capture the scene
in all its glory. Again, using my smartphone
for some photos. Not too shabby, right? I honestly believe we
truly capture the essence of our farm to table
vegetarian Feast vision. Those props played a
big role in telling our story and making
everything look fantastic. Would you even guess we
used a paper background. The wooden design really brought our farm to table vibe to life. That dark brown scarf. It totally worked as a stand
in for burl up runners. Now let's see how it
looks through my mirror. Less camera with a 60
millimeter macro lens. Oh boy, I am loving this. I decided to try
different angles to get some unique perspectives. And it's totally paying
off those close up work. Well, even for 34 angle shot, I think we've nailed it
for this class project. But before we wrap up, let me make a few adjustments
and remove some props. Here's the new look. Compared to our
initial arrangement, I'm really leaning towards
this simpler version without the fork and with
dial instead of basil. It just feels more natural
and authentic to me. But honestly, both versions have their own beauty
and uniqueness. Just like the first batch, I've edited these photos to keep them consistent
with our theme. Adjusting exposure,
enhancing shadows, tweaking colors, and
adding vibrant. That's it. My hope is that showcasing these demos will ignite
that spark in you, showing you that you
absolutely can create diverse atmospheres
for your food photos right in your cozy home. You don't need anything. Fancy paper,
backgrounds, carves, fresh produce, and
everyday items can work wonders as props
for your food stories. Our next lesson will
wrap up this class with some delicious final
prop styling tips. See you there.
13. Final Tips: Congratulations on
completing this class. You've just witnessed
that you don't need a super fancy kitchen
like the ones you see in magazines to create a captivating atmosphere
for your food stories. Intentional prop
styling is the key. In this class, we've
covered a lot, including the importance of prop styling in
food photography, different types of props, how to use props to craft
engaging food stories, Where to find props, and building a sustainable
prop collection. Before we say goodbye, I want to leave you with
my final three tips. Final tip number one, invest in time, less props. You don't need a
massive collection. Quality over quantity matters. Consider classic white plates, rustic wooden boards,
or elegant silverware. These props stand the test of time and can
elevate your food. Photography. Choose wisely and build your collection gradually. Final tip number two. Learn what looks good. Experiment with different
compositions from minimalistic to complex setups. Pay attention to color,
contrast, and balance. Study the work of photographers you admire to improve
your own style. Final tip number three, learn basic table etiquette. Setting the table can make a huge difference in
your food photos. Arrange it as if you were
inviting guests for a meal. It adds a touch of
realism to your photos. Place utensils and
dishes with care, and don't forget about
napkins and glasses. Adding a drink to your
set up can bring life to your photos and make
them more relatable. I hope this class
has equipped you for your next photo shoot
and class project. Remember to share your work
in the class project gallery. If you're sharing on Instagram, feel free to Tagni and skill share your photos are
always good enough. Progress comes with
doing, not overthinking. Go grab your camera, your favorite dish,
and start practicing. Remember, each photo you take is a step toward becoming
a food photography pro. I hope you had fun and
found this class valuable. Either way, please
leave a review. It helps me and your
fellow students. You can do this by
going to Reviews, Then click on Leave Review. Just answer this short
and sweet questionnaire and finally, submit review. Don't underestimate leaving a
review because I personally read all of them and really positive ones make
my day brighter. And that's a route
for this class. Thank you for choosing me
and this class to learn more about prop styling
in food photography. If you want to
explore composition and lighting in more depth, check out my other classes
on my teacher profile. I have more related
classes coming soon, so hit that follow
button to stay updated. I hope this class
marks the beginning of an exciting creative
journey for you. Don't let the days
pass without getting your hands dirty and applying what you've learned
from this class. Remember, I am always
cheering and rooting for you. Thanks again and
I hope to see you in my other classes. Bye.
Rose Nene, Photographer and Videographer
