As you can see in the images above and below, my photography props have formed a serious collection.

Some things came from my Grandma’s kitchen, and others I have accumulated over the years both second hand and new.

I have been lucky to find many very creative makers whilst searching for props, and I thought I’d share a few here.

Whether you are into food photography or not, most of these suggestions are just lovely things to have or use in your home, or give as a really thoughtful gift.

Easy portable backgrounds from Capture by Lucy - This is the only photography specific suggestion! These photography backgrounds from the UK are the best I’ve used, and the last really well (I’m still using the first two I bought in 2017!). They are a great investment if you want a variety of backgrounds to use in your photography.
LouiseM Studio - I came across Louise’s work as she is the ceramicist who makes the butter keepers for Pepe Saya. Louise makes many lovely things, and I particularly like her use of colour. I recently bought a few plates from her - dinner plates that are actually the perfect size to serve a cake on - and I am getting a lot of use out if them.
Daisie Mae - I have been following Meg on Instagram for a while, and recently she opened her online store selling her handmade cushions and lampshades and also some really fun cups and vases. I have two of the pastel cup and saucer sets, and I think they’d be lovely as a daily tea cup and not just a photography prop!
Bridget Bodenham - Bridget probably needs little introduction, she’s been making her ceramics for a while now and if you’ve ever been to a Finders Keepers Market you might have seen her wares there. I really like the individuality of Bridget’s work, but also how every piece is also very functional if you were going to use it day to day.
Bec Fing Designs - I’ve mentioned Bec before I think, but I will again as I really like her bright colourful designs. Bec produces table linen and tea towels from her own hand painted designs, and the tea towels in particular I have found useful for a pop of colourful fabric in my photos.

I set up photoshoots for every blog post I create (plus for paid client work as well). Below are my five essentials for a photoshoot, and also some photos of the photography set up and what the finished product ends up looking like.

5 Essentials for a Food Photoshoot

Camera - The first and most obvious thing is a camera! I use an Olympus EM-10, which is a mirrorless (or compact system) camera with a 40-150mm lens, and more recently a 25mm lens as well. I have been using my camera for a few years now, and (after much practice!) I use it on manual settings, though I am still always learning something new!
Background - I have a few backgrounds to chose from. I have a couple I have bought (such as those from Capture by Lucy & FoodBackgrounds on Etsy), as well as a marble top from an old dresser that we kept after the dresser had to be thrown away. I also use our black granite kitchen bench and an old pine table (pictured in the photo above). I tend to like using the bought backgrounds most as they are portable, which means I can set up a shoot wherever the light is best at the time, or can be taken to client work too.
Natural Light - This is one of the most important aspects of my blog photoshoots. All my photos are shot in natural light, and I often go to great lengths to get it! Sometimes I set up my shoot outside, but most often it will be by a window or on the floor with a door open next to it. In the photo above there was an open door to the left of the shot to bring in natural light, as well as closed windows behind.
Props - I have accumulated lots of 'props' over the years! I have a few different cake stands, a stack of various plates, different mugs and cups as well as lots of old cutlery. Some things I buy specifically for photography, others are things we just have at home (my Mum has been a collector of antiques and vintage for many years) and others I have been given or inherited from my Grandma.
Food - Of course!! Without some food my blog photoshoots wouldn't be complete! I usually shoot the recipe straight after it has been cooked, and plan my day around when the recipe will be finished and when the natural light of the day will be best to shoot in. I think about how the end product will look, and what food related props might be necessary for the shoot. For example in the photo above I have a few fresh raspberries in the shot as the cake has them inside and as decoration.

Click on the each image below for more information on the shoot set up.