• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Home
  • Collaborate with us
  • Contact

Serena Lissy logo

  • Recipe Index
  • Privacy Policy
menu icon
go to homepage
  • Ice Cream
  • Recipes
  • Photography
  • Online Classes
  • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • search icon
    Homepage link
    • Ice Cream
    • Recipes
    • Photography
    • Online Classes
    • About
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Serena Lissy » Recipes » Resources

    Published: Jun 16, 2021 · Modified: Jul 15, 2021 by serena · This post may contain affiliate links.

    15 Food Photography Props You Probably Have at Home

    Do you have a tripod? A tablecloth and some flowers? If so, congratulations! You are already halfway to taking amazing food photos in your home. Next, I'll show you 15 food photography props that will make your photos even better - all of which you most likely already have at home.

    As we know, food means different things depending on who you ask. Food is sustenance, food is love, and food can provide comfort and happiness. In America, 30.33 million individuals used at least one baking mix in 2020, and 1.82 million Americans used 7 or more.

    No matter where you fall on that spectrum of baking mix user or chef expertise, I’m sure you’ve experienced salivating over beautiful shots of food photos. Today, we’re diving into 15 food photography props you probably have at home.

    We’ve also explored How to Find The Perfect Props for Your Food Photography via thrift stores, flea markets, and vintage shopping, so get started with today’s ideas while you plan your next shopping trip.

    Vintage spoons laid out on table

    Wrapping Paper

    Wrapping paper isn't just for gifts or holidays! Paper can serve as the perfect backdrop or table covering in your food pictures. Of course, you may want to save the reindeer paper for holiday-inspired bakes or the "Happy Birthday" paper for a specially baked cake.

    But if you have any other assortment of cute or elegant wrapping paper, these are perfect for various backdrop creations and even a small size patchwork of paper stacks to create depth in a photo.

    Parchment Paper

    Parchment paper is also an easily overlooked prop that can add texture to a photo while cementing the viewer in a lived-in kitchen. Don't be afraid to use bits of paper that may have gotten wrinkled in the bake! It provides great visual interest when you have fresh from the oven items sitting on baked parchment paper. I love how the parchment turns into very light brown paper. It's an easy way to direct your viewer's attention to a specific place in the photo.

    Seasonal Decorations as Props

    While wrapping paper comes in countless styles and designs, seasonal decorations are perfect, too, for themed bakes. Classic gingerbread can galavant with snowmen statues, and zombie cupcakes can sit alongside prop pumpkins. With the right props, you could easily take care of all your holiday photos. One of my personal favorites is a stuffed easter bunny holding cookies or candy.

    Hand Towels

    Have you considered your dish towels, or a tea towel, as more than a tool to keep your hands clean and dry? Of course, this won't work if you're currently reusing scraps for towels, but an elegant dish towel can serve a dual purpose as a backdrop for your food photos.

    Fold your cloth napkins with neutral colors into a square or rectangle and place your plate of food on top for a more three-dimensional shot.

    Measuring Cups and Spoons

    What baker doesn't have or want a classy, beautiful set of measuring cups and spoons? These gorgeous kitchen tools make the perfect food photography props.

    If you have a few, these serve as multi-functional tools and props. For example, you can fan out spoons aesthetically or leave a cloud of flour sprinkled in a cup for a more lived-in feel.

    Cutting Board, Ramekins and spoons stacked on counter

    Paper Straws

    Paper straws are not only good for the environment but are aesthetically pleasing, too. These are easy to incorporate if you're taking photos of delicious drinks. If it is a summer drink, you might want to seek out bright colors on the straws.

    But even if you're focusing on food, adding a glass of ice water with a lemon slice and paper straw is beautiful, too.

    Coasters

    From affordable coasters meant to save tables from stains to beautiful artisan coasters crafted by Etsy sellers, any coaster can serve as a beautiful food photography prop. Use these as standalone props or arrange them to make a collage backdrop. Depending on colors and design, you can really let your personal style come through with these.

    Twine

    Twine can surprisingly give a vintage and lived-in look to any food photo. Most commonly used to bind meat in the kitchen, you can aesthetically use butcher's twine to create twisted designs or tie asparagus or other greens together. This is one of my favorite props.

    Baking Trays

    What's baking without a tray? Sometimes a food shot straight out of the oven, tray-included, is the best. You can also arrange trays together for a textured backdrop or background setting. I like to find my baking trays from my local thrift store. It ensures it has a used look instead of a nice and shiny never been used tray.

    Mason Jars

    Who doesn't love a beautiful mason jar? Set these up in the background next to a sunny window, and you'll be able to manipulate some great natural light for a glowing effect on your baked goods. They are also a great option to display flowers for your photograph.

    Outdoor Leaves

    Okay, yes, this one is a little out there...as in outside! But nothing beats a classic green leaf or nature shot. So grab a few leaves from outside, rinse them in your sink, and you'll have a forest fairy garden-themed shoot in no time. Alternatively, any plants you have indoors, including fake ones, are creative ways to get an extra splash of color and freshness.

    Just be wary about getting these too close to the food!

    Unique Cutlery

    Sometimes, we look at a knife or food set in a store and think...is that what I think it is?

    But whether it's a super chunky fork or a lace-patterned spoon, unique sets of kitchen utensils can make the perfect prop in food photoshoots. You can even pick one piece in particular to be a regular Easter egg in your shots.

    Flowers, wrapping paper, twine and scissors on table

    Cutting Boards

    Cutting boards, unique or not, are also extremely handy backdrops and surfaces for food photos. One of the easiest food photos to take is a simple shot from above, looking down on your cutting board and surrounding countertop! I'm a fan of wooden cutting boards, I love the texture and grain of the wood, and they don't take up a lot of storage space.

    Crumbs & Purposeful Messes

    Messes are time-consuming and disappointing, but sometimes beautiful. I know, there's nothing like a pristine and clean workstation. But the thought of a slightly flour-covered countertop and honey-covered spoon is also the promise of something delicious to come.

    Take a look at some of your messes from behind the camera, and you might find the perfect creator's touch for your next photo. For chefs, it's a good idea to make more than one serving of a dish or pair your dishes with sides, like a slice of baguette or a small salad on simple plates.

    Other Food!

    Finally, probably the best prop for your food photography is other food! Because why have one good dish when you could have 15?

    For bakers, this is a bit easier to accomplish with recipes that include multiple servings: you can use cake slices in the backgrounds for your main subject, the cake, and pies the same way. You can also rotate items between being the focus of a shot and in the background. This can give you a beautiful photography series of each item and give viewers a taste for your range.

    Food Photography Props without the Cost

    No matter where you are in your food photography journey, you likely have plenty of beautiful food photography props that you can repurpose to get started. A pile of napkins, some bowls, and a few cookie cutters in your kitchen, all simple items that really make your food photography stand out. With the help of these simple items, you're halfway to being on your way to becoming an Instagram-famous food photographer! Ready to learn more about food photography techniques and even explore our deliciously baked recipes? Read more here on SerenaLissy.com.

    Five Day Food Photography Challenge

    Want to take your food photography up a notch?

    I’ve been photographing food for years and have learned some tricks of the trade. Join me on this 5-day challenge where you’ll learn how to master the art of food photography, one bite at a time. You’ll be amazed by what you can do with just a few simple tips. You will learn how to make your photos pop with color, texture, and lighting. Sign up today!

    Looking for More Recipes?

    Subscribe to my free newsletter to get new baking tips in your inbox monthly. Find me sharing new recipes and tips on Pinterest, Instagram, or Facebook.

    As an Amazon Associate and member of other affiliate programs, I earn from qualifying purchases. What that means is if you click on one of our affiliate links, they may toss a few pennies our way for a commission.

    « Texas Sheet Cake
    7 Tips For Beautiful Food Photography With Your Phone »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Irene says

      June 22, 2021 at 12:21 pm

      I am a beauty blogger but I am always looking for photo props. I can borrow some of your ideas.

      Reply
    2. rachel says

      June 21, 2021 at 8:12 pm

      These are all really great! Honestly, I need to visit a goodwill and get some unique tableware!

      Reply
      • serena says

        June 22, 2021 at 5:49 am

        I always find something good at the goodwills!

        Reply
    3. Amber Myers says

      June 21, 2021 at 1:11 pm

      Oh nice, I do have a lot of these. I will keep them in mind when I take photos of food.

      Reply
      • serena says

        June 21, 2021 at 4:14 pm

        Thanks Amber!

        Reply
    4. Mimi says

      June 21, 2021 at 12:45 pm

      I’m a makeup blogger and I love some
      Of these, like cutting boards are amazing

      Reply
      • serena says

        June 21, 2021 at 4:14 pm

        Cutting boards can be gorgeous! The grain of the wood photographs so well.

        Reply
    5. Heather says

      June 21, 2021 at 12:09 pm

      I am constantly buying photography props for my food photoshoots. I might need a whole new house pretty soon.

      Reply
      • serena says

        June 21, 2021 at 4:13 pm

        LOL! I hear ya on that one! I have the same situation 🙂

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe Rating




    Primary Sidebar

    Hi, I'm Serena!

    Join us and you will learn all sorts of creative techniques from baking to food photography that is easy enough for a novice to recreate at home, but look and taste like they were made by a seasoned pro.

    Get Inspired, Cook Confidently, Eat Well

    More about me →

    Ice Cream Recipes

    • Apple Ice Cream
    • Chocolate Chunk Ice Cream
    • Instant Pot Frozen Greek Yogurt
    • Easy Avocado Ice Cream Recipe
    • Mocha Ice Cream Sandwich
    • Lemon Curd Ice Cream

    Popular Recipes

    • Jamaican Sweet Potato Pudding
    • Peanut Butter Fudge Cups
    • Make at Home Samoas - Homemade Samoas: Girl Scout Cookies
    • Italian Chocolate Walnut Cake (Torta di Noci)

    Photography Challenge

    Master The Art of Food Photography

    Footer

    ↑ back to top

    About

    • Privacy Policy

    Newsletter

    • Sign Up! for emails and updates

    Contact

    • Contact

    As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

    Copyright © 2022 Serena Lissy