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5 Places to Find Inexpensive Food Photography Props

June 8, 2015 by A Savory Feast 48 Comments

Ever since I started blogging over a year and a half ago, I’ve been getting more and more into food photography. I’ve learned so much about lighting and my pictures have gotten a lot better. Lately, I’ve been focusing on styling my pictures with props. Today I’m sharing a few of the places I find inexpensive food photography props.

Where to Find Inexpensive Food Photography Props

One of the best things about being a food blogger (besides eating the food, of course!) is having an excuse to buy cute plates, silverware and paper straws. I don’t have to pass up something I love because it doesn’t go with my kitchen or my other dishes. I have an excuse to build a little collection of mismatched items for taking photos.

I took several food photography classes on Skillshare awhile back. These classes inspired me to start building a collection of props. Since then, I’ve been looking for places to find great deals on these props.

Food Photography Dishes

Thrift Stores and Garage Sales

This is definitely my favorite place to search for props! We recently got a new Goodwill a couple of minutes from my house, so I try to stop in every few weeks. You can pick up little plates, bowls or cups for under a dollar.

One of my favorite finds was the tea pot pictured above. Isn’t it adorable? I still need to find a way to incorporate it into my photos for a recipe.

Dark Chocolate and Peanut Butter Granola Bars

Craft Stores

The possibilities are endless! Scrapbook paper is great for adding a fun background to your photo, like I did in the picture above. Baskets are great for taking pictures of muffins, breads or cookies. Making a bouquet from their flowers can add a pretty touch to a photo.

Date Night Cookout Ideas

Dollar Stores

I like to stop by the dollar store when I want to include an entire tablescape in my post, such as my Date Night Cookout idea. They have some cute placemats, tablecloths, candles and more. You can also buy plates, cups and more.

Food Photography Paper Straws

Target Dollar Section

I have to limit my trips to Target because I rarely leave empty-handed! Especially when I let myself explore the dollar section… But, I’ve found a lot of great items for food photography there! It’s one of my favorite places to buy paper straws. They have some really cute designs and they are only $1!

Refreshing Watermelon Raspberry Lime Juice

Around the House

And of course, don’t forget that you can repurpose all sorts of items that you find around the house! Use ingredients from the recipe you are creating, like I did in the picture above. Use napkins leftover from a party or fabric from your sewing basket.

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Filed Under: Blogging Resources Tagged With: food photography, food photography props, how to style your blog photos, inexpensive food photography props, where to find food photography props

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Amanda Marie says

    June 8, 2015 at 8:19 am

    Great post! I LOVE food photography! I have taken several courses in college and it was interesting what props we used in class, lets say you would not want to eat the food afterwards! I love finding dishware and other kitchen items at goodwill! I have a great collection of mugs from travel mugs to vintage mugs, I love it! Target and the dollar store are great to find cheap buys also! Thanks for sharing!
    ~Amanda Marie~

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 7:54 am

      My mug collection is something I need to start building up! I love having a variety of interesting mugs rather than have them all match.

      Reply
  2. Karen says

    June 8, 2015 at 8:47 am

    Great ideas!
    You should stop by my blog and join our Something to Talk About link party each Monday!
    Have a great week!
    Karen

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 7:55 am

      Thank you, Karen!

      Reply
  3. Jaelan @ Making Mrs. M says

    June 8, 2015 at 9:05 am

    That is so awesome! I need to start getting some different props. I recently made a pseudo-photo board which really helps my up close photography.

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 7:55 am

      Thanks, Jaelan! I need to make something like that. I’ve seen some neat DIY ideas on Pinterest, so I need to get around to making some.

      Reply
  4. Paige Allison says

    June 8, 2015 at 9:18 am

    I love this!! You know, I do a recipe post once or twice a month and it’s never once occurred to me to use a prop. Not once! My kitchen has excellent lighting and I have awesome high-end stainless steel pans, so I just thought, “That’s good!” But this is so much more creative! Thanks for inspiring me 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 7:56 am

      Thanks, Paige! Adding some colorful napkins, pretty plates or fun paper straws will really add a lot to your pictures.

      Reply
  5. Brittany Bergman says

    June 8, 2015 at 9:56 am

    These are great ideas! I don’t do much food photography, but I do want to get better about styling my own pictures for my blog, and I think these tips will be so helpful in starting to gather some fun props. Thanks for the inspiration!

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 7:57 am

      Having props definitely comes in handy for all sorts of blog photos! I hope some of these tips helped you.

      Reply
  6. Hayley says

    June 8, 2015 at 10:09 am

    This is a great list!! I recently found a great set of milk glasses in the Target dollar section and they worked perfectly with a sponsored post I pulled together for an iced coffee product!! A trip to Target is not complete without walking through that section! 😉

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 7:57 am

      You just never know what you’ll find there! I’m not a fan of the new $3 items, I get excited thinking something is $1 and then find out it’s not!

      Reply
  7. Amanda Elizabeth says

    June 8, 2015 at 11:14 am

    I love trying to think of creative ways to add props or pops of color to pictures. These are all such great points! The dollar bin at Target is my happy place 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 7:58 am

      I love it! I always have to swing by before I leave the store.

      Reply
  8. Cristina says

    June 8, 2015 at 11:51 am

    Love these ideas! My photos are pretty basic right now, just because we move so much, but I cannot WAIT to get my hands on some props. That teapot is ADORABLE.

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 7:58 am

      Your photos are already so great! I’m excited to see what you do with some props.

      Reply
      • Cristina says

        June 9, 2015 at 8:48 am

        Aw, thank you!

        Reply
  9. Miranda @ Miranda Writes says

    June 8, 2015 at 11:55 am

    YES to the Target dollar section! I love hunting for cute props there. I always try to grab their paper straws when I see them and I LOVE using my thrift finds, especially my glassware. Great tips about the craft and dollar stores!

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 7:59 am

      I know you have some awesome thrift store finds, Miranda! Last week I found a really great thrift store in my area and thought of your post a couple weeks ago.

      Reply
      • Miranda @ Miranda Writes says

        June 12, 2015 at 12:11 pm

        Oh fun! I’m glad you found a great spot!

        Reply
  10. Heather Serra says

    June 8, 2015 at 2:14 pm

    Target dollar section! I always pass that when I walk in but I never think to check it out. These are great pics. I love your photos…thanks for passing these tips along!

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 7:59 am

      You never know what you’ll find there! They often have cute dishes or cups that are perfect for food photography.

      Reply
  11. Madison says

    June 8, 2015 at 4:29 pm

    These are great places to find props! I absolutely love walking through the Target dollar section every time I’m there, so many times it sparks my creativity for a blog post idea just because of a prop!

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 8:01 am

      I love how you do that! The dollar section is definitely a must for each trip to Target. You know, just in case!

      Reply
  12. Mandy says

    June 8, 2015 at 5:10 pm

    I’m a huge fan of the straws from the Target dollar section! They make me wish I posted drink recipes – lol 😉

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 8:01 am

      Aren’t they adorable? I need to start using them more or I’ll have a million of them.

      Reply
  13. Chelsie Carr says

    June 8, 2015 at 7:59 pm

    I just picked up some straws from the Target dollar section because I have seen you use them before and thought: I may need to use these some day, haha! I think the dollar store is also a great place!

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 9, 2015 at 8:02 am

      Aww, that’s awesome! They really add a lot to a drink photo. I’ve also used them to dress up tablescapes for party idea posts.

      Reply
  14. ashortblonde says

    June 9, 2015 at 10:23 am

    I’ve been feeling the need to add a few more pieces into my collection. I’d really like to buy a slab of white marble (well not really marble, but something that looks like it haha). My table is such a dark brown and it would be nice to have more contrast.

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 10, 2015 at 9:34 am

      I would LOVE a slab of marble, too. It looks awesome in photos.

      Reply
  15. Amberly says

    June 9, 2015 at 11:47 am

    I love these suggestions! I don’t take food pictures too often, but when I do, I’m always lost about what to use for props.

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 10, 2015 at 9:40 am

      Thanks, Amberly! Having a collection of props makes it easier because you don’t have to rack your brain for what to use!

      Reply
  16. Toyin Alli says

    June 9, 2015 at 1:34 pm

    Yes! Loving these suggestions! I never post food pics because I don’t have good props!

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 10, 2015 at 9:40 am

      I’m glad these ideas helped you! I can’t wait to see the food photos you share now that you have some ideas.

      Reply
  17. Kaycie VandenTop says

    June 9, 2015 at 6:06 pm

    This is great! I am planning some recipe posts for my blog in the next month and I will definitely be keeping my eyes out at some of these places for some props! Also, I am with you on the Target dollar section. I can never make it out of there without at least three things. great post, Jenna! 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 10, 2015 at 9:41 am

      The Target dollar section is the best! I’ve found it is such a great place for props.

      Reply
  18. Lauren English says

    June 10, 2015 at 1:29 pm

    Thanks for sharing these tips! As I get more into blogging, I’m realizing how important photography is. I have so much to learn and love any tips like this I can get my hands on!

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 12, 2015 at 7:39 am

      After content, photography is probably the most important thing for blogging! The more I focus on improving my photography, the more my blog grows.

      Reply
  19. theladylawyer says

    June 10, 2015 at 2:11 pm

    I love Target dollar section too! I also always search through Marshall and TjMaxx clearance sections and have found good stuff

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 12, 2015 at 7:40 am

      Those are great places, too! I had to realize it’s ok to buy things that don’t match the rest of my kitchen, and I don’t have to buy a whole set. It’s ok to just buy one or two pieces for food photography! Clearance racks are a great place to find things like that.

      Reply
  20. Erin says

    June 10, 2015 at 4:25 pm

    Gah. The Target dollar section has gotten SO MUCH of my money because I get props from there all the time! I also love garage sales (and estate sales!) to pick up cool and unique props. It’s fun to add to your prop selection, for sure!

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 12, 2015 at 7:41 am

      I’ve gotten a few cool things from garage sales, too. Last night I went to Target and it was an absolute miracle I came out of the dollar section empty-handed!

      Reply
  21. Rachel Beach says

    June 11, 2015 at 7:32 pm

    I got most of my props from Home Goods. The target dollar section is awesome! I will often pinch myself later because I wish I had bought more colors. Thanks for sharing on Merry Monday.

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 12, 2015 at 7:48 am

      I totally should have put Home Goods on this list! I love that place. I recently got some really cute purple bowls there and I can’t wait to use them in a post.

      Reply
  22. Christie says

    June 12, 2015 at 7:26 am

    Great ideas! I always look for cheap decorative plates when I go to thrift stores. Thanks so much for sharing with us at Bloggers Brags. Your pictures always look great, by the way! 🙂

    Reply
    • Jenna Brussee says

      June 12, 2015 at 7:49 am

      Aww thanks, Christie! Thrift stores are a great place to find unique dishes.

      Reply

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  1. My Favorite Things Weekend Roundup - The Kolb Corner says:
    June 13, 2015 at 6:01 am

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  2. Food Photography Props Buy | Learn Photography Studio says:
    October 14, 2016 at 5:52 pm

    […] 5 Places to Find Inexpensive Food Photography Props – Today I’m sharing a few of the places I find inexpensive food photography props. One of the best things about being a food blogger (besides eating the food, of course!) is having an excuse to buy cute plates, silverware and paper straws. I … […]

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