8 Simple Food Photography Props I Can't Live Without

I think about food photography a lot, and one of my favorite things to use and see used in food imagery is context. I don’t love standalone images of just the finished dish. Unless it’s a macro shot of burger juice dripping off some meat patties. Or a tight shot of chocolate dripping down the side of a sundae. For the most part, I love context with my images. And a great way to add context to your dishes is the use of props! You don’t need a giant prop closet to elevate your photos with props. Here are 8 simple props you can consider adding to your future photos!

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1. Sunnies can help give a carefree vibe to your overlays.

Sunnies add such a wonderful al fresco dining mood to your photos. I’ve even built my heart-shaped sunglasses strategically into my personal branding. Is there a way you can make this prop a thread in your personal brand? Perhaps you have a color you’re known for?

2. Paper straws are better for the environment than plastic straws.

I predict paper straws will be making a comeback with the growing scrutiny of using plastic disposable straws. Not only are these paper straws better for the environment, they also provide a fun pop of color in your drink photography!

3. Cloth Napkins are great for the environment and great for your food photography!

And speaking of being kinder to the environment, an added benefit of switching over to cloth napkins is the secondary function of adding some color to your shot!

4. Marble background give an elegance to your photos.

The first thing I do when I enter a restaurant is look for the best tables to take the best photographs. That includes not only lighting but also tabletops! If there are marble tabletops available, you can bet that I’ll ask to be seated there. Light marble and light tabletops are great for food photos. For your home studio or kitchen, you can also buy inexpensive marble backgrounds!

5. Utensils with Character can make your images more dynamic.

Next time you’re at a thrift store, browse their utensils! See if you can find any with interesting details that can start making cameos on your Instagram feed. I love these red chopsticks I got as a wedding favor many years ago. Also, while we’re on the topic of chopsticks and food photography, please read up on how to photograph chopsticks without being culturally insensitive.

6. Flowers give a touch of whimsy and color to your shots.

I’ve been known to borrow flower arrangements from nearby tables at restaurants to add a floral element to my food photography. They just liven your photographs with a bright and pretty element. You get bonus points if you can add flowers that are relevant to your story or product. For instance, I added roses to a photo of rose flavored vodka and tulips to play up the Dutch theme with stroopwafels.

7. Menus provide simple context for your food photography.

Menus are a great way to add an aesthetic touch of context to your images! You can convey a sense of location by letting key words peep through your images.

8. “But what do I do with my hands?”

If you read my post about useful tips on food photography (linked below), you might remember me mentioning the human element. Adding human elements to your photographs can make your shots come alive. It’s easier to imagine myself slurping on a melting popsicle on a scorching day when I see the popsicle being held. So next time your dining companion is sitting around awkwardly waiting for you to instagram your meal, put her to work! Have her pretend to cut into her steak. Or offer her some of your fries. Don’t forget to pay it forward and volunteer as her hand model too!

Bonus tip: Keep some hand lotion in your bag.

So that concludes my list of simple food photography props. If you enjoy my photography and would like to work together, send me an email and tell me more about your needs!

If you are interested in the behind-the-scenes of photography and food photography or just want to help support me in my creative endeavors, I also have a Patreon with videos about blogging, photography, sending pitches, and the business of being a blogger and influencer.