Prop ideas for your Instagram
Written By Jenny Wu on
If you read my blog regularly or follow me on Instagram, you might recognize some of my props. I started storing them all in a basket so they’re always at my disposal – it makes the setup and styling process so much easier! Here is a breakdown of what I have in my basket:
Books & Magazines
For magazines, I like Cereal, Kinfolk, but high fashion magazines like Vogue generally work well. Find ones that work best with your aesthetics.
As for books, Megan Hess’ are a great start but if you’re looking for something more unique, I have a curated book list that I’m always updating. Here are a few favorites below:
Jewelry & Accessories
Don’t throw away your cheap costume jewelry! Faux pearl strands, dainty rings, or anything with a lot of bling will be perfect in photos. Most of these are old jewelry from my younger days, haha
Also your closet is a great source for props: woven sweaters, lace shirts, cotton sheets, and scarves add great texture to your photos. I especially love using lace and woven pieces as flatlay backdrops.
Flowers, Trays, and Mirrors
Faux flowers
This is a tricky one because you don’t want them to look too fake, so opt for silk or “real touch” flowers instead. I used faux flowers for my wedding bouquet with the intent of using it as home decor afterwards, but now they double as photo props as well!
Trays
You can find these at Target, Home Goods, or even Amazon, and they’re super versatile. Use them for storing jewelry, makeup, or the occasional photo prop! Below are a few of my picks, but I also have a curated list that I’m always updating!
Mirrors
A cute standalone vanity mirror not only adds dimension, but the reflections can add an interesting dimension to your shot! You can find some really nice and affordable ones on Amazon.
Miscellaneous
Cute stationary
Old calendars, post cards, notebooks, scrapbook paper, even washi tape – all these can double as props! It’s also great way to reuse items instead of throwing them away.
Makeup, especially lipsticks
If you have any with beautiful packaging (eg. YSL or Smith & Cult), use them in your photo as props!
Contact paper
Want that marble or wood background you always see on Instagram? Fake it with contact paper! I bought mine on Amazon (marble and wood).
All the above are great props, and I love mixing and matching them to create the perfect setting for my photos – just keep in mind the subject of your photo, the colors, and the textures, to create a cohesive look. But you know what the best prop is?
Seriously, the internet adores cats (and dogs), plus they add a personal touch and a ton of cuteness to the photo. The only trick is getting them to stay still the entire time. This is why you rarely see Shelly in my Instagram posts (though she’s always in my stories!).
Hope you found this post helpful, and let me know which props you like using in your photos!
Passionate about science-based skincare. Tested hundreds if not thousands of products since my 20's. Working regularly with brands like iHerb, Ulta, CurrentBody, and MedStar Health to share my knowledge and experience in all things beauty. Learn more.
Skin profile: 35+, dry/combination, focused on well-aging, hydration, and a healthy glow ✨
Comments & Questions
Stephanie
Excellent post Jenny! This is giving me a few more ideas on what I want to showcase with my pictures! Coffee books, and marble contact paper are my must-have!
Jenny Wu
Thanks Stephanie! I love coffee table books because they double as decor when not being used as photo props!
Elisa
nice post. very useful too. also, it makes me happy because it's like yesh, you're revealing the secret behind your amazing photos! :P
i've been thinking of getting colorful papers as background too because i'm all about flat lay photography now (plus, it's more convenient since i take blog pics in my room). i haven't gotten the chance to browse through stationery stores though so i've been using my bed cover or normal white paper as my background(s). probably not the best but they're not THAT horrifying so i'll have to make use of the things i have.
Jenny Wu
Haha, thanks Elisa! ^^ White paper is actually great if you want a clean simple background, and bed cover is nice if you want texture :) But it definitely doesn't hurt having different options!
Shireen L. Platt
This is a brilliant post and one that I desperately need to learn. I am always at loss with props so ended up with plain white background. Recently I started adding more texture to my pictures but I still have ways to improve on my photography.
Jenny Wu
Thanks so much Shireen! A white background is definitely a must have, and it helps the product stand out more!
Farheen Salman
That's a marvelous post Jenny :) loved the way you have put this post together
Jenny Wu
Thanks for stopping by and commenting Farheen! :)
remakestyle
I'm not really good with flatlays and using props. Oh, I hope I'd be able to learn more about it. My photos right now are life, more plain and bland. Thanks for sharing. I learned a lot. I'll be sure to stock up and put them all in one area so I could grab them when needed.
Jenny Wu
Thanks for reading lovely, glad you found it helpful! Photography is definitely something that gets better with practice, so just keep taking more flatly and they'll definitely get better!
Angela @beautyandthecat
This post just reminds me that I need a cat ? I suck at using props, so I sticker my photos with bald men. Almost as classy as Megan Hess art. ?
Jenny Wu
Yes to cat, even if you're not taking photos! Stickers are awesome too, I randomly use it in my photos as well! :P
Rae
Props are super important when it comes to taking staged product photos for blog! These are all great recommendations for them!
Rae | Love from Berlin
Jenny Wu
Thanks Rae! Totally agree that props are important, they can make or break a photo!
Bernadette
Fantastic post. I love reading about blogging tips in general and especially taking photos. Blog props definitely do help the photo look more professional. I love using artificial plants and plant stems as well as cute notebooks in blog photos.
www.themakeupaficionado.com
https://www.instagram.com/themakeupaficionado17/
https://au.pinterest.com/bernadette_95/
Jenny Wu
Thank you Bernadette! :) Totally agree with artificial plants, I really need to add more variety to my collection!
Liv
OMGOSH your kitty just loves being photographed ;) he is so so beautiful! I noticed the props in your grams and was always wondering what was bringing them all together into your elegant style, so this post answered my questions! Also that marble contact paper really got me, that's gotta be the best idea ever!
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Liv! It's lucky I have one cat that's cooperative...the other comes and goes as she pleases! I'm so glad I found out about marble contact paper as well, it's definitely my most used photography prop by far!
Tara
These are some good tips! Thank you for sharing them. I should try to incorporate more props with my photos, but laziness kicks in for me and then when I'm out and about, props are the last thing I even consider for my photos. I do admit that props really do add to the photos, though, so when I see people using those, it really makes the photos stand out :)
Jenny Wu
No problem Tara! :) Setting and styling the products for the photo can definitely be time-consuming, but luckily I find it rather enjoyable!
Sakura
Wow nice! I was thinking of how I can make my Instagram photos look nicer and your tips are helpful!
Jenny Wu
Thanks for stopping by Sakura, and I'm so glad you found these tips helpful! :)
Gemma Daniels
Great tips! I'm trying to collect props over time xx
Jenny Wu
I'm always on the lookout for products that can double as props when I'm shopping now :P
Jeveuxx31
This is so helpful!
http://jeveuxx.blogspot.com.au/
Jenny Wu
Glad to hear that, thanks for commenting!
Caked To The Nines
Love this post! Your photos are so beautiful. I have dogs, but really want a cat. Then I could include her/him in my pics haha! Love cats, and yours is precious!
xx
Nida | Caked To The Nines
Jenny Wu
Thanks so much lovely! I would love to have a dog too, and I've definitely seen people incorporate their dogs as "props" :P I guess it depends on the temperament of the pet...my other cat only models when she's in the mood, haha
Face to Curls
This is an excellent post. I'm so lost when it comes to props so I rarely use them but I want to incorporate more into my photos. I do want to improve on my photography. Your cat is super cute!
Ann-Marie | http://facetocurls.com
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Ann-Marie! For me Instagram is a great inspiration, you can learn a lot by studying others' photos :)
Camilla @ Gracefulface.com
This was super helpful! I'm totally buying that contact paper now!!! Your photos are gorgeous and I'm excited to experiment with your tips!
Jenny Wu
Thank you so much Camilla! The contact paper is incredible and definitely makes a huge difference!
Steff B ✨
Really helpful tips in this, I’m definitely no expert when it comes to taking pics for my blog so I love reading things like this... I’ve recently ordered some faux flowers and wallpaper samples to get me started though. Now to find some magazines lol! X
Dee Naidoo
Hi Jenny, awesome post. Love the idea of props.