Perfectly Pretty Photography Props: My Favorites for Blog & Instagram Shots
“Hi pretties! I love using everyday items as photography props. Items like pretty notebooks, makeup, or cute mugs make my blog and Instagram photos pop. Here are some of my favorites to get you inspired!
Where I get my props
I usually grab my props from Amazon, Shein, or Temu. These sites are great for affordable accessories. They offer items like pearls, bows, and other cute touches.
Backgrounds
For backgrounds, I stick with simple options. I choose posterboard or my white Ikea Lagkapten tabletop when I want a minimal look. My go-to for a more luxe vibe is a pink satin sheet from Prop Club. Sometimes, I switch it up with their Plush Background for extra texture. Other times, if I want a burst of florals, I’ll use one of my many floral panels from Shein. Before I got a hand on all these props, I used to shoot on my bedsheets, as they were pink. If I wanted a luxe touch, I would use one of my faux fur rugs. Sometimes I preferred my white faux fur throw blanket. I took photos on two Kate Spade blankets. I ended up getting them from Marshall’s. One blanket is pink and the other is polka dot.
Another backdrop I love to use is tulle. Tulle looks so beautiful when layered with the plush or satin backgrounds. It can also add a lovely soft effect when laid on top of products.
I am currently searching for some backgrounds. A good marble background is one of them. I also want a good white wooden background for those vintage vibes. I’m always on the hunt for a good background to switch up my photos a little bit.
The props
Confetti
One of my favorite photography props to use is confetti. I have so many shapes- from stars to hearts, even snowflakes. I love having different confetti shapes to go along with the mood or season.
Pearls
Another photography prop favorite are pearls. I love faux pearls, and they instantly bring elegance to any photo that uses them. I love these pink and beige pearls I got from Amazon, and I also got some asymmetrical ones as well. These are excellent space fillers, especially for products which I feel are luxurious and girly.
Bows
I love using bows as one of my photography props. They add that coquette touch to most of my photos. Many of my photos are pink-themed, so they fit right in. I have a bunch of these cute little pink ones, alongside these bows with pearls. I even have actual pearl bows for a fancier, more elegant bow.
Books
On the odd occasion, I like using books as photography props. The books I use are usually pink, just like my aesthetic. Some of my favorite books to use as props are Kate Spade’s All in Good Taste. I also love The Astrology of You and Me by Gary Goldschneider. London in Bloom by Georgianna Lane is also an excellent choice. Lastly, The Little Book of Dior by Karen Homer is a favorite. Alongside those books, I also like to use regular notebooks. All of the notebooks that I use in my photos are from Marshall’s and Homegoods.
Beauty products
Beauty products are some of the best photography props I use in my photos. For a long time, I didn’t dare use multiple beauty products in a photo. I assumed that only the product I was talking about could be featured. That statement proved to be further from the truth. I now use beauty products even when the post I’m writing doesn’t call for it. For example, in this post, I featured 3 products even though this post isn’t about beauty.
Some other beauty products I love using as props are makeup brushes and mirrors. I especially adore my SL Miss Glam Boss Babe brush collection (sadly discontinued). Another brush set I love using is the Zoreya brush set. With handheld mirrors, I have a heart-shaped bedazzled mirror from Celletto, as well as my mirrors from Flowerknows.
Trinket dishes
On the odd occasion, I will use trinket dishes in my photos. I find that they add a nice touch, and are perfect for holding jewelry pieces. Some of my favorite pieces are this adorable heart trinket dish from Sweet Water Decor. I also love this trinket dish with a W for my name. This trinket dish with a bow on it and this agate piece are also some of my favorites.
Flowers
I’m always a sucker for flowers in my photos. I love them in any form, whether it’s fake roses, peonies, or tulips. I also love flower boxes, like the ones from Pretty Luxury Bouquet and Amazon.
Seasonal pieces
I’m a fan of using seasonal photography props for any seasonal posts I make. For example, I recently got myself some snowflake confetti and pink poinsettias for the Christmas/winter season. I also got some pumpkins and leaves for the autumn. Cherry blossoms are definitely perfect for spring.
Final Thoughts
Finding the right props can completely transform your photos, turning simple setups into visually captivating stories. It’s tempting to splurge on expensive accessories. I’ve found that a mix of affordable items from sites like Amazon, Shein, and Temu can go a long way. Pair these items with a few key statement pieces. Don’t underestimate the power of textures and backgrounds. Poster boards, tabletop surfaces, or a soft satin sheet can make a huge difference.
Experimentation is key. Try mixing different props, colors, and textures until you find combinations that feel uniquely yours. At the end of the day, props are tools to enhance your creativity—not replace it. With a little planning, you can elevate any photo from simple to standout. Add a touch of imagination. Use a few favorite pieces to create a remarkable image.
Your Turn
Now it’s your turn! I’d love to hear how you use props in your photography. Do you have favorite go-to pieces or unexpected items that always elevate your shots? Maybe a special background or a quirky accessory that brings your photos to life?
Drop a comment below. Share your tips. Tag me on Instagram so I can see your setups in action. Let’s inspire each other and make every photo a little more magical!
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