Changing seasons radiates new energy everywhere. It is the time to engage with customers in a fresh style with seasonal food props for themed shoots that may act as a marketing push and kick up sales for companies. Clever use of food styling props creates a narrative that connects the season’s vibrancy with the audience, piquing their interest.
Seasonal or themed props can be anything that essentially conveys the freshness, vibrancy, and authenticity of the season into the mood board. These may range from string lights, ornaments, glasses, plants, ropes, and many others, and the list is endless. Wear your creative hat and look around for inspiration to enhance the theme.
This blog is a treasure for food styling enthusiasts. New product launches can be made more exciting and fun with seasonal props. The write-up also discusses the types and benefits of seasonal food photography props and the best props to enhance the mood.
Elements for Seasonal Food Props in Themed Shoots
Propping is a significant step that guides you to elevate your food photography. There are three elements to look for
Stone surfaces- They make a great background. A lightweight vinyl paper or DIY mimicking stone texture may be ideal for photographing food instead of weighty marble or granite.
Board- A wooden board is a must-have. I would suggest having both light and dark colored wood, instead of just one.
Fabric- A naturally placed fabric or linen elevates the scene.
Themed photography props also evoke emotions and nostalgia associated with specific occasions or seasons.
- Use of props to craft the desired atmosphere.
- They improve the expression of the images.
- Season or festive props evoke emotions and assist in knitting a story through them. So, photographers create an engaging, cohesive narrative that resonates with the audience.
- Incorporating seasonal fruits, vegetables, and baked goods for themed photography adds authenticity and charm to the photo shoot. It lets the viewer absorb the zest of the season.
Types of Seasonal Food Props
Whether you are planning a commercial that needs to induce spring liveliness or the coziness and warmth of winter, themed photography props help to recreate the magic of the season into a frame. I have compiled some seasonal photo shoot props for every season.
Spring-themed props: Spring is the refreshing time when nature bursts with new life and energy. It is a season of new hope, beginnings, growth, and promise. You can instill energy of the season into the frame with strawberries, mango, or a bright-colored fruit, eggs, straw basket, pastel-colored tableware, linen, napkin, and seasonal vegetables. Fresh flowers and gardening decorations like watering cans and birdhouses symbolize a time of indulgence with nature.
Summer-themed props: Adding summer-themed props to your table introduces the brightness and liveliness of the season to your table. Impress your audience with a summer-themed table setting that will bring smiles to their faces! A tablecloth with beach elements print, juicy citrus fruits, outdoor picnic items, sunflowers, tropical fruits (e.g., pineapple, coconut, mango), Barbecue tools, and a spice box are the best props for themed photography to include playfulness of the season to the scene.
Fall-themed props: Fall or autumn is a time of change and transition, typically marked by cooler temperatures and shorter daylight hours. It offers a chance to embrace change and growth. The leaves on the trees change from vibrant greens to warm oranges and yellows. What better than pumpkins, autumn leaves, cozy warm-toned textiles and knit accessories, spices, harvest baskets, and cornucopias to explore the change of season?
Winter-themed props: Holiday props like evergreen branches, pine cones, candles, spices- cinnamon- star anise, and cloves, holiday-themed tableware, twine, wreath decorations, marshmallows, and warm beverages add warmth to your winter food photography.
Festival Food Props
Festival food props have the vibrancy of the occasion and can add magic to the themed photography shoots. These high-spirited accessories help in capturing the essence of the festivity.
For example, props like carved pumpkins are crucial food props besides spooky candles, cobwebs, and eerie table settings to set the mood for a beautiful photo shoot during Halloween. These visually rich props also create a narrative that echoes the theme.
Creative food photography props convert a photoshoot into an inviting and pleasant visual. Christmas-themed elements like peppermint sticks, cranberries, and gingerbread biscuits enhance the aesthetic appeal and take viewers on a festive adventure.
Props are like assistants to fill the negative space in the frame, making the photos look creative and appealing. You should know how well a prop would interact with the subject in Seasonal photoshoot themes to improve the interpretive potential of your photographs.
Decorated eggs and bunnies mark Easter celebrations. Include these props for an outstanding Easter-themed shoot and make your pictures pop!
How to select the best food props
Food props are as vital as the supporting cast of a movie as they shape the story. Here, the golden rule of “quality over quantity” rule applies. A food prop for themed decoration may be Fresh produce, Vintage accessories, Table cloth and napkins, Cutlery, and utensils. Here are some quick tips to select the best food photography props:
– Pick the well-shaped, spotless, fresh vegetables and fruit of small to medium-sized food props.
– A local thrift store may get your props at an affordable price.
– Select metal, ceramic, or stone with a matte finish, avoiding unwanted flashes during photography.
– Bright colors and bold patterns distract the focus from food, and it is better to avoid them.
– And, the most significant of all is- Time. Propping comes after food. Spend time planning, creating a mood board, and shopping for props.
– Crumbled wax paper, parchment sheets, chocolate, cake crumbs, and powdered sugar are extensively used as inexpensive props to grab eyeballs.
