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Handmade Photography Prop Ideas

Photography is a competitive business. And adding to that, equipment can be expensive to buy. When you are starting out as a studio photographer you will want to minimize your costs as much as possible. Items like digital cameras, lenses and studio lights need to be purchased. However other items like props can be made or modified by yourself to save some money when you are first starting out.

Backdrops and Shades
- A large fabric backdrop can quickly turn your living room wall into a photo studio. Rather than spending a few hundred dollars on buying a backdrop, visit a fabric store to buy some material that is on sale. While you are at the store, look for separate black and white panels of fabric that can be used as reflectors or shade in your studio. Traditional reflector panels are usually white and can be made from thick fabric used for tablecloths or shower curtains. You can also use a colored fabric such as gold, silver or even bolder colors when you want to create a picture that has a distinctive tint or color cast. For shade panels, you will want a light-absorbing color such as black or dark blue. The material for the shade should be thick enough to prevent light from leaking through.
Foam Letters and Numbers
- Foam letters and numbers of different sizes and colors are a great prop when you are photographing children. You can use the numbers to indicate their age or the year the picture was taken. Letters can be used to spell out the child̵7;s name. Use primary colors when painting these letters and numbers. When building these letters consider the size of the individual or product you will be using them with. You do not want to have a infant in a photo being dwarfed by a large foam number. Different-sized numbers and letters will also allow you to place them at different locations in the picture and retain a similar size ratio: smaller letters at the front and larger ones toward the back of the picture.
Knitted Clothing
- If you plan on doing infant photography, knit -- or ask someone who can knit -- two or three items of clothing that can be used in the infant photo shoots. You can keep the outfits a gender-neutral color or create outfits in traditional colors for boys and girls. You can also use knitted blankets, scarves or pillows in your photo shoot.
Stands and Tables
- Tables for still life photography or stands are often used in studio photography. If you are good with woodworking or have older tables, chairs or stands that can be cleaned, stained or painted, you can use them in your studio. Paint or stain the tables or stands either black or white; these shades will easily fit in most photos you shoot.

Photography