40 Blog Photography Background and Prop Ideas

When I very first started blogging my photos were all taken on my iPad and they would then be uploaded to the post with some nasty looking a pretty border around it.  My editing skills were a big fat zero and I had no idea about composition.  I am by no means Annie Leibovitz but I’d like to think that my photography skills have improved quite a bit since my early blogging days.  So I thought I’d share some blog photography background and prop ideas to take your photos from meh to wow.  Most of these things you will probably have at home already or maybe you are on the look out for some new props and need inspiration, hopefully you find these ideas helpful.

Dark vinyl background with white bowl make the strawberries stand out.

Blog Photography Background & Prop Ideas

I no longer use my iPad for taking photos and instead use a camera with different lenses.   This means I can take pics with wider angles, have lovely blurry backgrounds and sharper details.  I bought myself some vinyl backdrops from Blog Equipment I Use  (who has a gorgeous selection of backgrounds for you to use) so no more taking photos on my  furniture surfaces.  Plus I have an ever increasing selection of things to use as blog photo props too.  Here are my 40 blog photography background and prop ideas.

Backgrounds

1. Wooden: flooring, tables
2. Vinyl backdrops
3. Wallpaper
4. Grass (with daisies/buttercups for added colour)
5. Baking trays
6. Fluffy rugs
7. Throws/Picnic blankets
8. Sheets
9. Cardboard
10. Tiles

For backgrounds you can use different textures and colours to make products stand out as well as make the image more interesting.  A fluffy rug, a grassy lawn or tiles will add a bit extra to your photo as well as making it more unique.

Food Blogger’s Props

1. Different bowls and plates, serving dishes, etc
2. Napkins
3. Edible flowers, berries, herbs
4. Fruits such as lemons and limes
5. Ingredients: dry ones such as oats, dried fruits, cheese, nuts etc
6. Cutting boards: slate, marble, wood
7. Cupcake cases, cookie cutters, twine, recipe books
8. Different utensils: measuring cups, rolling pins, serving spoons
9. Cutlery: vintage, wooden, coloured
10. Pretty glasses, straws, drink stirrers, etc.

Banana and Chocolate Chip Overnight Oats – Vinyl Background with some oats, chocolate chips and a measuring spoon as props.

Prawn Dopiaza – Fabric background adds colour and texture

Lifestyle, Beauty and Fashion Bloggers’ Props

1. Phone, iPad, PC, laptop, etc
2. Magazines and books
3. Make up: lipsticks, eye palettes, mascaras
4. Flowers, plants, cacti, leaves
5. Stationery: planners, paperclips, pens, postcards, washi tape
6. Accessories: jewellery, watches, scarves, belts, glasses
7. Candles, fairy lights, photo frames
8. Table confetti, glitter, dried petals
9. Perfume, body sprays
10. Food: cake, macaroons, chocolate, etc
11. Light box, scrabble letters, peg board, blackboard
12. Make up bag, make up brushes, sponges, eyelash curlers, tweezers, compact mirror
13. Slogan mugs, vintage teacup, travel mugs
14. Camera, lenses, photos/polaroids
15. Bags, purses, wallets, shoes, trainers
16. Nail varnish, emery boards, hand cream, cotton wool, cotton buds
17. Paper/cardboard for swatches
18. Pretty packaging and ribbon that items have came in
19. Trinket trays, wire baskets, tealight holders
20. Fabric, coloured card, wrapping paper

The Body Shop Haul– Vinyl background with dried rose petals. You can keep it simple and just add in one blog prop.

Blog Equipment I Use – Dark vinyl background with stationery, mug, postcard & earphones as props.

Fluffy rug background with bright tulips as a prop.

With props you can keep it simple and just use the one or you can add in a few different ones but make sure that it doesn’t take the focus away from the subject your image is about.  You don’t have to have everything in the shot either, an edge of a magazine works just as well.

What backgrounds or props do you use for your photos?