Happy Wednesday, lovelies! In our increasingly visual world, it’s no surprise that creating strong visuals has the potential to set your brand apart, especially online. Curating a distinct visual aesthetic for my own branded images has been an absolute blast, as it’s not every day that I get to step out from behind my desk to do more hands-on work! But I have to admit it took me months of practice and experimentation with new techniques before I was able to hone in on my favorite methods, tools and tips. Once I was able to discover my favorite techniques for styling better branded images, I began to incorporate props and other tools that helped me create feminine, engaging and on-brand photos. Below, I’m sharing the contents of my prop box, a tool I use regularly to pull pieces as I style a vignette. Just because it took me ages to curate all of these goodies, that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t be able to get a head start on creating a prop box of your own!

Foam core boards

You’d be amazed at how a backdrop can set the tone for an image. A neutral, textured backdrop can easily set the stage for an organic, earthy set of images. On the other hand, a vibrant pop of color is an unexpected backdrop that gives way to engaging, youthful photos. Without spending a small fortune painting different walls in my studio, or shelling out big bucks for a professional backdrop setup, I love using cheap foam core boards in my photos. Found at any local craft store, these inexpensive, sturdy backdrops are not only portable, but are easily replaced when you spill coffee on one in the midst of a shoot. Not that I speak from experience or anything.

I have a minimum of two 11” x 14” white boards on hand at all times, along with some large sheets of sketch paper in various colors. If you’ve seen the images I shoot for Instagram that feature a blush pink background, that’s actually a giant piece of paper from Hobby Lobby!

Desk accessories

Since most of my workday happens around my desk, I often focus on creating desktop styled shots for the blog and social media. Armed with a myriad of backdrop options (thanks, foam core boards!), I can grab my favorite desk accessories and set up shop in front of the best available light.

My iMac uses a wireless keyboard and mouse, so I love incorporating those into images for a realistic setup. I’m a huge fan of my acrylic desk tools, like this stapler, tape dispenser, and clipboard. Darling clips, like these from Kate Spade, are kept tidy on any workspace in chic bowls with a metallic interior finish. I love using these lustrous scissors for a fun pop, and these colorful pens from Poppin always add a little extra pizzaz to a vignette. Although I love keeping these props on hand to use in photos, I actually use every single item on a daily basis. I’m all about form and function in the studio! Notebooks and journals are also must have props around these parts. Personally, I enjoy popping over to T.J. Maxx or Target and grabbing a few on sale every now and then!

Ribbons

For as much as I love a good metallic + acrylic pairing, I personally like to incorporate some softer textures through the addition of ribbon or small scraps of fabric. Plant dyed, natural silk ribbons are my absolute favorite, and lend a truly romantic, feminine touch to any scene. Since these beautiful rolls are hand-dyed and made in small batches, I usually pick up a few at a time to ensure I never run out of a favorite color. My go-to suppliers are Silk & Willow, Adorn Co, and Frou Frou Chic.

Glue dots

Have you ever tried playing around with ribbon or a small, finicky prop that just won’t stay put? Then you need some glue dots in your life, friend! These inexpensive adhesive dots are a great way to anchor a small object to a specific place, giving you the opportunity to style the rest of your vignette to perfect, take the photo and get on with your day. I especially love using these during the hot summer months when the overhead fan is on, threatening to blow all my perfectly curled silk ribbon right off the foam board.

Coffee Mugs + Edibles

When I’m creating styled imagery for the blog and social media, I always want it to be as true-to-life as possible. Although I’m fully confident that a shot comprised of chic desk accessories and ribbon alone would be lovely, I want it to have that “lived in”, approachable touch that brings the entire setup back down to earth. My solution? Incorporate coffee mugs and some edibles into a shot. Because heaven knows I’d be lost without my morning coffee and some sweet treats!

Styling with candy is always so fun, mainly because we get to eat the leftovers. I’m forever grateful for brands like Sugarfina and Bottega Louie, who create edibles that just so happen to coordinate with my brand’s color palette, too! These sassy gummies and these delectable blush and white meringues are two of my favorites.  

I currently have this gilded mug on my desk serving as a pen holder, but this metallic design from Kate Spade are on my radar to be sure. For a more subdued option, I always default to this beautiful mug from my friend Jenna Kutcher’s shop.

Regardless of the specific props you choose to add to your box of go-to’s, be sure to include items you truly love and will utilize. I forced myself to not only be more practical, and also more budget-friendly, by choosing items that I use as part of my everyday life. Have fun exploring prop ideas that mesh well with your unique brand and overall aesthetic!