Working With Props In Portrait Photography: New Approaches

The right one tells a story, brings out emotion, and shows a side of someone that words alone can’t capture.

In this guide, we’ll explore new ideas for working with props, explain how to use them effectively, and share tips that make your portraits stand out without looking forced.

What are Props in Photography?

Before we dive into techniques, let’s quickly define what props actually are in photography.

Props are physical items added to a photo to help support the story, mood, or visual concept. They can be small and subtle—like a scarf, a book, or a pair of glasses—or bold and eye-catching, like a musical instrument, a neon sign, or a carnival mask. Props can be held, worn, sat on, or simply placed in the background. As long as they add to the atmosphere or give your subject something to interact with, they can be incredibly effective.

At its core, portrait photography is about storytelling. And props are one of the most useful tools for shaping that story. They break the stiffness of traditional posing and give people something to do with their hands. More importantly, the right prop adds meaning—a subtle nod to personality, context, or emotion.

That’s not to say clean, minimal shots don’t have their place. They absolutely do. But when used with intention, props can add a visual layer that transforms a simple portrait into something richer—especially when aiming for a styled, editorial, or lifestyle look.

Start with the Story First

Don’t grab props just for the sake of it. The first step is knowing the mood or message you want the portrait to express. Ask yourself:

• What story am I trying to tell?

• Is the subject formal, playful, creative, or mysterious?

• Does the environment need a visual boost?

When you work from the story backward, the right piece often reveals itself.

For example, if you’re shooting an author, a typewriter or an old journal might fit. For a dancer, a flowy scarf can highlight movement. For a minimalist look, one bold item—like a red chair—can create a striking contrast.

Best Props for Portrait Photography: A Go-To List

Not sure where to start? Here’s a list of the best props for portrait photography that work across many styles:

• Chairs—Great for posing and posture variation. Try vintage or bold-colored ones.

• Hats and headpieces—Instantly change a subject’s mood and style.

• Mirrors—Reflect emotion, create doubles, or just add shine.

• Scarves, shawls, or fabric—Adds flow and movement, especially in the wind.

• Books or journals—Simple, natural props that say a lot about a person.

• Flowers—Fresh or dried, they soften the image and bring in color.

• Lights (fairy lights, handheld bulbs)—Add warmth or whimsy.

• Musical instruments—Especially meaningful when they belong to the subject.

Start small and build a collection over time. Sometimes, even the weirdest object becomes your most-used tool.

Studio vs Outdoor Props: Choosing Based on Setting

Where you shoot matters just as much as what you shoot with. Props behave differently in different settings.

A good balance? Use your environment as part of your prop setup. If you’re outdoors, a rock, tree, or even a puddle can act as a beautiful feature with the right framing.

New-Age Prop Trends in Portrait Photography

Let’s talk about what’s trending now. Photographers today are getting more creative with props, especially in lifestyle and fashion portraits. Here are some fresh approaches:

1. Reflective Surfaces

Mirrors, water trays, and foil backgrounds are being used to create dreamy or abstract effects. These not only add visual interest but also allow for clever lighting and symmetry.

2. Nature-Based Solutions

Leaves, branches, flowers, or even sand can bring organic beauty into your portraits. They work especially well with natural light.

3. Transparent Layers

Use plastic sheets, glass, or colored gels between your subject and the lens. These create layers and blur, adding emotion and mystery.

4. Found Objects

Instead of studio-made elements, try everyday items with character—old telephones, vintage suitcases, or textured fabrics. These can make portraits feel more authentic.

Working with Props in Different Poses

Once you choose a prop, the next step is integrating it smoothly into your session. The goal? Make it look like it belongs, not like it’s just “there.”

Here are a few posing tips when using them:

1. Use the Hands

Props give your subject something to hold—reducing awkward hands. Ask them to grip, touch, or rest on the object naturally.

2. Guide the Eyes

A set item can direct where the subject looks. This is great for storytelling—especially if you want them looking away from the camera.

3. Add Movement

Use things like fabrics or scarves that catch air. Have the subject twirl, throw, or walk while interacting with it. This adds energy to still shots.

4. Don’t Overdo It

If the prop becomes the center of attention, your portrait loses focus. Keep it subtle. Less is more.

5. Be Aware of Light and Texture

Props placed near the face or skin can create unexpected effects. Metallics or glossy surfaces might reflect harsh light or cast strange colors, while rough textures can emphasize pores or blemishes. When in doubt, test your lighting setup and adjust as needed. 

If skin tones are a concern, check out our guide on How to Work with Different Skin Types in Portraits—it’s full of practical lighting tips that help skin look smooth and natural without heavy editing.

Retouching Portraits with Props

Props add detail, but more detail can also mean more things to clean up when editing. Maybe there’s a stray thread on a scarf, dust on a mirror, or the colors don’t quite match your vision.

In those cases, using a good portrait photography editor helps a lot. You can fine-tune shadows, blur distractions, or adjust tones without removing the essence of the shot. The top editing tools preserve the character of the decoration while ensuring the subject stands out.

Communication is Key with Your Subject

Props can sometimes make people nervous—especially if they feel silly using them. That’s why clear direction is essential. Let your subject know what the accessories are for, how they can interact with them, and most importantly, that it’s okay to play around.

Some good prompts include:

• “Use this scarf like you’re wrapping up for a windy day.”

• “Pretend this mirror is showing you something important.”

• “Hold this book like it’s your favorite one.”

When they understand the “why,” their expressions become more relaxed, and the photo becomes more real.

When Not to Use Props at All

Yes, this entire article is about props—but let’s be real: not every shoot needs them. Some portraits are more powerful with just a person and their eyes. Visual aids should always support the story, not replace it.

If you’re ever unsure, take a few shots with the accessories, then a few without. Often, you’ll feel which one hits harder during the editing phase.

Wrapping It Up

Props work best when they reflect something about the subject. A musician with their guitar. A poet with a notebook. A grandmother with a scarf she’s had for 40 years. These aren’t just objects—they’re pieces of who they are.

Portrait photography with props is about connection. Using them in portraits is all about making a real connection. The more personal and thoughtful your choices are, the more natural the photo will feel. Slow down, chat with your subject, and get a sense of who they are. Sometimes it’s a little thing—a keepsake from home or a quirky thrift-store find—that ends up making the shot feel truly unforgettable.