wait... what?
Don't worry, I can explain! For this month's blog, I'm sharing my first opinion piece on using props during your sessions. I'll walk you through my personal take on props being out, along with my preferences on exceptions. Will this be the start of a trend within the blog? BOLD of me to assume y'all care about my opinion on the matter anyway 😉 Let's jump in so you can share your own opinions with me (be gentle)!
first thing's first...
props vs. decoration
It may seem nit-picky, but I truly believe there is a major difference between props and decoration. To me, props are extra objects that are being used in the photos. For example: a save the date sign, wooden letters, even scrabble pieces (remember those days?). On the other hand, decorations are more so elements that contribute to the background or scenery in the photos, which are likely not being interacted with directly by the subjects. I find that this is much more common for studio environments, where you want to enhance a plain backdrop by adding in some furniture or flowers in the background to make the composition less bare.
so, why not props?
I. distractions
Not only can props be distractions for those getting their photo taken (especially kiddos), but they can actually be distracting within the photo itself. At the end of the day, the purpose of the session, no matter the occasion, is to capture the beautiful people in front of the camera. Oftentimes, adding in props can take away from that. We are going for portrait photography, not product photography!
II. style preference
My style is definitely more natural, candid, and maybe even a little more on the documentary side. Adding in props can quickly make for uncomfortable, unnatural posing that makes the final product come out looking staged. I used to love props for the purpose of getting some detail shots, but I've come to love cropping and paying attention to the smaller details within my sessions, which fills an artistic side of me and definitely fits within my style better.
III. overcomplication
This is somewhat of a blend of the first two. I tend to think that adding in props can make for a cluttered composition and give the viewer a bit too much to look at. Imagine an engagement session with a save the date sign and the first letter of the last name. This quickly becomes a lot of elements at once: the wedding is in June? Look at that ring! They are sharing a last name? They look adorable! Personally, I want my work to be focused on the couple and their love for each other, not the details of their wedding or marriage, nor how big the ring is. The more elements involved in the composition, the more complicated and messy the end result can be.
exceptions
seniors
Graduation is a milestone and these sessions are a great example of a place for an exception. Typically, you may want to capture some of your interests at the time, or anything that may tell the story of what's next: your major in college, your new job, etc. Incorporating some of Cameron's props captured that baseball has been a big part of his life and likely will continue be as he takes on this next chapter.
exceptions
baby announcements
Baby announcements are an exception to the rule for me, especially depending on how far along the momma might be. Sometimes, the pregnancy is not entirely obvious at the time of the announcement, and adding in a sonogram, baby shoes, or a newspaper like the Moraleses can tell you the message right away.
exceptions
playing with creativity
There are definitely some cases where adding in a subtle prop can add some creativity and color to a session. Although I may not make this the focus, it's fun to do some shots like this at the end. The flowers here are a perfect pop of color and it gave Samantha something easy to do with her hands, but I still think the focus of the photo is her (and her beautiful hair).
incorporating decoration
As a photographer, using some decoration can nurture your creative side. However, not all of us are interior designers. You're an artist - trust your instincts and do what you think will make the photos true to your style and convey the message you want. Every once in a while, I like to incorporation some decoration to help add some color or detail to a pretty bare environment.
THE GIST
props... or not?
At the end of the day, your decision to incorporate props or not is totally your call. Consider your style preference, your audience, and whether or not you think they may be more distracting than anything else. The decision can be completely situational.
If you have thoughts, I'd love to hear them! I appreciate your opinions and they are always welcome. This blog content was a bit different, so I'm looking forward to hearing if y'all want to hear more opinion pieces or not. Thank you if you got this far, and please message me on Instagram with your feedback.
♡ Kylie
