What do I take to a model shoot in the way of props, and by props, I mean general stuff, not shoot specific?

Bear in mind, I’m not talking about a commercial shoot where the models bring what they need, HMAs bring all their gear and the shoot supplies all the outfits and accessories, I’m talking about a shoot just for me, for my portfolio.

When I started shooting portraits, I knew nothing…so I brought nothing! As time passed, I collected various things (either bought or given) and found that some were really useful…

Hats

Hats are great. They’re dead cheap (second hand store or in a sale) and they can turn a nice outfit into a GREAT outfit. They don’t even need to be worn, they can be held or carried, tossed in the air or even Frisbee’d at the photographer! They’re also good just for fun too! I have 7 or 8 of them: wide brimmed, Bowler, flat cap, top hat and Trilby’s too.

Shoes

Yes, shoes. As I said at the top, on a commercial shoot they’ll be supplied but I was surprised early on by how many models arrived for a shoot with the shoes (usually trainers) they were wearing plus one other pair! Over the years, I’ve collected various pairs of lady’s shoes (some given to me by models, some bought). The weirder and wilder the better I find. When a model arrives and sees what I’ve brought their eyes go wide and they can’t wait to wear them - even if they can’t actually walk in them!

Tights

Yes, the weirdness continues. A couple of pairs of cheap black tights always come in handy. If a model ladders hers then there’s a spare pair or they can even be deliberately laddered/ripped for an ‘urban fashion’ type shoot. I have even used a pair to tie a light stand to a tree on a windy outdoor shoot!

Gloves

Black and red net gloves are in my bag, both pairs given to me. Actually, a white pair too. They’re good for covering up less than perfect nail polish. I also have a pair of elbow length opera type gloves in black satin-like material. I don’t ever remember using them on a shoot nor do I remember anyone giving them to me or me buying them. I guess somewhere out there is a model or studio missing a pair of opera gloves - sorry!

Jewellery

Sometimes a really big piece of jewellery, a ‘statement’ piece if you like, can really add to a head and shoulders portrait if a necklace. Again, providing a selection of necklaces, bracelets, ear rings and even rings for a model to accessorise with can turn something a bit ordinary into something pretty special. Again, second hand shops are a great source of stuff. Someone once bought that item because they really liked it - even though it might be quite hideous - but it works perfectly for a shoot. The model can also wear half a dozen necklaces, really go a bit mad - can make for a great photo.

Sunglasses

Ages ago on a group shoot, I saw another photographer produce some mirror sunglasses from her prop bag for the model to wear and I thought they were a great idea - but she wouldn’t let anyone else use them. OK, fair play, she thought of them and she brought them along so she gets to use them. Anyway, within a week I had half a dozen pairs of cheap sunglasses in my bag, everything from mirror aviator style to pink heart shaped ones!

Material

Cloth. Really useful. I will only take what I think I might need. Buy loads of the stuff, usually pretty cheap. Satin is great to ‘jazz up’ an old chair or cover a bed for a boudoir styled shoot. I’ve also used them to cover existing boring curtains and really jazz them up! Reflects the light brilliantly and even works well if you convert to mono. Organza is another great material. Slightly reflective, extremely light so blows really well in the wind (wind machine in a studio or breeze in the outdoors).

Use for backgrounds as well. If very thin or lacy, you can shoot through it also. If lacy but quite heavily patterned, it can make a great ‘gobo’ for the lights and cast interesting shadows.

I have often wondered how I would explain what I’ve got in the boot of my car should I be stopped by the Police on the way to or from a shoot. I think it would take some explaining and there’d be many a raised eyebrow😂😂😂

Do you have any ‘go to’ props you’ll take to a shoot, things that always come in handy?

Let me know in the comments below…