This week we take a look at the use of props in both fashion and portraiture. Quite often photographers; both amateur and some professional photographers are reluctant to use props. The reasons are many; notably the reasons are something like this: I don't know how to instruct the model, he/she doesn't look good with a prop, he/she looks good enough or their own. Or maybe the real reason is that the photographer is afraid to experiment. Lets take a look at what props actually are and maybe they are not what you think. The use of the word props conjures up a vision of a Hollywood movie and a spooky guy with a closet full of weird stuff. In the fashion/portraiture world we should actually call them what they are and something that models can relate to. We should be calling props by the term fashion accessories. We are stretching a bit because sometimes it may not be about fashion or is it. Sometimes one of the reasons why people buy a particular car is because "I look good in that car". All this comes down to is looks and fashion.

Where do I find those fashion accessories. A big hint, our shopping malls are full of clothing and accessory stores. Still not sure what to buy in the accessories department for next photo shoot. That is easy. Just walk into a clothing and accessories store and walk up to the hottest looking sales clerk in the store and explain your dilemma. The sales clerk will be more than willing to help you your fashion accessories selection. Note: Always carry your business card with you at all times. This same technique should be applied when shopping for lingerie for your wife or girlfriend.

Now that we have had a successful shopping trip and maybe picked up a phone number of two it is time to get serious about using fashion accessories in the studio or out in the field. Let's start with something simple. What clothing.shoes or jewelry is model already wearing. A slight change can make a difference to your image. For example a lightweight jacket or blazer can be carried by your model or flung over that shoulder a casual look. Think about asking your model to remove her high heel shoes and carry them instead. Make sure you vary your poses to capture the right mood. Think about a model walking bare foot in the surf while carrying her shoes. What you are trying to capture is a playful atmosphere.

In out first image we look at how the simple use of the model's jacket  and hat has created a mysterious look, while at the same time changed the focal point to be on the model's eyes. The use of a hair light and a conversion to black and white has dramatically changed the picture.

In the second image we have used a construction hammer to change the tone of the picture. The use of a construction vest and some "dirty" makeup has now changed the mood to a lighter comedic look. 

In the final image we used a semi-transparent sheet to change a nude shoot to an implied nude with a fashion context. The simple addition of the sheet wrapped around the model has dramatically changed the mood of the picture.

Changing your portrait or fashion style doesn't mean that you need to spend a lot of money on fashion accessories or "props". Sometimes simple things will suffice and as the images show they can change the mood of your scene to great effect. Remember have fun with it and use your imagination.

Watsonphotography.ca creates unique images of fashion, models, people, travel, nature and racing sports by Toronto photographer Peter Watson.