On Hollywood movie productions, the property master will make arrangements for the acquisition and use of all props on the set. Usually they work with set designers and crew to create the necessary larger props or they go to an external company that specializes in furnishing props to movie productions. This can be further broken into companies that specialize in specific genres or types of props. The major prop houses would carry from 40 to 100,000 types of props within their warehouses; but if you need twenty 1920's automobiles you would have to go to a specialty prop house to acquire them.

So what does this have to do with a photography studio and home photography. Most studios props are limited to a small collection of props or clothing that can be used in the studio. So what do you do for a home studio, studio rental or small studio. 

You have to get creative in acquiring and using props. A Hollywood prop house is not at your disposal. But a lot of things are available close by. There are many objects around the house which can be used as props when doing a shoot in your studio location. When taking pictures of family it can sometimes make it easier if you give them a prop to work with. This is the same for new talent that you are working with. Give them a book, scarf, jacket to work with. If you have a male model you may have to change it up a bit. Think a little bit differently, but a book, sports shirt,  sports equipment, home reno tools, etc could also be used as props. 

In our first example we have the model working with an old ladder that was lying around. This prop gives the model a chance to move around and create different poses and create symmetry with the ladder. Experiment with your lighting to create different shadows and effects. Try to think creatively when using furniture as well. Most people gravitate towards the obvious and seat their model on a sofa. Switch it up and pose your model on the edge of the sofa or arm with one leg hanging off.

Next up we have a model posing with a prop acquired from Pier 1 Imports. This store is full of small interesting props, fabrics and other  household goods. Usually with vibrant colors or eye catching shapes are the norm. In this image we have a model balancing a replica antelope head. If your model has a good sense of balance try varying the arm positions to create symmetry within the frame or for bonus points see if you can get your model to wink while balancing the prop.

In this image we have the model working with something unconventional.  It is circular copper piping from Home Depot. The color of copper can lend itself quite well to  models with darker hair. Again we have used the concept of symmetry by getting the model to create different points within the frame using her hands and arms. This concept could be taken in a different direction by getting the model to pose with various different types of metal bars and pipes. The look could be further augmented by grease and dirt to give it a rough industrial look. The image could be further transformed by converting to black and white and adding additional contrast and grain.

In the final image we have the model working with some silk flowers that are available at most home decorating stores. These replica flowers are available in a variety of breeds and colors. The final look of the image can be altered in many different ways by changing the clothing style, hair and flowers in complementary ways or in a total contrast to create a vibrant image.

In closing, you don't need the budget, staff or assets of a Hollywood prop house to create good images. All that is required is a photographer, model, imagination and a few simple but inexpensive props.