Do you use any props for your engagement or senior portrait shoots?

I was just looking at others engagement photos and some senior photos and notice not much of props are used by most. Now is that due to the awkwardness of lugging a bench to a secluded beach? Or is it just a shortage of time by photographers?

I try to incorporate items that are in the area that can add to the photo instead of using props. Makes it look more natural and it usually fits in the surroundings.

If on location shooting it's a matter of how much gear do you want to bring? After the background, stands, lighting, etc for me it is too much hassle to bring props along depending on the shoot . If I'm in a location where I have a nice wooded area or something similar I don't even bother with the background.

If I am in the studio, I will use props. When I am doing environmental shoots I do not unless the client wants some sort of sports look, use there car etc - you get the idea. I do a combo of both for a Senior, studio and environmental.

If you were doing a "lifestyle" shoot for a magazine, and had a bunch of grips helping you, then yes, you would "build a set" if needed. However, many photographers work alone or with a single assistant, so it would be a lot of work.

Any good photographer should be able to find things around them to make the background more interesting and get the models/clients to emote. Those are the keys to good "environmental photography".

Matthew

PS Francis, I have to know... is that avatar a picture of YOU?

MLKstudios wrote: If you were doing a "lifestyle" shoot for a magazine, and had a bunch of grips helping you, then yes, you would "build a set" if needed. However, many photographers work alone or with a single assistant, so it would be a lot of work.

Any good photographer should be able to find things around them to make the background more interesting and get the models/clients to emote. Those are the keys to good "environmental photography".

Matthew

PS Francis, I have to know... is that avatar a picture of YOU?

Well it's not a matter of finding something interesting. A red contemporary sofa in middle of a wooded area or wheat field would have a eye catching effect and show a different type of photo then one with out.

And no my avatar isn't me, actually it's a private joke between myself and wife who found this image and claims it's my twin brother in another life time.

The sofa in the woods, old chair on the railroad tracks, etc. has been done many times over and over. Find something new.

I'm a bit disappointed that's NOT you.

I encourage people to bring things that are important to them. Mostly it's been pets, vehicles, and musical instruments. I'll use anything on site that works for the photo. I'm hauling a lightstand in one hand and camera gear in the other, so I don't have room to haul much else.

MLKstudios wrote: The sofa in the woods, old chair on the railroad tracks, etc. has been done many times over and over. Find something new.

People love that stuff. I might not stop to photograph it if I were doing personal work, but if the client indicated they thought it would be neat I'd go for it. Sure it's been done a million times. That's how they've seen it and why they want it. I remember once telling a bride-to-be how I liked to experiment and try new things. She told me she didn't want new photos. She wanted photos just like she'd seen in my portfolio, but with her in them.

Good point, HP!

MLKstudios wrote: If you were doing a "lifestyle" shoot for a magazine, and had a bunch of grips helping you, then yes, you would "build a set" if needed. However, many photographers work alone or with a single assistant, so it would be a lot of work.

Any good photographer should be able to find things around them to make the background more interesting and get the models/clients to emote. Those are the keys to good "environmental photography".

Matthew

PS Francis, I have to know... is that avatar a picture of YOU?

yep, I can't see myself trying to carry a sofa to the middle of the woods for any shot!

Henry Peach wrote: I encourage people to bring things that are important to them. Mostly it's been pets, vehicles, and musical instruments. I'll use anything on site that works for the photo. I'm hauling a lightstand in one hand and camera gear in the other, so I don't have room to haul much else.

MLKstudios wrote: The sofa in the woods, old chair on the railroad tracks, etc. has been done many times over and over. Find something new.

People love that stuff. I might not stop to photograph it if I were doing personal work, but if the client indicated they thought it would be neat I'd go for it. Sure it's been done a million times. That's how they've seen it and why they want it. I remember once telling a bride-to-be how I liked to experiment and try new things. She told me she didn't want new photos. She wanted photos just like she'd seen in my portfolio, but with her in them.

people get into a comfort zone and become afraid of change