Why Are Props Essential in Food and Product Photography?

The answer is simple — Food and product photography props help create an emotive vision and set the mood and tone of the visual narrative.

Can we skip props altogether? Occasionally, yes. But more often than not, even minimal props are essential to tell a story or support a concept — think “less is more.”

There have been times where I’ve intentionally skipped props for Mochi donuts to keep the scene clean. In those instances, the focus shifts heavily to the background and lighting. When lighting is on the harder side, shadows themselves can act as a compositional prop, while carefully chosen backgrounds become key in establishing the vibe. While in some, introducing a hand element acts a props to lift the image.

That said, when props are used, they should serve a purpose. That’s why I always recommend starting with a clear concept and a well-curated mood board. These help determine exactly what kind of food photography props are needed to achieve the tone and style we’re after.

In a recent shoot with a wine brand, a clear directive to keep props minimal helped us stay focused and execute the vision precisely. On another shoot with Deli door, the use of Pantone colour - blue and red references guided our choice of accent props, helping to elevate the mood and visual identity of the scene.

In conclusion, props are often necessary — but their use should always be intentional and aligned with the overall creative vision.

Got ideas brewing for your next shoot? Let me help bring your vision to life with visual inputs and a carefully curated mood board featuring fitting props. Reach out for an on-location shoot or send over your products—I’d love to collaborate!