Where to Find Shoot Props (Updated)
Are you ready for a very long anticipated updated blog post about where to purchase shoot props?? I sure am! I wrote a post that you can read here a verrrrrrry long time ago and I'm excited to update my list since I've made so many new discoveries over the last year or so. In case you haven't read that post, the spots that I listed were Amazon (you can shop our prop section in our shop here *this is an affiliate link*), Anthropologie, thrift stores, Michaels, and Target. I still shop at all of these stores regularly, and I do have to admit that these days I purchase the majority of props off of Amazon just simply because it's easy and it's a one stop shop. But I am trying to challenge myself to break out of that a little, so here are some of my other favorite go-tos.
CB2
This is a good one, guys. I LOVE CB2 specifically for glassware, but also for really unique shapes and pieces that can be utilized in many ways. Something I've been really inspired by lately is looking at objects from different angles and using them in unique ways in shoots. For example, taking a glass or candle holder and flipping it upside down to create a pedestal or stand for a product. This has been one of my favorite stores for objects like this. Here are some of my favorite items they currently have:
Afloral
Afloral was an incredible discovery for us. I remember I was looking for florals to use for our course with Moodelier (which you can purchase here) and I was having such a hard time finding fake flowers that actually looked good and weren't too expensive. I also felt like a lot of what I was finding was really dated and didn't look modern or fresh. In came Afloral. On my first order I went a little spent over $400 (Kirsten sent me a concerned text when she saw the receipt come through) but they have proved to be worth the investment haha. In addition to fake flowers, they also have a lot of great dried and preserved options too!
bird of paradise
Trader Joe's
Not only is Trader Joe's one of my favorite places to shop for my personal groceries, it's become a go-to for shoots a well. I know that they don't have locations everywhere, but if you have one near you, make sure to check out their selection of garnishes, pre-made foods, cheeses, etc for food shoots. You also can't beat the price of their flowers if you're looking for fresh arrangements to use.
West Elm
Like cb2, West Elm has tons of really unique items and shapes, and I love all their dishware and glasses. They also have some really great fake and dried flowers as well as lots of fun vases. They run sales often so keep an eye out for those.
Urban Outfitters
Urban Outfitters can be hit or miss, but there are definitely a lot of treasures to be found in their home section. They also have some great furniture items if you need things for larger scale sets.
Etsy
I've been an Etsy fan for years, but for some reason never really thought to look for props there until more recently. They have incredible dried flowers, and I also found pretty preserved leaves for a shoot which was great since we don't get a ton of nicely colored leaves here in California, and even if we did, fall shoots typically happen before leaves have turned anyway. This is one of the best places. to find super random or specific things that you might not be able to find anywhere else. Here's a few things I've been loving lately:
H&M Home
This is my latest find and it might be my favorite - not only for shoot props but also for home and studio decor. I've ordered several things from H&M home recently and I've been shocked by the price and the quality. This is a great place for unique shapes, objects and vases. They also have great blankets and textured fabrics. Items can sell out quickly so if you see something you like, grab it.
Moodelier
Last but not least, I wanted to include our favorite props from Moodelier. If you follow us on Instagram you've seen how often we have been using these pieces in our shoots lately. We purchased them in the white primer so that we could spray paint them in any color we want, but there are tons of color options if you would rather purchase them in a color. They are only open for preorder periodically and this next round ends on 10/19 so make sure to preorder now! Here are some of our favorite sets:
There you have it! Our updated list on where to find shoot props. I would love to hear about your favorite places to shop - head over to the Weekend Club Community to let me know!
Is it the weekend yet?
Elle