Where To Buy Props For Tabletop Photography

 

Where can you buy props when getting to shoot a product for a brand? If a new project comes up, and the client is needing lifestyle content on tabletop, I make sure to plan ahead. Depending on the client budget will make a difference on where you can pick your props. 

There are several ways to acquire props. The bigger the budget the more options you have. If you have a decent size budget the approach I usually go through are.

1) Link up with Art Department members in Facebook to see if they would know a place to acquiring a specific prop. If they own it, they usually rent them out. 

2) Rent at prop houses (But they may ask for COI - Copy of Insurance) or require a credit card deposit.

3) The go through my other go to stores to seek out deals. I would visit Hobby Lobby, Michaels, Dollar King, 99 Cents store, local fashion district, EBay, Amazon, Facebook marketshare, etc. 

The key is not only delivering top quality product, but also getting creative with budget so you find ways to save on rentals or purchases. Stores like Dollar King and 99 Cents are a good start if you need certain props for really cheap. Saving money on props allows you to possibly gain more income on the overall budget (if a package deal has been pre-arranged) These dollar stores are great places to pick up stuff you might need for the shoot. Sometimes they have the right knick knacks. 

If the budget calls for it, might as well hire a professional art person to help streamline your workflow. Having a dedicated art department help will allow you to focus on the creative, instead, of sourcing out.