Vintage White Enamelware

I like the look of vintage white enamelware, especially when I am propping casual outdoor and barbeque recipes. You'll find it in a large variety of kitchenalia, from cookware to tableware. The shapes are simple, and most white pieces have a contrasting edge in black, cobalt blue, or red.
These bowls and salad size plates are a great size, and in really nice condition. I love the irregularities found in the enamel coatings, little bumps and bubbles that add interest.

White pots are easy to find, and the bright interiors help light the contents with a wraparound fill light.



These are a recent find, nice to have the containers with their lids.


The roasting pan below has made its way into more than one of my sets. It is very chippy and scratched, loads of character. Also makes a great tray for serving fresh shrimp, in...what else?...enamelware cups!

Paula



On Camera with photographer Jennifer Marx: Vintage White Enamelware

Antique Wire Cooling Racks

My prop closet has a special shelf dedicated to a cooling rack collection. Cooling racks, or icing racks as they are sometimes called, work so well in baked goods photos. The wire adds interest without overpowering the recipe, gives a visual lift and lets all the wonderful crumbs or icing drip through. I've used them as trivets, too.

My favorites are the really old, rusty or blackened ones. They can be hard to find, I'm sure many were tossed out by the time they reached this condition. Round,square,rectangular...even oval!


Below is my newest acquisition. It is HUGE at 12" x 22", big enough for a special loaf of bread, or a nice crispy pizza.

I have lots of others that are less aged, for recipes that call for something lighter and less dramatic. You'll find a variety of patterns and spacing in the wires. Happy hunting!
Paula

On Camera with photographer Michael Maes: Vintage Cooling Rack

Small Vintage Drinking Glasses

Proportion is a key consideration when choosing props for a food set. Because serving sizes these days are generally smaller (and we want our food presentation to remain the focal point) most of the plates I use are salad size. In turn, all supporting table top props need to come down in size, too.
I'm always on the look out for small glassware pieces. Vintage juice and shot glasses are very versatile. Tiny glasses can hold hors d'oeuvres picks, too.



I tend toward simpler patters, stars, stripes...polka dots!



Classic juice glasses can double as European wine glasses.



I have a thing for etched glass designs. The detail is just enough to break up a boring solid colored beverage, and they throw interesting light patterns when empty.



This is my favorite etched glass...amazing detail! Looking through it is like peering into a bird cage. I wish I knew the history behind it, if anyone has any thoughts, please share!






On Camera with photographer Stephen Hamilton: Vintage Glassware

Show me your props!!!

Inspiration is probably one of those words that I tend to overuse, but it truly is the moving force behind my life as a prop and photo stylist.
I recently discovered Lucullian Delights. It is a wonderful blog in and of itself, but I was intrigued (and yes, inspired) by Ilva Beretta's series, Food Props on Sunday. I couldn’t resist... so here’s a small taste of what is in my photography prop closet!



I have never met a food photographer who didn't appreciate a well worn cutting board! I try to have a good range of tones, sizes, and degree of distress in my board collection. I don't alter them, the random cuts and dings are as found. All go through a good cleaning and sanitizing, light sanding to remove any surface dust, and then a mineral oil finish. From there on, it's a matter of matching the personality of the board to the food we will photograph.

My props are a series of mini-collections. I’m often attracted by certain colors, like this mix of pink vintage and vintage inspired table and glassware. It is not a color I get to use a lot in advertising photo assignments, too precious for most clients, but occasionally I can slip it into a dessert shoot.





My personal prop collection consists of mainly vintage finds from flea markets and tag sales. The stack of linen towels and napkins above just gets better and better with washing. They have super texture, a touch of bright color, and a soft drape that looks great.
The natural fibers of old homespun linens bring an organic touch to the set. They look wonderful whether they are pressed, creased, or wrinkled.



This group is what I like to call my "ephemera for foodies". My paper collection has varied selection of vintage paper drinking straws, fancy waxed papers, and some special finds like a wonderful set of 1930's paper souffle cups.



I suspect this was a salesman's sample kit, as each tiny cup is marked with a size, and comes with different colored edges. There is a portfolio sample yet to be created with these, I guarantee it!



Paula