Looking, Finding, Seeing

I started this post like many others, gathering my latest prop acquisitions to share with you. As I photographed my last piece, I was inspired to change directions and explain more specifically what I look for when I am out propping.

A good example is this table top I just bought. An enamel table top is something I have wanted to own as a surface for a long time. Either they have been too pricey for my personal collection, or I didn't like the overall look. This week I found the perfect one for me.




These table tops are not extremely rare, but I had certain criteria before I would invest in one.

I am a big fan of heavily distressed pieces, but as most of my projects are food related, have to be careful that surfaces don't look "unsanitary". With my portfolio shots I can push this a little bit further, but for client driven projects it is a concern. So, I didn't want a porcelain top that was overly chippy or rusty. On the other hand, if it is too clean the surface looks no more interesting than white formica. The table I found has one corner that has been chipped. I love seeing the layers down to the bare metal, and the profile shape of the top. The other 3 corners show no heavy damage, so I have the best of both worlds. The surface has some natural scratching from use, but nothing really deep that would make finding a good shooting area too restrictive. The thing that really sold me on this top is the soft grey mottling in the enamel paint. This is not a painted on pattern, but irregularities that have developed over years of use and wear. It creates subtle tones within the surface for close shots, and breaks the light up into interesting patterns. I know that in the hands of one of my professional photographers, this table is going to bring something understated, but special, to the final image.



What I am writing about here is second nature to a seasoned prop stylist and most experienced food and still life photographers. LOOKING for props is the easy part: stylists shop anywhere from flea markets, to discount stores, to high end specialty boutiques and across the internet. It is not so much about where you shop, it is definitely about what you choose. That's where the FINDING part comes in. Develop your style, and you will naturally gravitate towards props that will help reflect this in your shots. Most importantly, SEEING. This by far is where the skill comes in. It is about seeing an object not only for what it is, but for its potential to become on camera.



But that is a whole other post...or maybe several to come.

Paula


On Camerawith photographer Stephen Hamilton: Vision

Paper Lace and Balsa Wood

I frequent estate sales, and find some really interesting things along the way. I don't have to get to a sale too early either, because quite frankly I look for things that no one else would want. Except another crazed prop stylist or food photographer, I suppose.
The things that people collect, or just hold on to, are pretty diverse... like disposable items that have been kept for years, in unused condition. I touched on this in my very first post with some of my paper straw and waxed paper collections, here are some other things I've found:



Paper doilies (or doylies?) must have been a staple for food presentations in the 1940's-50's. I have found them in a range of sizes, some with very intricate lace patterns and embossing. I love how the paper has aged to a soft tone.



These balsa wood "sporks" have a timeless shape, and are just under 5" long. Lots of photo possibilities! Love this stack of wooden berry baskets. The zinc wire edge style is getting more difficult to find, especially in pristine condition. Ready to take on more character when fresh berries bleed color into the wood.



I have had this set of bowls & spoons for a very long time. From what I was told, they were for tasting ice cream, with both the little tin spoons and wood bowls being disposable. How sweet is that? I have seen similar tin spoons on Ebay and in antique stores, but not the bowls. In the below shot, we played upon the organic feel of the container and re-purposed them to hold fresh peas. New life for a prop more than 70 years old!

On Camera with photographer Raymond Barrera for Studioside: Vintage Wood Ice Cream Tasting Dish