1) The prop has to have something special about it in terms of color,texture,shape,size etc, OR be classic and timeless
2) Has to be VERY reasonably priced, less than I can rent it for from a prop house.
OR it has to be something I have not seen before, a true antique, or a prop I absolutely know I can use on an assignment, to justify paying a higher price.
3) Has to have some versatility so I can re-use it in a different way.
Here's one piece I found that is a good example of sticking to my rules, this enameled cake plate.
I was drawn to the summery blue border contrasting the white finish, the handles, and the chippy spots. It was quite a dusty mess when I dug it out of a pile of old pots and pans at the flea market, but it cleaned up well. I was so happy to see that the center (where food would rest) was clean and bright. As much as I like rust and distress, I'm not always comfortable with it being right under the food.
Because the piece is so flat, it offers lots of possibilities. Here are some quick thoughts I have for using it:
a charger plate for a casual meal...
as a cutting board surface ...
or a serving tray...
maybe layered with a cooling rack for pastries
or just keep it simple.
I paid just a few dollars for the plate, slightly over a hundred for my portion of gas, lodging, & meals to find it.
Rule #4 just added: keep the hunt closer to home!
Happy 4th!
Paula
Posts
Great tips and thanks for the example photos. Very helpful!
ReplyDeleteLove all the ways you found to use the cake plate. I need your rules for when I get in a frenzy too.
ReplyDeleteBut hopefully, it was a nice road trip, wasn't it? Also, look how many applications you've found for it... truly ingenious. My other thought is, if it weren't for all these earlier, "lawless" and "rule-less" shopping trips of yours, we wouldn't be indulging in your tremendous prop stash the way we can now. Yours remains the ultimate inspiration to me. Thanks, Paula.
ReplyDeleteA prop trip like that has to be considered as coming out of the "entertainment budget". It sounds like fun get-away. :)
ReplyDeleteYou are as usual a great inspiration Paula, i have so much to learn from you. Thank you for giving us examples of 1 piece-many uses. Soon I'm off to Florence, first accountant and then.... prop shopping! will try to think the Paula way but i have my doubts....
ReplyDeleteThese are such great tips - it's so easy for me to get carried away during prop hunting and spend money one something that really won't be worth it to me...
ReplyDeleteThat blue plate looks awesome too!
great post. I love it
ReplyDeleteYou are all so right, the road trip was as much for fun as it was for prop hunting! Our next adventure will be a live auction.
ReplyDeleteIt is hard to be strong when prop shopping, so many choices, and so many images to create....
Versatility is key for me when I consider buying props. I need to be able to get a lot of use out of the props. The problem I struggle with is that a really unique and unusual piece might make a great prop but I'm hesitant to purchase it sometimes b/c I'm afraid it will be too recognizable and I will not be able to use it again. I like the way you've shown how to use a tray like that in multiple ways, it works in each set up and takes on a different personality.
ReplyDeleteSylvie, I am of the same mind as you when I come across very unique pieces. If I am on assignment and have a prop budget it is not a concern, but buying for myself is a different story. I, too, am sensitive to using the same prop too many times. Highly unusual props can be somewhat limiting, you get more mileage out of something that is unique in more subtle ways: aging, texture, or the way you can implement into a set in a new and different way. Thanks for your great comment!
ReplyDeleteI have collected props and fabric since I started to follow your blog.I am more mindful about what I am buying (since this is the hobby budget!) and have a better eye now at yard sales! Thanks for all the tips...
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy to have found your blog! As an aspiring food photographer who is purely hobbying at the moment, it's been difficult to restrain myself at stores when all I want to do is buy a prop for my next shoot. I'll keep your tips in mind! Thanks for the great blog; I'm soaking up a lot of info from not only your posts but the comments section as well.
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