Prop Collecting

I am commonly asked where I find everything that I use in my photos so I thought I’d put together some of my best tips to share with you!

  • VINTAGE FINDS

    • The majority of my collection is from frequenting antique and secondhand shops in my area. I’m so lucky to have many options nearby! But this fun treasure hunt requires regular trips to look for unique finds. Many times I only find one or two things to add to my collection, and I usually go a couple of times a month. Sometimes every week! If I had more time, I’d also go to garage and estate sales - as my favorite antique shops have told me that is where they find most of their items for sale - I’d get even better prices!

  • SPECIFIC ITEMS

    • Sometimes I am looking for a specific item that I cannot find in any of the secondhand shops near me - so I go online to Etsy and Ebay to look! The key here is knowing the key words for the item you are looking for. Start your search and when you see a picture of something similar to what you want, click on it and peek at the key words used to describe it. Then use those key words to expand your search. For example, I really wanted an old ring box that I kept seeing in other pictures online. I started searching for ‘ring box’ then changed my search to ‘leather ring box’ and ‘jewelry presentation box’ based on descriptions I found. I then narrowed it down using the filters of the color I wanted and “used” to eliminate thousands of new boxes when I knew I wanted a vintage one.

  • HOME GOODS & GIFT STORES

    • In my area, I frequent Home Goods, TJ Maxx, Marshall’s, World Market, Sendik’s Gift Shop, and Pier One for pretty goodies that I would never have thought to look for! They always have beautiful things that make perfect props to use for photos and to keep for your home.

Want me to find a prop for you? See below for my prop-finding service - describe what you are looking for and I will source the item or a suitable alternative for you!

Natasha Elizabeth