Props add personality and flair to your senior photos, helping to tell your story and make the shoot more fun and relaxed. Whether it’s a hobby-related item or something meaningful, props enhance the visual appeal of your portraits and are going to make them more personal AND memorable!
This is my absolute FAVORITE prop for senior pictures! If you're of age, the champagne pop is such a great way to have fun during your shoot, (and Martinelli's is the best alternative if you're not yet 21)!
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While this shot might seem difficult to pull off, trust me, it's easier than it looks. If you're on the fence I say pull the trigger and bring the champagne!
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PS - if you're thinking about buying champagne for the shoot, please let me know first so we won't get in trouble for having alcohol on campus.
Flowers are such a beautiful touch to your senior photoshoot! You can get SUPER creative with the bouquets you make and I'd highly recommend getting them to match your outfit in some way.
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Hot tip: buying individual types of flowers and making your own bouquet is usually more cost-effective AND looks 10x better. Trader Joes is my go-to for making bouquets. If you need any tips, lemme know, and I'll hook you up, (trust me, making your own bouquet is wayyyy easier than it looks)!
Your stoles and cords are SUCH a great thing to add with to your outfit. It's simple, elegant, and can help show off all your wonderful achievements! I wouldn't recommend the gown.
If you're going to bring a stole, make sure to take it out of the package before the shoot: it WILL have wrinkles! You can see in the photo on the left that it wasn't steamed beforehand so it left some lines :(
These two are great (and simple) props if you don't want to buy anything "extra" for the shoot. You'll already have these ready to go, so why not bring 'em?
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If you're going to decorate your cap, I'd make sure that it's not going to clash with the outfit you wear to the shoot (and your actual graduation ceremony)!
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Hot tip: If you're worried about losing your diploma, just bring the empty case!
my prohibited items
As an environmentally conscience photographer, I think it's super important to only use props that aren't gonna be disrespectful for the space we're in or to the environment! The items that I won't allow at my shoots are listed below.
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​Smoke bombs: These aren't great to photograph anyways, but the smoke they create just ain't it.
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Sparklers: This is pretty, but I'm just not a big fan of these!
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Balloons: Balloons will stay on the earth for hundreds of years will often end up in the ocean - big no!
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Non-biodegradable glitter: Same as above, it's too long lasting! If you find a biodegradable glitter that's totally fine though!​​
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Some awesome alternatives to some of these could be throwing flower petals or blowing bubbles!