DIY Photography Props You Can Make at Home
The most charming props don’t always come from expensive styling kits—they often come from your own creativity and what you already have at home. DIY photography props are a fantastic way to personalize your shoots, especially for newborn, food, or lifestyle photography. They allow you to bring a custom, handcrafted touch to your images while keeping costs low and style high.
Whether you’re a hobbyist working on a budget or a professional looking to add unique details to your sets, making your own props can enhance storytelling, fill negative space, and bring character into every frame. These projects don’t require professional crafting skills—just a vision, some basic supplies, and a little imagination.
Here are some of my favorite DIY photography props you can make at home, complete with tips on how to use them effectively in your sessions.
Textured Backdrops for Food and Product Photography
Create your own flat-lay backdrops using foam boards, plywood, or canvas. Coat them with acrylic paint, joint compound, or contact paper to mimic textures like concrete, marble, or rustic wood. These are perfect for food styling or small product photography where the background sets the mood.
Use neutral tones for versatility or go bold for seasonal looks. Keep them lightweight and portable so you can shoot by a window or set up a mini home studio in minutes. Bonus: they’re double-sided, so you can paint one texture on each side for variety without extra storage needs.
Simple Newborn Nesting Props
Newborn photography is all about comfort, softness, and scale. You can make beautiful nesting props at home with woven baskets, faux furs, knitted blankets, or swaddle cloths in gentle, neutral tones. Place a pillow inside for support and drape soft fabric over it for a cozy, photogenic look.
Use scarves, lace remnants, or chunky knit throws to create a boho or rustic aesthetic. Stick to muted tones and organic textures that won’t distract from the baby’s delicate features. Safety first: make sure everything is clean, stable, and used under close supervision.
DIY Cake Smash and Milestone Props
For cake smash sessions or baby milestones, paper garlands, bunting banners, and fabric tassels make wonderful homemade decor. Create them with leftover scrapbooking paper, felt, or fabric strips. String them along a backdrop stand, or tape them to a blank wall to instantly add festivity and color.
Use crates, stools, or wooden boxes for seated poses—just sand down any rough edges and top with a soft throw for comfort. Handmade party hats or crowns made of felt or card stock can add a playful, customized touch that parents love.
Repurposed Home Items as Props
Sometimes the best props are the ones hiding in plain sight. Think antique books, wooden cutting boards, vintage mugs, glass jars, cozy throws, or even houseplants. These everyday items can add warmth and story to lifestyle sessions, flat lays, or detail shots.
Arrange them with intention: place a teacup beside a book stack for a cozy scene, or add layered linens beneath a plated dessert to evoke a homey, editorial feel. Props should support the story, not overpower it—so keep compositions simple and purposeful.
Seasonal and Themed DIY Ideas
For fall: DIY mini pumpkins from fabric scraps, painted leaves, or handmade wreaths using wire and dried florals. For winter: Cut snowflakes from cardstock, use cotton for “snow,” or build rustic setups with pinecones and string lights. For spring: Fresh flowers in mason jars, pastel paper fans, or egg carton crafts. For summer: Popsicles, picnic baskets, or watermelon-themed cutouts—all easy, fun, and photogenic.
These types of props are especially great for themed mini sessions or creating content for seasonal campaigns. They’re quick to make, easy to reuse, and highly customizable based on your client or shoot concept.
Let Creativity Lead the Way
DIY photography props are about more than saving money—they’re about crafting a visual experience that’s uniquely yours. Whether it’s a hand-painted backdrop or a repurposed household item, each element becomes part of your artistic voice. You’re not just styling a photo—you’re building a scene, evoking emotion, and adding personality to your portfolio.
When you embrace handmade styling, you allow your resourcefulness to shine just as much as your lens work. Start simple, stay intentional, and build a collection of go-to props that reflect your brand and inspire your creativity—no fancy studio required.
