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You’ve heard of a capsule wardrobe, but have you heard of a prop capsule? When it comes to running a blog with 3-5 days of original content a week, the purchases can stack up. Today on the blog, I wanted to share with you a bit of the behind the scenes, tips and tricks, that have saved us hundreds of dollars over the years, reduced waste, and offered seasonal variety in our content while purchasing less.
At the beginning of the year, we wrote this post talking about minimalism and blogging. For us, we took this even a step further. As we were spring cleaning tidying up, we reduced our blog capsule to the bare minimum. What’s left? The essentials we use over and over again both in our home AND for shooting.
Keep reading for the full capsule after the jump!
Inside Our Blogging Prop Capsule
For photo backgrounds (we’ve lived in rentals and don’t work from a studio so this is vital when starting out): we have two vinyls that are wipeable for food and easily roll up for storage. For fill and absorb cards, we simply use white and black foam core (purchased from the Dollar Tree for 33 cents each). These can also double as backdrops for us, depending on the size of the subject matter and depth of field.
Ramekin bowls, plates, in both white and ceramic feel
Thinking through triangular principles, these are great to hold blooms, spices, loose leaf teas, or simply office supplies. Depending on the look and feel of the shoot I’ll use either the glazed white ceramic ramekins or clear glass bowls (also purchased from the dollar store)
Wooden boards
Found throughout our kitchen, I can’t get enough of a good wooden serving board. (It’s a styling trick in our home, but we love to use them.) Whether it’s to function as a cutting board within a shot or simply for a different texture when serving, there’s nothing better. We have them in all shapes and sizes. (They always get used when having dinner parties on repeat.)
Candleholders and brass candle sticks
This was one of my first thrifted finds and collections to the blog capsule. Over the years, I’ve added to this collection for events. With a simple white taper, it’s the perfect way to celebrate the holiday season. Done in multiples, it’s a simple and stunning centerpiece for gatherings once the table is set. Not to mention setting all the cozy vibes, for the winter months indoors.
I’m a huge fan of following food bloggers and photographers that are crushing it day in and day out. If you haven’t given Eva Flores of Adventures in Cooking a follow you’ll want to. Upon asking her about one of her images, she recommended to me these stunning hand dyed cheese cloths from Nade Studio. I’ve only purchased one, but can’t wait to add a few more to my collection.
Vintage copper pieces
From the sweetest mini colanders to creamers, when I first started the blog I would set a budget and head to thrift stores. At the time, it was a fun challenge to build out my props collection with items of a bit of soul and it kept me on budget. Holiday weekends where things were even more severely discounted? You bet I was there. These pieces with their petina and age add one-of-a-kind element to our photos. Maybe copper isn’t your thing? Start collecting something you love that is vintage and has some soul.
Linen napkins in a variety of neutrals
Don’t get me wrong- I love a good colored napkin for special occasions and gatherings. However, I use my dyed linen napkins in neutral shades over and over again.
Large and small mouth clear glass vases
Perfect for styling and gatherings, I have a stunning collection of vases with clean lines in a variety of shapes, colors, and finishes. Currently, I’m loving ones that are minimal in shape and large in scale. Mirroring a large jug vase, it offers the scale needed for visual impact and larger arrangements.
Looking for more food styling tips? Grab our guide here.
Looking for gear essentials? Check out this post.