The Pros And Cons Related To Movie Prop Money
Adding props to your photographs may make a typical image extraordinary, and it does not necessarily require spending a whole lot of money. There are many alternative ways of making low-cost photography props that can be both fun and functional.
The background is probably the most critical finding prop money in a picture. Just about anything large enough can be used as a background with regards to portrait photography. A large flat sheet, any color, makes a wonderful background. This can be draped over an available wall, large piece of furniture, etc. Should the dyed muslin backgrounds are what you prefer, these may very well be homemade. Plain tan muslin can be purchased by the yard at any fabric store and runs around $1-2 per yard. With a couple of buckets of permanent fabric dye and some creativity, very cool professional looking muslin backgrounds can be made at home.
Everyday household items also make wonderful photography props. Have a big stock cooking pot? Place your baby inside it against a good background with a chefs hat on. You will have a really cute kitchen-themed picture! Photographing a newborn baby? Place the newborn next to a wooden ruler wearing only a diaper. You definitely will have an adorable picture, and that prop only cost $.12!
Maybe you're in to a more classical look. Porcelain white columns are relatively inexpensive and may also be purchased at just about any craft store. Combine this with some white tulle, also affordable and available at any fabric store, and also you have a classic, dreamy look. You may get creative with different colors of tulle or flower petals, too, which can also enhance this look.
Antique stores or flea markets may be a wonderful area to get low-cost photography props. An excellent wooden chair or stool may be utilized for both children and adults as a prop. Do not be afraid to buy a piece that needs just a little love. A little sanding as well as a coat of paint may have anything looking like new. If painting isn't your style, then leave it shabby-chic and match your subjects clothing to the prop.
Costumes could also make fun and affordable props. A pair or rain boots and an umbrella could make an extremely cute child's picture. A pair of reindeer antlers on a dog makes a fun holiday portrait. A fireman's hat, a mans necktie, Moms high heels, all make cute childrens portrait props. And all those things are possibly already sitting around the house.
Making inexpensive photography props is simple, you simply need to look at things creatively, and be willing to do some crafting/altering of your own. Once done, on the flip side, your new inexpensive photography props will look as good, if not better, than the high priced fake ones of the professionals!
Connect your audience with your story or idea. Preaching for Palm Sunday service years ago I asked the congregation to throw their coats into the aisle. It was a simple but bold request to do something much like exactly what the crowd did for Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem on a colt many years ago. They were throwing their tunics down that was probably their only outer wrap that they owned and it was very likely to get dirty, maybe torn, and unfortunately for some, have a some horse manure land on it. It was a way to honor their new king. Asking the congregation to throw their coats within the aisle connecting them with the story and made it personal.
Anchor your message in the minds of your audience. How often times do we forget rather quickly a sermon or speech soon after we heard it? We can often remember ideas once they are related to something we see. When talking about the two holes in our hearts I created a big 3 foot wide brightly painted heart to put on the platform. I asked for some volunteers to place common household objects into each of the two holes that I had cut in to the heart. It created a mental picture that might not soon fade.
Visualize your ideas. When performing weddings I love to make the sermon very personal to the couple and highlight their wonderful traits and uniqueness. For Eric and Kara I used a skill saw and also a violin. Eric was a carpenter and Kara was a musician. They did not know I was going to pull these objects out and talk about how these represent them in multiple ways. I tied them together by pointing out how they both work with wood to make something beautiful and just how Eric and Kara will be operating together to make a beautiful life together. Not just did they really enjoy it when I fired up the skill saw and ran the bow across the strings of the violin, but I created an anchor of a delightful day in their lives.
Engage your audience's imagination. An object can jump start your presentation even before you start speaking. For instance, having an elegante table set for dinner on the platform before you start speaking got my congregation wondering what I was going to be speaking about that day. Curiosity keeps our attention.
Lastly, don't be afraid to look to nature for props which are even better than affordable, FREE! A tree may make a perfect prop for outdoor pictures. A pile of fall leaves, a lot of wildflowers, a couple of pumpkins, the possibilities are endless.
