Make The Most From This Prop Money Information
Adding props to your photographs might make a typical image extraordinary, and it will not necessarily require spending a great deal of cash. There are many different ways of making cost-effective photography props that are both fun and functional.
The background is probably the most critical prop in a picture. Almost anything big enough can be used as a background when it comes to portrait photography. A big flat sheet, any color, makes a wonderful background. This may be draped over an available wall, large piece of furniture, etc. If the dyed muslin backgrounds are what you prefer, these will be able to be homemade. Plain tan muslin can be purchased through 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 may be made at home.
Everyday household items also make wonderful photography props. Have a big stock cooking pot? Place your child inside it against a great background with a chefs hat on. You certainly will have a very cute kitchen-themed picture! Photographing a newborn baby? Place the infant next to a wooden ruler wearing only a diaper. You will have an adorable picture, and that movie prop money only cost $.12!
Maybe you're in to a more classical look. Porcelain white columns are relatively cost-effective and can also be purchased at just about any craft store. Combine this with some white tulle, also cost-effective and available at any fabric store, and you have a classic, dreamy look. You may get creative with different colors of tulle or flower petals, too, which could also enhance this look.
Antique stores or flea markets may be a wonderful area to get low-cost photography props. The best wooden chair or stool can be used for both children and adults as a prop. Don't be afraid to buy a piece that needs a little love. A little sanding as well as a coat of paint can have almost everything looking like new. If painting is not your style, then leave it shabby-chic and match your subjects clothing to the prop.
Costumes can also make fun and affordable props. A pair or rain boots and an umbrella can make a really 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 affordable photography props is simple, you simply need to look at things creatively, and be ready to do some crafting/altering of your own. Once done, conversely, your new affordable 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 just like just what the crowd did for Jesus as he rode into Jerusalem on a colt several years ago. They were throwing their tunics down which was probably their only outer wrap that they owned and it was more 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 in the aisle connecting them with the story and made it personal.
Anchor your message within the minds of your audience. How often times do we forget in short order a sermon or speech soon after we heard it? We can often remember ideas once they are affiliated with something we see. When speaking 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 into 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 mentioning how they both work with wood to make something beautiful and how Eric and Kara will be working together to make a beautiful life together. Not simply did they really enjoy it when I fired up the skill saw and ran the bow through the strings of the violin, but I created an anchor of a delightful day within their lives.
Engage your audience's imagination. An object can jump start your presentation even before you start speaking. For example, having an elegante table set for dinner on the platform before you decide to 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 bunch of wildflowers, a couple of pumpkins, the possibilities are endless.
