30 Product Photography Props Ideas You Can DIY from Home

Author

Lola Lin

June 4, 2024

15 min read

Do you want to stop your potential customers' scrolling? The good news is that you can create stunning product images using everyday objects found in your home to do that. In this article, we'll explore 30 innovative and unconventional product photography prop ideas that you can DIY from the comfort of your own home. We'll also show you how to achieve these looks with and without AI, using Assembo.ai as our AI tool of choice.

1. Mirror Magic

product elegantly reflected in a mirror, creating depth and interest

Mirrors are a versatile prop that can add depth, reflection, and a touch of elegance to your product photos. Position your product on or in front of a mirror to create a unique and eye-catching composition.

Create Mirror Magic with AI:

Create Mirror Magic with No AI:

  • Choose a mirror with an interesting frame or shape that complements your product
  • Experiment with different angles and distances to create the desired reflection effect

2. Creative Shadow Play

product with artistic shadows cast by objects, creating a mysterious atmosphere

Shadows can add a mysterious and artistic element to your product photos. Use everyday objects like leaves, flowers, or cutout shapes to cast intriguing shadows on your product or background.

Create Creative Shadow Play with AI:

Create Creative Shadow Play without AI:

  • Choose objects with interesting shapes or patterns to cast shadows
  • Use a single light source to create strong, defined shadows
  • Experiment with the angle and distance of the light source to control the shadow's size and intensity

3. Frosted Glass Effect

product on a soft, dreamy frosted glass background, creating an ethereal atmosphere

Frosted glass can add a soft, dreamy, and ethereal look to your product photos. Use a piece of frosted glass or create the effect using a translucent plastic sheet to diffuse the light and create a hazy background.

Create Frosted Glass Effect with AI:

Create Frosted Glass Effect without AI:

  • Use a piece of frosted glass or a translucent plastic sheet as your backdrop
  • Experiment with different lighting setups to create the desired hazy effect
  • Use a shallow depth of field to further enhance the dreamy look

4. String Theory

product with string or yarn creating interesting patterns and texture

Incorporate string, yarn, or twine into your product photos to add texture, dimension, and a playful element. Use the string to create interesting patterns, shapes, or even suspend your product for a unique composition.

Create String Theory with AI:

Create String Theory without AI:

  • Choose string, yarn, or twine in colors that complement your product
  • Experiment with different patterns, knots, and weaving techniques
  • Use the string to suspend or wrap around your product for added visual interest

5. Ice, Ice, Baby

product on a bed of ice, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere

Using ice as a prop can add a cool, refreshing, and unique touch to your product photos. Freeze water in interesting shapes using silicone molds or create a bed of ice to showcase your product.

Create Ice, Ice, Baby with AI:

Create Ice, Ice, Baby without AI:

  • Freeze water in silicone molds or ice cube trays to create interesting shapes
  • Use a clear container filled with ice to create a bed for your product
  • Experiment with lighting to highlight the texture and translucence of the ice

6. Sporty Chic

product showcased with sports equipment, creating a sporty and energetic vibe

Incorporate sports equipment like a tennis racket, basketball, or soccer ball to add a sporty and energetic vibe to your product photos. This works particularly well for fitness or athleisure products.

Create Sporty Chic with AI:

Create Sporty Chic without AI:

  • Choose sports equipment that complements your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the equipment to create an interesting composition or pattern
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and shape of the sports equipment

7. Cardboard Creativity

product with a creative cardboard backdrop or prop, adding texture and interest

Cardboard is a versatile and inexpensive material that can be used to create interesting backdrops, props, or even 3D shapes for your product photos. Paint, cut, or fold the cardboard to achieve your desired look.

Create Cardboard Creativity with AI:

Create Cardboard Creativity without AI:

  • Use cardboard boxes, sheets, or rolls to create your backdrop or props
  • Paint, cut, or fold the cardboard to create interesting shapes or patterns
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and dimensions of the cardboard

8. Water Works

product with water droplets or splashes, creating a fresh and dynamic look

Incorporating water into your product photos can add a fresh, dynamic, and tranquil element. Use a clear container filled with water, or capture droplets and splashes to create an eye-catching composition.

Create Water Works with AI:

Create Water Works without AI:

  • Use a clear container filled with water to submerge or float your product
  • Use a spray bottle or dropper to create water droplets or splashes
  • Experiment with lighting to highlight the texture and movement of the water

9. Bathroom Beauty

product showcased with bathroom objects like towels, sponges, loofah, creating a spa-like atmosphere

Bathroom objects like towels, sponges, or a loofah can add a spa-like and relaxing vibe to your product photos, especially for beauty or self-care products.

Create Bathroom Beauty with AI:

Create Bathroom Beauty without AI:

  • Choose bathroom objects that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the objects to create a cohesive and inviting composition
  • Use soft, diffused lighting to enhance the relaxing spa-like vibe

10. Plastic Bag Magic

product with a backdrop of crinkled or folded plastic bags, creating an interesting texture

Plastic bags can be used to create interesting textures, patterns, or even a frosted glass effect in your product photos. Crinkle, fold, or layer the plastic bags to achieve your desired look.

Create Plastic Bag Magic with AI:

Create Plastic Bag Magic without AI:

  • Use clear or colored plastic bags as your backdrop or prop
  • Crinkle, fold, or layer the plastic bags to create your desired texture or pattern
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and transparency of the plastic bags

11. Fruity Fun

product showcased with various types of fruit, adding a fresh and colorful touch

Fruits can add a fresh, colorful, and playful touch to your product photos. Use whole or sliced fruits to create interesting patterns, shapes, or backgrounds for your product.

Create Fruity Fun with AI:

Create Fruity Fun without AI:

  • Choose fruits that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Slice, arrange, or style the fruits to create an interesting composition
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and colors of the fruits

12. Plant Power

product showcased with various types of plants or greenery, creating a natural and refreshing atmosphere

Incorporating plants or greenery into your product photos can add a natural, refreshing, and organic feel. Use whole plants, leaves, or flowers to create a backdrop or prop for your product.

Create Plant Power with AI:

Create Plant Power without AI:

  • Choose plants or greenery that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the plants or leaves to create an interesting composition or pattern
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and colors of the plants

13. Shadow Play with Plants

product with artistic shadows cast by plants, creating a natural and mysterious atmosphere

Use plants or leaves to cast interesting shadows on your product or background. This can add a natural, artistic, and mysterious element to your product photos.

Create Shadow Play with Plants with AI:

Create Shadow Play with Plants without AI:

  • Choose plants or leaves with interesting shapes or patterns to cast shadows
  • Use a single light source to create strong, defined shadows
  • Experiment with the angle and distance of the light source to control the shadow's size and intensity

14. Utensil Utility

product showcased with kitchen utensils, adding a whimsical and unexpected touch

Kitchen utensils like forks, spoons, or spatulas can add a whimsical and unexpected element to your product photos. Use the utensils to create interesting patterns, shapes, or even as a stand for your product.

Create Utensil Utility with AI:

Create Utensil Utility without AI:

  • Choose utensils that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the utensils to create an interesting composition or pattern
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and shape of the utensils

15. Bookish Charm

product showcased with books, creating a scholarly and sophisticated atmosphere

Books can add a scholarly, sophisticated, and timeless feel to your product photos. Use books as a backdrop, prop, or even a stand for your product.

Create Bookish Charm with AI:

Create Bookish Charm without AI:

  • Choose books that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the books to create an interesting composition or stack
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and colors of the book covers

16. Clothing as Canvas

product showcased on clothing items, adding a cozy and personal touch

Use clothing items like sweaters, scarves, or even socks as a backdrop or prop for your product photos. The texture and pattern of the clothing can add a cozy and personal touch.

Create Clothing as Canvas with AI:

Create Clothing as Canvas without AI:

  • Choose clothing items that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the clothing to create an interesting backdrop or prop
  • Use soft, diffused lighting to enhance the cozy and inviting feel

17. Fabric Flair

product showcased on various types of fabric, adding texture and a luxurious feel

Incorporate different fabrics like linen, velvet, or lace into your product photos to add texture, depth, and a luxurious feel. Use the fabric as a backdrop or prop for your product.

Create Fabric Flair with AI:

Create Fabric Flair without AI:

  • Choose fabrics that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the fabric to create an interesting backdrop or prop
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and color of the fabric

18. Oily Goodness

product showcased with oil, creating a glossy and luxurious look

Using oil in your product photos can add a glossy, luxurious, and artistic element. Pour oil into a shallow dish and place your product on top, or use oil droplets to create an interesting pattern or texture.

Create Oily Goodness with AI:

Create Oily Goodness without AI:

  • Pour a shallow layer of oil into a dish or container
  • Place your product on top of the oil or use a dropper to create oil droplets
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and reflection of the oil

19. Glassware Galore

product showcased with various types of glassware, creating a clean and elegant look

Glasses, cups, or bottles can add a clean, minimalist, and elegant touch to your product photos. Use the glassware as a backdrop or prop for your product, or even fill it with a complementary liquid.

Create Glassware Galore with AI:

Create Glassware Galore without AI:

  • Choose glassware that complements your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the glassware to create an interesting composition or pattern
  • Use lighting to highlight the transparency and shape of the glassware

20. Veggie Delight

product showcased with various types of vegetables, adding a fresh and colorful touch

Vegetables can add a fresh, healthy, and colorful touch to your product photos. Use whole or sliced vegetables to create interesting patterns, shapes, or backgrounds for your product.

Create Veggie Delight with AI:

Create Veggie Delight without AI:

  • Choose vegetables that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Slice, arrange, or style the vegetables to create an interesting composition
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and colors of the vegetables

21. Hanging Around

product showcased with clothes hangers, creating an interesting and minimalist look

Clothes hangers can be used to create interesting shapes, patterns, or even a minimalist backdrop for your product photos. Hang your product from the hanger or use multiple hangers to create a unique composition.

Create Hanging Around with AI:

Create Hanging Around without AI:

  • Choose hangers that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the hangers to create an interesting composition or pattern
  • Use lighting to highlight the shape and shadow of the hangers

22. Ribbon Romance

product showcased with ribbons, creating a romantic and elegant look

Ribbons can add a romantic, festive, and elegant touch to your product photos. Use ribbons as a backdrop, prop, or even tie them around your product for a decorative element.

Create Ribbon Romance with AI:

Create Ribbon Romance without AI:

  • Choose ribbons that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the ribbons to create an interesting backdrop or prop
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and color of the ribbons

23. Paper Play

product showcased with folded, cut, or crinkled paper, adding texture and interest

Paper can be used to create interesting textures, patterns, or even 3D shapes for your product photos. Fold, cut, or crinkle the paper to achieve your desired look.

Create Paper Play with AI:

Create Paper Play without AI:

  • Choose paper that complements your product or brand aesthetic
  • Fold, cut, or crinkle the paper to create interesting shapes or patterns
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and dimensions of the paper

24. Soap Bubble Bliss

product showcased with soap bubbles, creating a playful and whimsical atmosphere

Soap foam or bubbles can add a playful, whimsical, and clean feel to your product photos. Use a bubble bath or soap foam as a backdrop or prop for your product.

Create Soap Bubble Bliss with AI:

Create Soap Bubble Bliss without AI:

  • Create soap foam or bubbles using a bubble bath or soap and water
  • Arrange the foam or bubbles to create an interesting backdrop or prop
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and airiness of the bubbles

25. Handy Dandy

hands holding or interacting with the product, showcasing its use and adding a human touch

Use hands to hold, display, or interact with your product in creative ways. This can add a human touch and help viewers visualize how the product is used.

Create Handy Dandy with AI:

Create Handy Dandy without AI:

  • Choose hand models or use your own hands to hold or interact with the product
  • Experiment with different hand positions and gestures to create an interesting composition
  • Use lighting to highlight the product and the hand's interaction with it

26. Gesture Expressions

hand gestures expressing emotion while holding or interacting with the product

Incorporate different hand gestures into your product photos to add emotion, expression, and create a story around your product.

Create Gesture Expressions with AI:

Create Gesture Expressions without AI:

  • Choose hand models or use your own hands to create expressive gestures
  • Experiment with different emotions and gestures that complement your product or brand message
  • Use lighting to highlight the product and the hand gestures

27. Smeared and Smudged

product showcased with artistic smears or smudges of material, adding a creative touch

Use smears, smudges, or drips of paint, makeup, or other materials to add an artistic and creative element to your product photos. This works particularly well for beauty or art-related products.

Create Smeared and Smudged with AI:

Create Smeared and Smudged without AI:

  • Choose materials that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Create smears, smudges, or drips using brushes, sponges, or other tools
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and color of the smears or smudges

28. Flower Power

product showcased with various types of flowers, adding a romantic and natural touch

Flowers can add a romantic, fresh, and natural touch to your product photos. Use whole flowers, petals, or even dried flowers as a backdrop or prop for your product.

Create Flower Power with AI:

Create Flower Power without AI:

  • Choose flowers that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the flowers to create an interesting backdrop or prop
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and colors of the flowers

29. Stone Cold Stunner

product showcased with stones or rocks, creating a natural and organic look

Stones or rocks can add a natural, rugged, and organic feel to your product photos. Use stones as a backdrop or prop for your product, or even create interesting patterns or textures.

Create Stone Cold Stunner with AI:

Create Stone Cold Stunner without AI:

  • Choose stones or rocks that complement your product or brand aesthetic
  • Arrange the stones to create an interesting backdrop, prop, or pattern
  • Use lighting to highlight the texture and colors of the stones

30. Mix and Match

product showcased with a creative mix of props, telling a unique story

Don't be afraid to mix and match different props, textures, and colors to create a unique and eye-catching product photo. Combine elements like plants, books, and stones to tell a story and showcase your product in a creative way.

Create Mix and Match with AI:

Create Mix and Match without AI:

  • Choose props that complement your product or brand aesthetic and tell a cohesive story
  • Arrange the props to create an interesting and balanced composition
  • Use lighting to highlight the different textures and colors of the props and product

Conclusion

Product photography doesn't have to be expensive or complicated. With a little creativity and some everyday household items, you can create stunning and memorable product photos that showcase your brand's personality and story. Whether you choose to use AI tools like Assembo.ai or stick with traditional photography methods, the possibilities are endless!