30 Product Photography Props Ideas You Can DIY from Home
Lola Lin
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June 4, 2024
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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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a compelling image of a product reflected in a mirror and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product elegantly reflected in a mirror, creating depth and interest"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a striking image of a product with creative shadows and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product with artistic shadows cast by objects, creating a mysterious atmosphere"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a beautiful image of a product on a frosted glass background and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product on a soft, dreamy frosted glass background, creating an ethereal atmosphere"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a striking image of a product with string or yarn and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product with string or yarn creating interesting patterns and texture"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a chilling image of a product on or surrounded by ice and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product on a bed of ice, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a dynamic image of a product with sports equipment and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with sports equipment, creating a sporty and energetic vibe"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a creative image of a product with cardboard and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product with a creative cardboard backdrop or prop, adding texture and interest"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a vibrant image of a product with water effects and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product with water droplets or splashes, creating a fresh and dynamic look"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a serene image of a product with bathroom objects and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with bathroom objects like towels, sponges, loofah, creating a spa-like atmosphere"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a dynamic image of a product with plastic bag textures and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product with a backdrop of crinkled or folded plastic bags, creating an interesting texture"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a vibrant image of a product with fruits and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with various types of fruit, adding a fresh and colorful touch"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a lush image of a product with plants or greenery and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with various types of plants or greenery, creating a natural and refreshing atmosphere"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a dramatic image of a product with plant shadows and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product with artistic shadows cast by plants, creating a natural and mysterious atmosphere"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a unique image of a product with kitchen utensils and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with kitchen utensils, adding a whimsical and unexpected touch"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a elegant image of a product with books and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with books, creating a scholarly and sophisticated atmosphere"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a comfortable image of a product with clothing items and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased on clothing items, adding a cozy and personal touch"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a luxurious image of a product with fabric and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased on various types of fabric, adding texture and a luxurious feel"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a glossy image of a product with oil and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with oil, creating a glossy and luxurious look"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a elegant image of a product with glassware and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with various types of glassware, creating a clean and elegant look"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a colorful image of a product with vegetables and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with various types of vegetables, adding a fresh and colorful touch"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a minimalist image of a product with clothes hangers and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with clothes hangers, creating an interesting and minimalist look"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a elegant image of a product with ribbons and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with ribbons, creating a romantic and elegant look"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a creative image of a product with paper and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with folded, cut, or crinkled paper, adding texture and interest"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a whimsical image of a product with soap bubbles and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with soap bubbles, creating a playful and whimsical atmosphere"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a engaging image of hands holding or interacting with a product and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "hands holding or interacting with the product, showcasing its use and adding a human touch"
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
Incorporate different hand gestures into your product photos to add emotion, expression, and create a story around your product.
Create Gesture Expressions with AI:
- Image Prompt: Find a expressive image of hand gestures with a product and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "hand gestures expressing emotion while holding or interacting with the product"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a artistic image of a product with smears or smudges and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with artistic smears or smudges of material, adding a creative touch"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a romantic image of a product with flowers and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with various types of flowers, adding a romantic and natural touch"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a rugged image of a product with stones or rocks and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with stones or rocks, creating a natural and organic look"
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
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:
- Image Prompt: Find a creative image of a product with a mix of props and use it as a style reference
- Text Prompt: "product showcased with geometry and plants on top of linen fabric"
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!