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Natural Props

Using props from nature is not only free, it can give you work an "earthy" feel by adding natural texture and color to your images.

Stone makes a lovely background for this jewelry by Tinahdee

When choosing a prop, look for something that complements your item. Neutral colors may work well to highlight a bright item, or try using natural items with a similar shade or hue as your work.

If you have small items, like jewelry, you may be able to use a natural item as a background: a stone, wooden deck, and sand are all examples. A large stone can make a great background for jewelry. Neutral colors and a rough surface can highlight delicate details in your jewelry.

Sprinkled flouwers atop soap by Nidelva

A pale colored item may actually be enhanced by bright colored props. These tiny lavendar flowers sprinkled on the white soap work to give it color and enhance the idea that it's fragrant We can't smell the soap, but we can imagine how good it smells!

Roses complement the colors of the journal by Awakenjournaling

Brightly colored props can overtake an item as well, so be careful. Bright props (such as flowers, peacock feathers) tend to work well when the item itself is not brightly colored, or consists of a complementary color. This lavender journal made the front page; I think it was successful because it combined a colorful prop in a similar shade, and a neutral background (cream).

Peacock feather just barely in the photo frame by AwakenJournaling

Remember, props are there just to enhance your work, not to steal attention from it! For this reason, you may choose to have the prop only show partially in the photo. I had to take a LOT of photos before I got a shot where the peacock feather enhanced but didn't overpower the book.

Wooden wall background by LabelleFairy

If your items are larger, you can still get a nice, natural background. A wooden fence or wall, cabin, stone wall, or wood deck may make a great backdrop.

You could even use a garden or lawn as a backdrop, but be careful-- often brightly colored outdoor scenes distract from the item; Usually grass is too bright to complement things. The corset to the right looks great against a natural wooden wall.

Natural Prop Ideas:

• Seashells make a lovely backdrop by FussJewelry

  Seashells
• Fall leaves
• House plants
• Stones
• Wooden porches or backgrounds
• Driftwood
• Grass
• Feathers
• Rocks

• Figs and cranberries make beautiful props, by ChickenScratch

  Your hands
• Twigs
• Fruit & vegetables
• Flowers - either fresh or dried
• Seed pods
• Dried bones
• Fences or walls

   

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For journals: awakenjournaling@gmail.com
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