I looked online for cheap stuff, but the best ones were more expensive than I wanted to spend. It was hard trying to find props that didn't look tacky, but I made do with a can or two of spray paint on a few things. I also scoped out some sales wherever I could, but for the most part, it was a lot of searching and a lot of improvisation. A lot of the props I wanted were in the US or the UK, and it wasn't easy to get them, so I had to settle for the ones I could get here in Australia.
I thought I'd come up with a list of affordable places in Australia where I found some cute props. Aside from a set of Zoeva rose gold dupe brushes (full review here), I've never bought anything online.
Bed, Bath n' Table
Bed, Bath n' Table is one of the easiest places for me to find props for the blog, and the stock photos on their website are also great for inspiration. Their decor and bathroom goodies are great ideas, was well as their cups and bowls. I usually wait until there's a sale or I just pick up something small and cute. My little owl ring dish is from Bed, Bath n' Table and it only cost me a few dollars. Even some of their dinnerware can be used as a prop, and I'm obsessed with their patterned and textured plates. If I was a millionaire, my kitchen would be stocked with these! They've also got some gorgeous trays that I just drool over every time. They've also got a nice array of artificial flowers that look almost realistic, and I picked up a bunch of white tulips from there at one point.
Spotlight
This place often has some really good pieces to use as a prop, such as vases, candle holders, ornaments, artificial flowers, trays and even fabrics. They always hold sales, and it makes it so easy to find something new. I bought half-a-metre of white teddy bear fabric, a silver candle votive that I spray painted gold, and a flocked bunny. There's been a number of other things that I've wanted to get, but because they're often a little pricey, I usually don't buy anything unless it can perform double duty as decor for the home, storage, etc.
Kmart
This popular department store chain has really blossomed over the past few years, keeping up with the current trends. I love that I can grab a goodie or two pretty cheaply, and it just works perfectly as a prop. In fact, Kmart even stocks marble-printed contact paper, which we all know is one of the best backdrops for blog photography! Geometric shapes, gold finishes, blush tones and even faux fur are all so easy to find at Kmart. I have a furry cushion from Kmart that does double duty as a 'rug' in my photos when I remove the filling. Also, foam core boards are so cheap there compared to Officeworks, and they work amazingly well at bouncing light in photography setups. I've changed the look of some things from there by giving them a coat of spray paint, such as some of the hexagon trays.
Typo
Typo is one of the best places for all kinds of props, although I do think they're a bit overpriced for the quality. I do like visiting the store whenever I can in case I can find some inspiration in their wares. A lot of the time you can find something similar to what Typo stocks but for a fraction of the price (such as LED lights, which only cost me $3 at Kmart). They're always up to date on trends, but I usually have a hard time finding something I love as a lot of things can be quite tacky. I do like some of their stationery, and I often use their daily planners in my photos.
Daiso
This may come as a surprise for some people, but I do like going to Daiso for really cheap props. Some things may appear a little tacky, but they often have some great stuff. Vases, little plates, trays, baskets and organisers are some of the things you can find there. I spray painted a wire basket gold so that it matched the rest of the decorations on my desk, but a lot of other things can also be customised in a similar way. They also have some really cute stationery pieces such as washi tape, pens, stamps and even erasers.
I also pick up the Frankie magazine at the local Coles or Woolworths when the newest issue comes out, the pages within make such great props. The Reject Shop sometimes has cute things such as wire baskets and ornaments. They've also got some nice candles. Clothes and accessory shops like Colette Hayman and Forever New sometimes stock Insta-worthy products like little trinket dishes and gold pineapples. I also love Colette Hayman because the jewellery, sunglasses and other accessories can make great props. Adairs and other homewares stores are also amazing for when you're looking for trays, vases or plates.
Sometimes, if luck is on my side, I find some decent bits at thrift stores/op shops, especially things that I may be able to transform to fit into my theme with a few licks of spray paint. Nonna's garage has also been a great place to find some old bits, and just last time I found an old dish on a short stand, and I plan to spray-paint it a matte blush when I pick the can up at Bunnings. I also found an old, tarnished brass spoon that looks great in recipe photos in Nonna's garage.
I've also salvaged some timber cast-offs from out front of construction sites and made my own photography boards. It just looks so much better if it's the real thing, instead of the wallpaper samples, and it didn't cost a thing aside from a bit of paint that I borrowed from Mum and some screws to put it all together. I have a tutorial on how to make your own boards in case you guys want to make your own.
Where else do you guys find your photography props?
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