We love tackling the big questions around here so the topic for today is props: should you include them?

Props can:

provide a focal point/perspective
convey important information
contribute to storytelling/add context
provide unique elements/add character
unlock creativity/add drama
provide familiarity for the subject(s)/help the subject(s) to relax

However, props can be seen as cliché. Perhaps even cheap. Sometimes distracting or not cohesive.

Worst case: ruin the resulting photographs.

Our personal recommendation is this:

You do whatever you want to do.

We will work with your priorities.

We will tell your story your way.

(We might also mention that, in most cases, less is more but not at the expense of you not receiving the images you want.)

If you want to include fairy lights, we will recommend the perfect time of day at that time of the year for fairy light bokeh.

If you want some kind of a backdrop but you are feeling a bit lost (too deep into Pinterest) and want to bounce ideas off us, you are always welcome to reach out. Please do not feel shy.

Your first date was a picnic and you would like to recreate that atmosphere? Sounds perfect!

You want some couple sparkler shots? We’re keen to work with you.

Smoke bombs are where it is at for both of you? Sign us up please. We love working with smoke bombs.

You want something fun and playful to do to maximise candid portraiture so you want to incorporate a bubble blower? Fine.

You never quite know what to do with your hands and so you are considering holding a bouquet for the engagement shoot and want to know if it would look weird or not? Feel free to chat with us.

Finally, we are in no position to judge if you arrive at your shoot with props/include props in your wedding as here you will find Exhibits A & B: