These types of accessories are logical extensions of the products being shown. It is a good idea to accessorize from within your own product lines if possible, so that the accessories can be listed for sale. Props and accessories can serve another purpose on the page of a catalog. Their inclusion can soften the presentation, and may add the perception of “humanizing” the book. Making the products easily relatable to the consumer’s lifestyle is a desired marketing technique attainable in photography. For instance, a desk shot is warmer and more believable if it is propped with a picture frame showing a photograph of children. Nearly everyone has a picture
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or some other personal item on their desk. The same thing is true of items like pens, pencils, a desk clock, a note pad with an appointment written on it. Personalizing a shot helps the consumer to accept the photograph and to place it within their own frame of reference. Sometimes people (and animals!) make the best props as they relate to the products. Children shown throughout a toy book add a touch of humanity and constantly remind the reader of children in their lives. Small animals like puppies and kittens are amusing and can help scale merchandise for understanding of size. Jewelry is usually best shown on beautiful skin.
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A pool float looks better when shown with an attractive model either on it or beside it (in a pool, of course.) The selection of props and accessories is as important as the choice of appropriate models. They should be chosen tastefully and with care. Real fresh flowers or vegetables may be a better investment for your prop budget because of the “dewy” look that can be accomplished with their use. Silk flowers can be very elegant, and may be used many times, but they generally do come off as silk in the shots. It is expensive to photograph real caviar as opposed to tiny silver balls, but good quality photography will reveal the difference.
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