Confession of a Prop Junkie

I had an email this morning asking where I bought my props. At first I though, no way I want to sure that information (I spend hours hunting for props)! Then I was flattered, I mean that means they like my taste!

My final realization  was uh oh…I cannot remember where I bought all my props. The simple fact is I have SOOOO many hats, bonnets, headbands, wraps, blankets, etc. I am always buying, sometimes it is just an item here and there…or I get in my head I NEED a certain colour wrap or hat…or I get to a point that I have used everything a few times and want some new fresh options for clients (and myself!).

I can spend hours looking, easily. I have learned to be picky. I do not care where it comes from if it is truly gorgeous! I have bought a few items and tried them in sessions to only see that just don’t suit certain babies…and then a baby come along that you would swear a certain hat or headband was MADE for!

Keeping props in stock also is a fine balance between buying what I love and what I know will compliment a sweet little baby but not over power. It is also finding items that I know Mom’s will love…my favourite moment  is asking to use a certain piece, knowing it isn’t the parents favourite but every time parents view their gallery they realize how gorgeous it really was and that is the image they end up purchasing!

When someone asks where I bought a certain item…there is a good chance I cannot remember… I order, I adore it and promptly take it to the studio and can never keep it straight from which vendor it came from. I have a little list of vendors I regularly purchase form and for now that list is my little secret. It is hours spent looking and comparing, checking out reviews from clients, shipping times, shipping fees…

My advice, hit up Etsy! I can easily spend hours hunting for the perfect prop. I am especially addicted to finding one of a kind items that I know no one else will have on hand. To be completely honest I get a little excited when I get packages in the mail with stamps from South Africa, Poland, Romania, England, Greece, etc….

I have also learned that finding beautiful props is NOT cheap…bonnets can easily be priced around $40-50, blankets $50, knit hats $30-45, headbands $20. I cannot complain because you pay for quality and I have yet to be disappointed!