Behind the Scenes: How We Design and Build Photography Props for Commercial Shoots
Every photography prop starts long before it appears in a studio or campaign shoot.
Behind each finished piece is a process of design thinking, material exploration and fabrication that ensures the final prop not only looks visually striking but also performs effectively in real-world photography environments.
At Artis Props, we specialise in creating photography props for product photography, beauty campaigns, advertising shoots and commercial content creation. Our process is built around one goal: designing props that help brands create better images.
It Starts With Understanding the Shoot
Before anything is built, we focus on understanding how the photography prop will actually be used.
We consider:
What is being photographed?
What type of shoot is it (product, beauty, fashion, food)?
What mood or aesthetic is required?
Where will the images be used (social, advertising, e-commerce)?
How flexible does the prop need to be?
This stage is essential because photography props are not just objects—they are tools for visual communication.
Concept Development and Visual Direction
Once the brief is understood, we begin developing concepts.
This often includes:
Sketches and shape exploration
Colour direction
Material suggestions
Scale and proportion studies
Composition ideas for photography use
The focus at this stage is always on how the prop will behave inside a photograph, not just how it looks in isolation.
We think about framing, shadows, layering and how the object will interact with light.
Designing for Photography, Not Just Aesthetics
One of the key differences between general design and photography prop design is intent.
Every decision is made with the camera in mind.
This includes:
How light will hit the surface
How shadows will fall across the form
Whether the prop creates depth in a composition
How it frames or supports a product
Whether it works across multiple angles
A photography prop must look good from multiple viewpoints, not just one.
Material Selection Matters
Materials play a huge role in how a photography prop performs on set.
We choose materials based on:
Reflectivity
Texture
Weight
Durability
Colour consistency under studio lighting
For example:
Matte finishes are often used to reduce unwanted reflections
Gloss surfaces are used when reflection is part of the design
Lightweight materials are preferred for modular or stackable props
Durable finishes are essential for repeated commercial use
The goal is always to balance visual impact with practical usability.
Fabrication and Construction
Once the design is finalised, the fabrication process begins.
This may include:
CNC cutting
Hand assembly
Sculpting and shaping
Surface finishing
Painting and colour matching
Sealing and protection for repeated use
Each photography prop is carefully constructed to ensure it is both visually precise and durable enough for commercial shoots.
Colour Matching for Brand Consistency
Colour is one of the most important aspects of photography prop design.
Many projects require precise colour matching to align with a brand’s identity.
We often work with:
Pantone references
Brand guidelines
Campaign-specific palettes
This ensures that the final prop integrates seamlessly into a wider visual system.
Testing in Real Photography Conditions
Before a photography prop is finalised, it is often tested in real lighting environments.
This helps us evaluate:
How it behaves under studio lighting
Whether it creates unwanted reflections or shadows
How it interacts with different backgrounds
Whether it supports or distracts from the product
This step ensures the prop performs exactly as intended once it reaches a shoot.
Ready-Made vs Custom Photography Props
You can find a great selection of ready made props here
While we create bespoke props for specific campaigns, many of our designs also become part of our ready-made collection.
Ready-made photography props offer:
Immediate availability
Proven performance in shoots
Flexible styling options
Reusability across campaigns
This makes them ideal for photographers, brands and studios who need reliable creative tools without long production timelines.
View our Bespoke props Portfolio here
How Our Props Are Used in Commercial Photography
Our photography props are used across a wide range of industries, including:
Beauty and skincare campaigns
Product photography for e-commerce
Fashion editorial shoots
Food and beverage styling
Advertising campaigns
Social media content creation
Each prop is designed to adapt across different creative environments while maintaining a strong visual identity.
See Our range of Different Collections
Beauty and Skincare Photography Props
Food And Beverage Photography Props
Why Process Matters in Photography Props
The quality of a photography prop is not just about how it looks—it is about how it performs.
A well-designed prop should:
Enhance composition
Support storytelling
Work consistently under studio lighting
Be versatile across multiple shoots
Elevate the final image
This is why our process is so focused on photography from the very beginning.
Final Thoughts
Photography props may appear simple once they are in the studio, but behind every piece is a detailed process of design, testing and refinement.
From concept development and material selection to fabrication and real-world testing, every stage is focused on creating props that help brands produce stronger, more impactful imagery.
Whether used in product photography, beauty campaigns or commercial advertising, the right photography props can transform not just a shoot—but the final result.
At Artis Props, we design every piece with one goal in mind: helping creative teams make better images.
