Check out our blog!
MENU

How I Choose Props for Children's Photography Sessions

Monday, June 23, 2025 | By: Mars, Cranberry Township, and Butler County Photographer

How and Why I Select Props for Children’s Portrait Photography
Over the years, I’ve learned that the right props can make all the difference in creating beautiful, timeless portraits of children. Props are never just decorations in my sessions—they’re story starters.

Recently, I came across a thoughtful list of prop guidelines shared by Iwona Podlasińska, a gifted children’s photographer from Poland whose workshops I’ve attended several times. Her insights resonated with me and inspired me to reflect on my own approach. While my style has developed over time, I’ve always believed that some of the best ideas come from learning from others—and then adapting what inspires you to fit your own vision.

The following tips are shaped by years of hands-on experience, a deep love of storytelling, and the influence of artists like Iwona—blended into a process that reflects the heart of my work.

1.  Less is More

When it comes to props, less is definitely more. Too many props can shift the focus away from the children and onto the items themselves—making the image feel more about the setup than the child. I carefully select just a few meaningful items that enhance the story without overwhelming the scene, ensuring the children remain the true stars of the final image.

✨ For instance, a simple umbrella held by a little girl standing near a creek adds charm and interest without distracting from her natural expressions or the peaceful surroundings.

 

a simple umbrella held by a little girl standing near a creek adds charm and interest without distracting from her beautiful little face.

2. Choose Props That Feel and look Real

I believe props should look and feel as close to the real thing as possible—something a child can truly imagine playing with. Investing in high-quality, realistic props makes a huge difference in the final look and timeless feel of the photos. For example in this picture of a little boy flying a plane, the aviator hat was genuine leather with matching glasses, and the blue airplane was a detailed, high-quality model. If I used cheap, plastic toys or costume hats, the images wouldn’t have the same magic or authenticity. He was given one instruction: “Fly your plane toward me.” The realism of the props helped him slip right into character, and the magic unfolded naturally.

✨ These thoughtful choices help spark genuine interaction and create portraits that stand the test of time.

 

 

a little 4 year old boy walking along a row of trees. He is wearing a brown leather aviator hat and glasses while flying a blue airplane during a photo session with Cranberry Township Photographer.

3. Choose Colors That Complement the Scene

When selecting props, I always consider how the colors will photograph. I love including small, vintage-inspired items that children can carry or interact with. I lean toward earthy tones, soft neutrals, and vintage hues that blend naturally into the surroundings without overpowering the child or the scene.

✨ For example, a little boy wearing brown knickers—an outfit his mother had specially chosen for the session—walked along a dirt lane carrying a vintage brown suitcase and a small teddy bear.

a little boy in brown knickers is walking along a dirt lane, carrying a vintage suitcase and a small brown teddy bear.

4. Select the Right Prop for the Right Story


Choosing the right prop starts with thinking about the children themselves. What would two energetic brothers do on a sunny day outside? Would they quietly search for butterflies—or turn that butterfly net into a game of touch tag? In this session, I handed them a single net and gave a simple prompt: “Run across the field and try to tag your brother with it.” Just like that, the scene came alive. The net was no longer a photo prop—it became part of the fun. When the prop fits the children’s personalities and play style, it brings out their natural energy and turns the moment into a story worth capturing.

two brothers at a photo session with Cranberry Township photographer, running through a field playing touch tag with a butterfly net.

5. The Perfect Prop Keeps Little Hands Busy


A simple teddy bear can be the perfect prop, especially for toddlers. It gives children something familiar and comforting to hold, which helps keep their hands busy and their attention engaged. This little bear also adds a nostalgic look to the final image, like in a session where a little girl wore a blue dress and held her teddy bear while standing by a creek. The bear helped her feel connected to the moment while still exposing the beauty of her surroundings.

A little girl with blond hair wearing a blue dress stands beside a creek hiding onto a well loved teddy bear.

6. Props as Part of the Scene

Sometimes, props become more than just accessories—they become part of the scene itself, creating a world for children to step into.

Take, for example, a tire swing hanging from a sturdy tree with an old wooden ladder leaning against the same trunk. In a recent session, two brothers filled this scene with laughter—one swinging freely while the other perched on the ladder, sharing a joyful moment. The littlest boy’s slingshot tucked in his back pocket, along with their jeans and suspenders, added to the overall feel of the story we wanted to tell. This image perfectly illustrates how thoughtfully chosen props, whether large or small, come together seamlessly to create the perfect setting for magical portraits.

Two young brothers playing on a tire swing and wooden ladder by a tree during a children’s outdoor portrait session in Mars, PA. Authentic vintage-style clothing and props like a slingshot add storytelling charm.
BONUS BLOG: More about props and toddlers here!

Tying It All Together

Over the years, I’ve been inspired by many talented artists, including Iwona Podlasińska, whose thoughtful approach to children’s photography helped shape my own. With this blog, my hope is to pass along a little of that inspiration to you. Whether you're a fellow photographer or a parent planning your child’s portrait session, I hope this look into how I select props has sparked your imagination. Props are never just objects—they’re tools for storytelling, memory-making, and creating a little magic.

— Marsha Lonchena, Always Remember Photography
📍 Evans City, PA — serving Mars, Cranberry Township & the greater Pittsburgh area

READ THE INTRODUCTION BLOG TO THIS SERIES HERE!
Schedule a Fine Art Session here or call 724-504-8711 for more information and other dates.

Leave a comment

Leave this field empty
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Submit

0 Comments

Previous Post Next Post

Archive

2025 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun
2024 Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Dec
2023 Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Dec
2022 Jul Aug Sep Nov Dec

SIGN UP TO FOLLOW MY BLOGS

Thank you for contacting us!

We have received your message and will contact you shortly

View Receipt View Submission
Love learning about storytelling through photography?  Sign up to follow my Blog!

Please provide your email below to get the latest Blog updates from me!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Thank you for contacting us!

We have received your message and will contact you shortly

View Submission
Leave this field empty
CLOSE
Check out our blog!