Five Props That Instantly Elevate Food Photos on Social Media

When I first started working with brands, I believed the food alone would make a great photo. But I quickly learned that wasn’t the case. Great food photography is about more than just showing a product; it’s about telling a story. Using props is one of the simplest ways to add context, mood, and personality to your food photos.

Over the years of collaborating with different brands, I’ve discovered which props can quickly make a product shoot stand out on social media. Here are my five favorite props that help bring food and drink photos to life.

1. Textured Linens

Flat surfaces often look a bit dull. Adding a linen napkin or a wrinkled tea towel brings texture and warmth to your photos. These simple touches soften the image, break up sharp lines, and give the viewer something inviting to focus on.

When I collaborated with M Cozy, layering a linen napkin next to their ube pancake provided contrast that really made the product shine.

2. Everyday Utensils

Spoons, forks, chopsticks, or even a rustic cutting board make your photos feel more relatable. These props suggest the food is ready to eat, which is just the feeling you want to create as people scroll by.

When I worked with King’s Hawaiian, adding utensils next to their sandwich gave the photo a touch of luxury while still feeling welcoming. This small detail turned a basic product shot into an inviting scene.

3. Seasonal Touches

Food photos stand out when they match the season. Adding a sprig of evergreen, a pumpkin, or even melting ice can set the right mood. For Elmhurst 1925’s Oat Nog campaign, I used cinnamon sticks, cashews, and small Christmas gifts to style the drinks. This made the photos look delicious and clearly signaled the holiday season.

4. Glassware with Personality

The type of glass you use can quickly change the mood of your photo. Tall, sleek glasses create a modern look, while short, heavy ones give a craft cocktail feel. For Crab and More, I used unique glasses to make the drink colors stand out. This simple choice helped turn the drinks into a memorable part of the photo.

5. Hands in Frame

Okay, technically not a “prop,” but I count hands as one. Adding a hand reaching for a bite or pouring a drink makes content feel human and dynamic. In stop motion videography, I love sneaking hands into the action—they guide the eye and add storytelling layers you can’t get from a static frame.

This trick worked wonders when creating stop motion video content for Zipfizz. Featuring a hand garnishing the drink made the content feel more engaging and refreshing, holding viewers’ attention and making them crave the product.

And for Jade Leaf Matcha, the client had a quirky idea: “Have a hand coming out of the bag on a table in a cafe.” This was indeed a fun challenge, and I was up for it.

Why Props Work Like Magic?

Props do more than decorate a photo. They help build context and give your brand a unique identity. Good props help people picture themselves enjoying the food, which makes your content more relatable and helps your brand grow on social media.

When you use the right props along with quality photography and editing, your content looks professional, fresh, and connects with people on an emotional level.

Ready to Elevate Your Food Photos?

At MisaHungry, I help CPG brands transform their products into scroll-stopping content that fits your brand identity. My offerings include food and drink photography, creative prop styling, storytelling direction, image editing, and remote photoshoots. You can choose a full creative direction or select specific services to build your content suite.

If you’re curious how I can help your brand, check out my services page for details on food photography, stop motion, editing, prop styling, and custom content packages. 

Let’s make your next food photoshoot unforgettable. Contact me to choose the perfect props and bring your product to life.