If you are looking at prop ideas for children's photography, you've probably seen quite a few hats. Hats and portrait photography just seem to be made for each other because good toppers draw attention to the face and show up in tight shots.
If you have unlimited funds, you can buy plenty of props from specialized photo equipment shops. However, for those who just starting out and are on a pretty tight budget, there are plenty of other ways to build a nice collection of hat props for your business.
Keep an Eye on Clothing Stores for Seasonal Sales on Accessories
As the end of a season nears, head to local clothing stores to check the accessory departments. I have been able to buy mens' fedoras and newsboy caps for $3 or less at my local Target stores. You should also plan to check discount stores like Ross Dress for Less and Marshall's for clearance accessories.
Check Etsy and eBay for Unique Hat Props
Quite a few crocheters list wonderful baby hats on Etsy. A quick search for hat prop will show you everything from a crochet dinosaur set to a striped pixie hat with a tail longer than the child wearing it.
On eBay, you'll be able to find one of a kind vintage cloches, top hats and more. Of course, you'll also be able to find plenty of the handmade crocheted hats that are the perfect toppers for newborn shoots.
Make Your Own Hats Using Sweater Sleeves
If you are gathering props for babies and toddlers, a section of an adult size sweater sleeve can be turned into a simple beanie in seconds. Sew one end of the sleeve together and then add embellishments to turn it from a chunk of sweater to an adorable little hat. Wool sweaters that have been felted give the best result, but cotton sweaters will work, too. Just plan to serge or zigzag stitch any raw edges when you work with cotton.
Make Your Own Hats Using Tried and True Millinery Techniques
Sometimes, photographers have a vision that just doesn't work with ready made items. When the perfect color or style isn't available or when the photographer just wants to make sure accessories are completely unique, the answer may be to learn a few basic millinery skills. Youtube has many video tutorials that show how to make fascinators, top hats, newsboy caps and other designs.
Add Your Own Elements to Store Bought Caps
If you do buy your caps from the clearance racks, you'll probably feel like they are not quite as amazing as the couture versions you see on Etsy or other sites that offer handmade creations. There is an easy fix for that. Pull out your pearls, feathers and netting, make some felted flowers and use that plain hat as a base for all your decorative elements. It really is easy to turn that formerly blah cap into an amazing little work of art for a little girl's head.
Once you begin to keep an eye out for cheap hats and ideas for DIY versions, you'll see them just about everywhere, from the clearance shelves to blogger tutorial pages. Soon, your problem will change from finding affordable props to finding space for all the great toppers you've collected.
Katelyn Thomas - If you can't find me in the spring, I'm out hiking through the wood with a few pounds of photography gear strapped to my back. In the ...
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