When it comes to capturing attention in crowded markets like the beauty, supplement, and wellness industries, brands must think creatively. One often-overlooked strategy in product photography is incorporating food props for non-food products. This approach can enhance visual appeal, convey brand values, and tell a compelling story.

Here’s how food props can elevate your product photography and help you stand out.

1. Highlight Natural Ingredients

Many beauty, supplement, and wellness products are leaning into natural and organic ingredients. It’s a great trend on the rise — more and more people prefer more nature and fewer chemicals in the products we put on and in our bodies. Using fresh, raw food props in product photography is a great way to communicate this value to customers.

For example:

Pair a vitamin C serum with fresh oranges.
Use vibrant berries to highlight antioxidant-rich supplements.
Include soothing chamomile flowers alongside wellness teas or skincare products.

These props will both connect the product to its ingredients, and connect consumers to brands messaging. Not to mention creating an inviting, fresh aesthetic.

2. Evoke Sensory Experiences

Food props can evoke a multitude of senses: textures, smells, and tastes. Including them in your product photography can help customers experience the product’s own textures, smells, or taste. For instance:

A luxurious body butter might be paired with creamy avocado halves to suggest richness.
Mint leaves can communicate light freshness alongside a cooling skincare product.
Honey drizzles can complement wellness products known for their soothing qualities.

This approach helps viewers imagine the product’s sensory appeal, enhancing its desirability.

3. Tell a Lifestyle Story

Consumers are drawn to products that fit seamlessly into their ideal lifestyle. Food props can be used to create aspirational settings that align with your brand’s message. For example:

Beauty products that promote hydration can be styled with refreshing slices of cucumber and clear water glasses.
Wellness supplements can sit beside a colorful smoothie bowl, suggesting ease of incorporation into a healthy routine.
A luxury skincare line might feature champagne grapes or exotic fruits to emphasize indulgence.

4. Add Vibrant Colors and Textures

Food props bring dynamic colors and textures to commercial photography. These elements can make your images pop, drawing attention in crowded feeds or marketplaces. For example:

Bright citrus fruits add a zesty energy to beauty-products photography.
Rustic herbs like rosemary or thyme can add earthy tones to health-and-wellness products.
Smooth, glossy surfaces like chocolate or syrup can add richness and depth to supplement-products imagery.

Conclusion

In the beauty, supplement, and wellness industries, differentiation is key. By incorporating food props thoughtfully, your product photography can break through the noise, leaving a lasting impression on your audience. Food props are a versatile and impactful tool when used strategically to evoke sensory experiences and tell relatable lifestyle stories.

Best Practices for Using Food Props - How We Can Help

Choose Fresh, High-Quality Items: The food should look as pristine as your product. At Avenue3 we will personally shop for any food props you need in order to curate the most photogenic items for your shoot.
Experiment with Composition: Try different arrangements to find the most visually appealing setup. We’ll play with the product and ingredients on set to create arrangements that showcase your product in a stylish light.
Invest in Professional Photography: Food and ingredient props won’t help elevate your photography on their own. Hiring a professional photographer who knows how to shoot both products and food will ensure that you get the elevated look your brand is after. At Avenue3, we’re well versed in using food to elevate product images. Our work with Mielle Organics is a great example.

Food props in Product Photography