Props

If you are going to try to bracket nearly everything, why not bracket props? The goal here was to explore how switching props in the same photograph changes the nature of the image. Given the different sizes, shapes, and furriness of the props we couldn't maintain perfect alignment from shot to shot.

Bottom Line: Consider choosing props to transform a portrait.

105mm, f16, 2 Speedlites though diffusers left and right

Left

Right

Nicole wants you to buy — or at least admire — her begonias. She even wore red to emphasize the red flowers. Is this Nicole's Garden Show?

Nicole wants you to make lemonade. Is this a cooking show?

Nicole with a microscope: so she is neither doing a garden show nor a cooking show. Is she a scientist or auctioneer?

See how the silver pitcher adds a nice highlight on her cheek, whereas other props leaves a shadow there.

Aha. Nicole is an expert in palmistry?

Props that emit their own light offer interesting possibilities, such as the stripes this lamp lays on Nicole's cheek.

The crucifix. The point here is that her expression is identical to the one where she is holding the begonia. Any message we see in her face is likely something we are bringing to the picture.

This not a prop. This is Bell, Nicole's beloved pooch. Although not a prop, Bell certainly puts another whole spin on the portrait.