Vintage Props

For our Pin-Up shoots, we like to stay true to the 1940's and 50's with our prop selections.  It is very important to us that our Pin-Up shots remain authentic to the era.

Inspired by my recent trip to Saskatchewan, I thought I would share some tips and tricks for finding those great vintage props to bring along to your Pin-Up or Film Noir photography session.  While I was visiting my family back home, we took a trip into a neighboring town and stopped at the Humboldt Good Neighbour Store.  Low and behold, I found a lot of special treasures!  I had not considered looking in such a store in the past for antiques but I hit the jackpot.  I found wonderful old dishes, cooking utensils, baking wares, furniture, children's games, vintage jewelry and my most prized finds....a vintage sewing machine and two vintage cameras!  While I was tempted to buy it all, I was flying back to Edmonton so I picked up a few essentials that would fit in my suitcase for a fraction of the price I would pay at an antique store!  I learned that by doing a little prop hunting at Goodwill or the Good Neighbour Stores, you can also support local charities and give back to your community!

My finds from my trip to Saskatchewan!

Another suggestion,  I have if you are looking specific props is raid your grandparents' house (if they let you)!  My grandparents saved everything and so when the time came for them to downsize, my mom saved everything too!  She had an entire storage room filled with antiques that she willingly gave to Chad and I for our shoots.  These photographs always have special meaning to me because in some way I feel I am honoring them in our photographs.

This is my grandma's butter churn.

My next goal will be to spend our weekends going to estate garage sales or auctions.  I am know a lot of our clients make mention of finding great pieces and props while garage sale hopping.

Finally, Chad and I often go antique shopping in Edmonton at the Old Strathcona Antique Mall or the Rocky Mountain Antique Mall.  They have a tonne of variety and they bring in new antiques regularly.  If you are on a time crunch and unable to go to small town Goodwill stores, garage sale hopping or even raiding your family heirlooms, the antique shops in Edmonton are a great option as well.  We always give ourselves a few hours to scour through the stores to find just the right pieces.

Vintage typewriter found at the Rocky Mountain Antique Mall.

No matter the type of shoot you wish to have with us at Vintage Photography we are always here to assist you in planning your shoot and making it memorable.  If you wish to have a particular theme or have an idea for a shoot, let us know and we will work with you to find the props you need!