Temporary Prop Ideas?

[MJDigitalArt]

I am slightly more than a casual shooter, occasionally shooting for hire, I do not own a studio/
We have some interesting concepts for photoshoots, but we need props to complete them.
In one shoot we're going to be doing a pinup style shoot in which we need an antique looking vanity, and in another we need an old antique looking vctorian style chair for a dark goth look... Either of these items would cost us hundreds of dollars to acquire, and then we'd have to store them indefinitely in hopes that we "might" need them for future shoots... it seems like this process could be repeated over and over for endless prop items...until you had a warehouse full of props!
I am wondering... how do you handle props? Especially large props like furniture? Do you have a tip that might help, such as a good idea for a location to "borrow" furniture from? What do you do in situations like this? Any helpful ideas are greatly appreciated!

[SusanH1970]

Goodwill, Salvation Army, Ebay, Craigslist, tag sales.....

[MJDigitalArt]

Thanks Susan, and those are great ideas, some of which we've pursued... however, it only solves one problem. Buying props is one thing, and yes even though expensive, it is a part of the investment in becoming a photographer. I have no issue with that concept.

However, it seems to me that most photographers do not reuse the same props over and over and over again... especially something as specialized as these ideas. It seems like if photographers were constantly purchasing items like these, especially large items, storage would quickly become a serious issue. Am I wrong?

So that is as much an important part of my question as anything else... prop management? How do you handle props? Do you buy them or borrow them? Do you buy them, then sell them rather than store them? Do you have a helpful idea that involves borrowing larger props like furniture?

[SusanH1970]

If you found them cheaply enough, then used them for the intended shoot, you could always re-sell them. Just an idea.

[DigUpHerBones07]

You could always use it as a great excuse to redecorate your house. I know I would. I adore victorian furniture.

[Rob Necciai]

Have you looked around in your area yo see if you can rent the props that you need? In some cities, there are companies that will rent props specifically for photography and movies. If it's just furniture, you could check to see if there's a staging company (that stages homes for selling) that would be willing to rent furniture on a daily basis.

One photographer friend of mine actually shot many sessions (with fashion models) inside new homes that were for sale. He set the deal up with the realtor that enabled him to shoot for a few hours, using the location and furnishings already in place.

[FireOpal]

Have you considered changing location at all? Is there an antique store in your town that you could use as a set somehow? How about a museum or historic building in your area that welcomes photographers?
Some businesses might not agree to it, but if there's a historic house/museum etc, sometimes they will allow such a thing if you make a donation to them. (That worked for me recently at a historic house in our city. A donation of $30 and the grounds were mine for the day!)

It might be a stretch, but it can never hurt to ask. The worst a business/museum etc can say is no. Well, they might give you a snooty little sniff along with the no, but that's their problem, not yours. ;D Ha ha!

[MJDigitalArt]

Thanks for the feedback Rob, Fire.... both great suggestions. There is a local mansion that rents out for weddings and such... it's actually where part of the inspiration for my shoot comes from, but I am afraid they will want to charge an astronomical amount of money for me to shoot there... but it is worth an inquiry.
Using real estate homes for shoots is an interesting concept as well.... may need to get in touch with some agents... and see what I can come up with. It solves the lack of studio space problem too. Thanks for the tip!
Interestingly I was watching a DVD today, and it has tutorials in it. This one photographer that was giving a demonstration on a pregnancy shoot, briefly showed his "prop furniture" storage...stacked haphazardly from floor to ceiling.. looked dangerous to me... hope he has good liability insurance. Exactly the problem I'd like to be able to avoid if I can.

[FireOpal]

Yeah, it's sort of hit and miss to find a location that will let you shoot there, especially if you are hoping to use the furniture that is there. Sometimes they don't want you touching it.

I also thought, if you know someone that is an avid antique collector, it's might be possible to ask them if you can shoot in their house. This of course depends on what sort of lighting it offers...and of course the space needed.
Let us know what you manage to figure out. I'd love to see the photos that come out of your shot!
Also, there's a local photographer around here that does pinup style shots. Here's a link to her Flickr album. Might be good for some inspiration if you're looking for it. I love her work: Flickr: danabrushette's Photostream