Props have been used in photography for centuries, but they took on a new level of significance in the Playboy era when Hugh Hefner set out to create an adult magazine that was both tasteful and appealing to mainstream audiences. One of his strategies for achieving this goal was to introduce props into photo spreads to add visual interest and tell stories beyond simply depicting nude women. Props helped set the mood and evoke emotions, while thematic costumes allowed photographers to transport readers to exotic locales and fantasy worlds.
In Mayfair shoots, props were often used to enhance the narrative or mood of a pictorial. For example, one shoot featured a group of bikini-clad models posed around a pool table, each holding a cue stick and wearing sunglasses. The props suggested a game of billiards or perhaps a casual day at the beach club, while the models' poses and facial expressions conveyed sensuality and playfulness. Another shoot had a model dressed as a fairy princess, surrounded by flowers and butterflies, conjuring up images of enchanted gardens and mythical creatures. Theatricality became a hallmark of these shoots, with props like vintage hats and period costumes adding depth and dimension to the images.
The use of props also helped create a sense of intimacy between the reader and the model. In one famous spread from 1975, model Dorothy Stratten posed on a bed wearing only a white cotton robe and sunglasses, holding a telephone receiver to her ear. The prop suggested an illicit call and added a layer of intrigue to the image, creating a storyline that drew the viewer in. Similarly, props could be used to evoke nostalgia or childhood memories, such as in a spread featuring a model playing with a teddy bear or riding a rocking horse. This approach helped humanize the models and make them relatable to readers, breaking down barriers and creating a more personal connection.
Props were not just limited to adult magazines, however. Many mainstream publications began using props and costumes in their fashion shoots to add visual interest and tell stories beyond simply showcasing clothing. For example, Vogue often featured elaborate sets and props to transport readers to different worlds, such as a desert oasis or an underwater kingdom. These elements helped set the magazine apart from its competitors and made it stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Today, props continue to play an important role in photography, particularly in fashion and commercial shoots. They can be used to enhance the narrative, create mood and atmosphere, and add variety to the imagery. However, they must always serve a purpose and complement rather than overshadow the subject matter. Ultimately, props are an essential tool for photographers looking to create images that captivate audiences and tell compelling stories through pictures.