Small business owners. Etsy makers. Crafters.
If you're in a pinch and have nothing else available for a flat lay, a small bit of greenery is great for styling your product photos.
Here are 4 plants that are easy to grow at home so you always have some interesting cut foliage to hand.
Plus, if you're not so green-fingered and have been known to massacre a houseplant (or twenty) you'll be pleased to know that these are hardy and fast-growing. Nature's best props.
Read on for some of my favourite plants that will elevate your DIY product photography.
1. EUCALYPTUS
An evergreen tree or shrub known for its distinctive bluish-green leaves. Contains a useful compound called Eucalyptol which is understood to decrease nasal congestion and mucus build-up in the lungs. So, not only does it smell great when you hang a sprig of it in a steaming shower, but it can relieve cold and flu symptoms, too.
☼ Likes full sun
Good for photographing: soap and beauty products
2. MINT
With over 600 varieties to choose from, you'll be spoilt for choice with plenty of distinct leaf shapes and flavours. Part of a large family of aromatic flowering plants called Lamiaceae that have both medicinal and culinary uses. The most popular include spearmint, peppermint, apple mint and Swiss mint.
☼ Likes full sun or partial shade
Good for photographing: essential oils, cocktails and food
3. IVY
A trailing plant with a wide variety of leaf colours. They either climb or cover the ground. Extremely fast-growing; ivy can climb to heights of at least 30m. And because ivy attaches itself to things, it's known as a symbol of love and friendship.
☼ Adapts well to sun and shade
Good for photographing: jams/preserves and embroidery art. Perfect for that rural country cottage aesthetic.
4. FERN
Saved one of my absolute favourites til last. You'll normally see ferns carpeting the grounds of woodlands. They're an ancient plant dating back a whopping 360 million years to the Devonian period (age of the fishes). Ferns have really attractive fronds (leaves) that uncurl from the centre of the plant.
☼ Likes shady spots with dappled sunlight
Good for photographing: candles, outdoor hiking attire and eco products
GOOD TO KNOW
These plants are fast-growing and hardy which means you should always have a frequent supply of interesting foliage to use in your photoshoots (with minimal maintenance - yay!).
But, it's worth noting... this also means that they can be incredibly invasive. Particularly ivy and mint. They can cause damage to other plants, buildings and structures without frequent pruning.
So, it's probably best to grow them in pots and containers to limit the spread of their roots.
And there you have it. 4 easy-to-grow plants that will elevate your product photography.
Which one is your favourite?
Comments