Tips for Photo Stylists To Source At Flea Markets

Shopping the flea market shows, thrift, and tag sale shopping are great options for sourcing and shopping for Photo Stylists and Prop Stylists photo shoot assignments. We, as Stylists, think of it a bit differently tho':

▪️ We don’t care if something is a little dirty or damaged! That’s what we do, we place things in a way that the camera’s eye does not see it.  OR . . .  Hello Photoshop. (That’s for the photographers out there styling. As a Photo Stylist, I NEVER, ask a Photographer to “fix” something in Photoshop. That’s our job. ;)

▪️ We are not looking for actual antiques and investment pieces at the Markets, Shops & Shows.

▪️ We find great, unique items that are not at every retail store out there.  When you bring the different and unique at your photo shoots ~ you will be a sought after, stand out Photo Stylist!

One of my favorite places to source for styling jobs and to shop for my own prop collection is Flea Markets! I live in the Northeast where there are so many.  My absolute favorite is Brimfield Antique Show Flea Market in Brimfield, Massachusetts, which is a huge, outside Flea Market that happens three times a year between May and September. Here are some of my Shopping/Sources tips:

ARRIVE EARLY.

I like to arrive early.  But, there are different thoughts on that. Some believe that the best deals are as Flea Market closes for the day and vendors are looking to sell their remaining inventory and will do it at a discount.  But, I believe that items may be "picked over" as well.  (I do a little of both.)

CASH IS KING.

I always bring small bills. 1, 5, 10's. I feel like you get better deals with cash.  Although vendors do offer credit card for purchases.
 

MORE BEES WITH HONEY ;)

If you want to pay less for something pose it as a question ~ not a statement.   So, ASK: “Would you be willing to take $5 for this ~ not TELL them “I will give you $5 for this”.  Also, if there is not a price on something instead of saying “How much is this” SAY “Would you take $5 for this?” Again, not a statement.  Ahhhhh . . . the fine art of negotiation. Don’t go into  full out “haggle mode”.  Use that honey, it = more bees ;)

BUILD RELATIONSHIPS.

Relationships are always key 🔑 (with everything!) When you find a place or a Flea Market show you LOVE, introduce yourself to the owner.  Tell them what you do as a Photo Stylist, what kinds of items you always look for, etc.  As you style your shoots and need items, you can contact and call and ask them if they have items ~ you have a relationship, they now KNOW you and work with you.  I do this all the time.  The show in Brimfield I mentioned, vendors come from all across the country to this show 3 times a year.  I look forward to seeing & purchasing from them and I have called upon them during the year to either get from them or help me find items for photo shoots. The relationships we build are important to our business.  It's part of our skills and traits needed as a Photo Stylist.
DRESS DOWN.

I always share the "real deal" round' here.  Sooooo, first rule of flea market shopping ~ Don’t look like you’re on your way to a dinner party, or even heading off to work. Instead, dress down ~ way down.  Wear comfortable, low-key clothing. Avoid clothing that’s obviously expensive or even overly stylish. (& leave jewelry at home.) People do make assumptions about us by our our appearance.  All styled up = you don’t need to shop at a Flea Market or Tag Sale and your price tag may be higher because they “think” you can afford it. "Haggling" is common at Flea Markets, but many vendors are reluctant to entertain offers from dressed up buyers for whom money appears to be no object.

GET FLEA MAP / NOTEBOOK / PHONE.

Big Flea Markets have hundreds of vendors selling so much! Keep track of your favorites you might want to go back to with notes, map and your phone. (Also, remember introduce yourself, get their name, business card, follow them on IG & socials ~ keep notes.)
 
BE PREPARED AND ORGANIZED.

Bring a great (light) totebag, bubble wrap, sunscreen, hat, umbrella (if needed) water, snacks, hand wipes, sewing measuring tape (pack light, retractable tapes are heaver) and cart if you are purchasing alot or heavy items.  Also: rainy days are actually great to go the Market.  With less people, the vendors are more  likely to make deals because there is less customers. 

DON’T LEAVE A  "I GOTTA HAVE" GEM.

Your favorite item may not be there when you come back!  If you love, can afford it ~ get it!  If you procrastinate, you can (& probably will!) lose it. Gotta scoop up the gems you love!  Make a decision on an item right when you see it. If you procrastinate, and go back to get it ~ it may not be there!

FOR CLOTHING (& SOME FURNITURE).

Always bring measuring tape.  Keep in mind vintage clothing sizing is not the same as modern day sizes.  Looks for tears, rips  stains and imperfections. Look for washing instructions, fabric also may not be dry cleanable  Also, note that the musty smells that are often in vintage clothing will not go away.  (But, again, we're talking about getting props, clothing, furniture for photo shoots ~ so that will probably not be an issue.) For some extra tips on sourcing wardrobe and furniture for your assignments, check out our post on Best Way To Get Items For Your Photo Shoot Assignments.

ALSO, CLIENT RELATIONSHIP BUILDING SIDE NOTE:

When I go to the Market, I contact several of my clients to let them know I will be going to Market and ask if I can pick them up anything and I will send it to them.  I do this ALL the time!  I am a believer that we should stay in contact with our clients and help them out even when we are not booked for a photo shoot with them.  (I never do the "got any work for me call".) KEY 🔑 is for you to be "top of mind" when they do need styling.  You do this by being in touch with them throughout the year.  Like picking  items up for them at the Market or asking them to lunch "out of the blue".

What I do:  Send the clients photos while I'm at the Market to see what they like and we go back/forth with communication and photos via text. Also, if I know they would like something, I just send it to them as a gift. (This is another tip: Get to know your clients likes/unique style ~ so you KNOW what they would love.)  I have a New England client who always have traditional Thanksgiving foods photo shoot for their brand photos, so I know they love the traditional, patina look serving wear.  What a nice surprise it would be for your client to receive gift in the mail with a note: "When I saw this, I thought of you! Thought you would like it!)   Part of my business is helping creative studios, so I know what they like. Also, some photography studios collect props as well.

Going to Flea and Thrifts as well as getting wholesale accounts like we talk about in Styling Florals and Plants and Wholesale Purchasing is part of what makes you a stand out Photo and Prop Stylist.  Be resourceful, creative and go the extra mile for your clients.

Hope you find this list and tips helpful for sourcing and shopping for your photo shoots!

Bonnie ~

Image Credit and Source:  Littl' "fun fact" lol ~ I LOVE (aka obsessed with) Trudy Crane's (Looks Like White) beautiful ceramic creations. Used her image above in Post Graphic.  You can find her HERE on IG.  I love how she uses texture in her pieces.  ** Important tip when you are using white propping for food styling ~ if you're styling with white ~ add texture.