This photo, from a recent workshop Joseph Marranca and I taught, shows the importance of props:

The props here make the story. A well-lit pretty girl is interesting (see all the shadows?), but the photo becomes artistic when it has “off-kilter” items.

Like the 1960s background. And the martini-glass. (“Mad men”, anyone?). And then there’s the red Wizard of Oz shoes, and the dress. And of course the gun. And the flyswatter.

So when you next do a creative shot, ask: what odd , interesting, juxtaposing, curious props can I add?