Polystyrene Letters and Props
EPS and XPS are lightweight, versatile and relatively quick to manufacture. They suit large letters, logos and shapes that need to be moved around a studio easily.
Explore Polystyrene Letters
tel: +44 (0)29 20 522 510
3D Letters and Props for Photo Shoots
Bespoke Letters, Logos and Display Pieces Made for Your Shoot Date
We manufacture custom 3D letters, logos, words and lightweight props for advertising, fashion, editorial, product and promotional photo shoots.
Everything is made to order in our UK studios using your artwork, dimensions and colours. We offer polystyrene, wood and paper-based options, with finishes ranging from simple camera-ready paintwork to coated, faced and decorative effects.
Working to a tight production schedule? Straightforward polystyrene letters and shapes can often be produced quickly, while more detailed props and specialist finishes require additional time. Tell us your shoot date when enquiring and we will confirm what can realistically be manufactured and delivered.
We can also arrange timed, dedicated or direct-to-studio delivery where required. Graham Sweet Studios has been manufacturing bespoke display pieces in the UK since 1969.
Get a Quote for photo shoot letters and props
Made for the Camera
We manufacture bespoke pieces for:
- Advertising and campaign photography
- Fashion and editorial shoots
- Product launches
- Social-media content
- Television and video productions
- Press events and brand activations
- Graduation photography
- Seasonal and promotional campaigns
Letters and props can be freestanding, suspended, wall-mounted or positioned as part of a larger set.
We can work from finished production artwork or help turn a basic concept into something practical to manufacture, transport and position on set.
Trusted by leading brands
We have produced letters, props and display pieces for retailers, broadcasters, publishers, venues and educational organisations.
BBC
The Mirror
Financial Times
University of Kent
Fun fact
Our founder, Graham Sweet, began his professional life as a ship's photographer. He worked aboard cruise ships including the RMS Windsor Castle on voyages between Southampton and South Africa.
That early experience behind the camera remains a fitting part of our story. Today, we manufacture the letters and props that photographers and creative teams place in front of it.
Fast Turnaround and Timed Delivery
Photo shoots are often planned around fixed studio bookings, talent availability and campaign launch dates. We understand that your letters need to be manufactured and delivered at the right time because rearranging the shoot may not be possible.
Simple EPS or XPS polystyrene letters will usually provide the fastest production route. More complex logos, wooden construction and specialist finishes may require additional time. If the full specification cannot be completed within your timescale, we will tell you and may be able to suggest a simpler material, finish or construction.
Depending on the project and destination, delivery options can include:
- Timed or pre-booked delivery
- Morning delivery
- Direct-to-studio delivery
- Dedicated vehicles for urgent or delicate work
- Delivery to a production company before the shoot
- Collection from our UK studios
Timed services are subject to destination and carrier availability, but we will agree the most appropriate delivery method before dispatch.
Get it right first time
Graham Sweet Studios has been producing 3D letters from polystyrene and other materials for photo shoots, retail displays, events and exhibitions for over 50 years. Get it done the right way, first time.
Get in touch today to start your project and one of our experienced staff will normally respond to your enquiry within an hour or two. If you would like to discuss a project, call us on 029 20 522 510, email [email protected], or use the contact form below.
Get a Free Quote for photo shoot propsDesigned Around Your Creative Brief
We can reproduce supplied words, fonts, logos, symbols and bespoke shapes in almost any practical size.
Finishing options include:
- Smooth painted finishes
- Matched brand colours
- Matt, satin or gloss surfaces
- Glitter and decorative effects
- Applied vinyl and printed graphics
- MDF, plywood or acrylic faces
- Textured and sculpted finishes
- Natural or stained wood
Tell us how the pieces will be photographed, including the expected camera distance and whether the sides and back will be visible. This helps us focus the budget and finishing work where it will make the greatest difference on camera.
Material Choices
We can recommend a material that suits the scale, handling, finish, timescale, budget and intended life of the props.
Wooden Letters and Props
Wood provides a stronger, more durable construction where pieces will be closely handled, require thinner details or need to be stored and reused.
Explore Wooden Letters
Cardboard, Re-board and Papier-Mache
These lightweight paper-based materials suit selected lettering, signs, plinths and sculptural props. Papier-mache can also provide a softer, handcrafted or deliberately imperfect surface.
Explore Cardboard LettersMore Sustainable Production Choices
Sustainability requirements are increasingly important for agencies, production companies and their clients. There is no single material that will always be the most sustainable choice. The answer depends on the size, finish, transport, expected lifespan and what will happen after the shoot.
Depending on the brief, we can consider:
- Cardboard, Re-board and papier-mache construction
- Reducing the quantity of material used
- Designing pieces for repeated use
- Removable or replaceable branded elements
- Durable wooden construction
- Separating different materials where practical
- Avoiding unnecessary coatings or mixed finishes
- Packing designed for storage and future shoots
If the production has material restrictions, sustainability targets or disposal requirements, include these in the initial brief so we can discuss what is practical before the design and quotation are finalised.
Graduation Photo Shoots
We also manufacture large freestanding letters for university, college and school graduation photography.
These displays are normally designed for repeated annual use and allow students, families and staff to gather around the institution's name, initials, logo or graduation year.
Visit our dedicated Graduation Letters page for information about reusable wooden letters, outdoor displays, bases and replaceable year numbers.
Explore Graduation Letters
Previous work
ICONS at Harrods
Six-foot MDF-faced letters were produced as statement props for an ICONS feature in Harrods Magazine.
Learn more about the Harrods ICONS photo shoot lettersDog Tales Rescue
Glitter hearts and LOVE letters created a colourful Valentine's photo set for Dog Tales Rescue in Canada.
Learn more about the Dog Tales Rescue photo shoot propsCharles Worthington at 30
Large 3D numbers formed a bold prop for the salon group's thirtieth-anniversary Vibe Collection shoot.
Learn more about the Charles Worthington 30 photo shootThe Christie rated Outstanding
Bright freestanding letters helped staff celebrate an Outstanding Care Quality Commission rating.
Learn more about The Christie Outstanding lettersUniversity of Kent SMFA
Large white SMFA letters and a branded panel created a recognisable graduation photo point.
Learn more about the University of Kent graduation photo lettersThe Only Way Is Essex
Large gunmetal-glitter letters were produced as lightweight props for an ITV cast photo shoot.
Learn more about The Only Way Is Essex glitter lettersFrequently Asked Questions
Lead time depends on material, size, quantity and finish. Simple polystyrene lettering can often be manufactured relatively quickly. Detailed props, wooden construction and specialist finishes need more time. Send the brief and shoot date, and we will confirm what can realistically be achieved.
Timed, morning and direct-to-studio deliveries can be arranged where suitable services are available. For especially urgent, delicate or high-value work, a dedicated vehicle may be the safest option.
Yes. We can manufacture from supplied brand artwork and work from recognised colour references or paint specifications. Vector artwork such as AI, EPS, SVG or a print-ready PDF is normally best.
Yes. If reuse is planned, tell us at the beginning. We may recommend wood, reinforced construction, removable elements or protective packing.
Yes. We work with wood, cardboard, Re-board, papier-mache and 3D-printed components, as well as combined constructions.
Please send artwork or a description, approximate dimensions and quantity, preferred colours and finish, how the pieces will be positioned, the shoot date, required delivery date and time, the studio postcode and any material requirements. If the specification is still developing, send what you have and we will help with the remaining decisions.
Tell Us Your Shoot Date
Send your artwork, approximate dimensions and delivery details together with the date of the shoot. We will confirm what can be manufactured within the available time and recommend a suitable material.
Get a Fast Quote for photo shoot letters and props