Susan Day Moore of Wicker By Design offers some tips and advice on hanging and setting up the wicker, metal and willow swings. Click to learn more about how Susan started out in wicker restorations and antique reproductions, and eventually came to selling props to portrait photographers by clicking here.

Wicker By Design carries four different swing props in its product line.

 Adult and Child Wicker Swing (two different sizes)

 Metal Swing

 Willow Swing

All of these swings are extremely strong and can easily hold the weight of a 175 pound adult. This means that how you hanging the swing is important. The most common way is the following:

1. Secure two sturdy eye-hooks in a beam in the ceiling joist or any available structural ceiling supports.
2. Extend a short length of large link chain from each hook.
3. Using an S-hook or snap-on hook on each top rope loop, you can adjust the height of the swing up and down the chain for different subjects. Also, you can level the swing.
4. This method prevents tying knots for different heights.
5. Babies should be low or even on a disguised box under the swing.
6. If you do need to shorten the swing, tie knots at the top – not at the swing base.

Another alternative is to hang the swing from a short A-Frame (swing set frame) that can be made or purchased as a kit from a hardware store.  This option is especially good for situations in which you can hang from the ceiling or in which you setup and tear down "on location."

Some photographers do not even bother to "hang" the swing. Rather, they place the swing on a stool or a bench. They then place tulle or other translucent fabric around the base of the swing and drape the rope over an overhang (that does not need to be strong). The effect is the illusion of the swing "hanging" with the positive benefit that the child cannot "diddle" on the swing.

We also have more portrait photography tips and more portrait photography resources. Do you have a question for Susan about the swings or other props? Click here to contact us at Wicker By Design with your question. Or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Wicker By Design recognizes the work and talent of the people who actually produce our props. We contribute back to that country for economic development purposes. Click to learn more about what you can do.