Still Life Photography
Lynne Eodice, December, 2005
Lynne Eodice is an accomplished writer/photographer and a regular contributor
to Photographic magazine.
Throughout the decades, artists have depicted still life scenes—arrangements
of inanimate objects—in paintings and photography. Shooting still life
subjects is one of the best ways to sharpen your photographic skills. You can
take your time, and your subject remains stationary. Good composition, framing
and lighting are all very important to translate your still life into a great
photo.
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Reader
photo by Tom Reich, Tuscon, AZ
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Study Good Photos
Every day we are bombarded with still life images of appetizing foods, shiny
housewares and other appealing products in magazine ads, brochures and catalogs.
Professionals spend a great deal of time setting up these shots and you can
learn a lot just by studying the photos you find most appealing and unique.
Notice how photographers use repeating shapes and lines to create patterns and
use complimentary colors. Study the lighting that they use. One of the best
things you can do before you shoot still lifes is to collect images that inspire
you.
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Reader
photo by Kenneth A. Deitcher, Albany, NY
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Keep It Simple
Simplicity is very important when composing still lifes. You don’t need
to collect a wide range of complicated objects to create an interesting picture.
Instead, choose a few objects with a common thread. The arrangement of a still
life should begin with the positioning of a single dominant subject. Then add
other objects one at a time, and examine the arrangement through your camera’s
viewfinder. Experiment with your camera angle until the scene shows the elements
in the most pleasing balance. Photograph the original grouping, and then rearrange
or remove objects to see if it improves the composition.
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Reader
photo by Adele Collins, Plymouth, MA
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