It's a common misconception that a still life photographer needs an elaborate set-up to do his or her best work. Great results can be achieved using what is freely available in the home. A window ledge, a table, a doorway - these simple backdrops used with imagination can be excellent settings for photography. Here are five tips for getting the most out of doing things the simple way.
Think outside the box: don't just go with fruit or flowers just because everyone else does. Use your imagination and choose subjects that will give your work a singular twist. Look for objects that can be used creatively with light and shadow.
Try juxtaposing objects that would not ordinarily go together. Or try putting them in an incongruous setting. Practice makes perfect, and with some effort you will soon develop a knack for coming up with great ideas for shots.
Light and shade: superb result can be achieved using some very unexciting lighting apparatus. Ordinary household lights can be used to create some amazing effects if they are used with flair and imagination. Natural light can also be used to great effect. Windows blocked or partially blocked using curtains or shutters can provide interest and drama to an otherwise ordinary setting.
Positions and angles: there is plenty one can do here, too, to alter the tone of a photograph. The same subject photographed from a new angle can result in a dramatically different piece of work. It's easy to become complacent on a shoot and forget to play around with positioning. So remember to mix things up and take advantage of what can be created by altering point of view, camera height, camera angle and positioning.
Don't get too fancy with your backdrop. Remember that your subject is the 'main attraction' and should not be in any way overshadowed by its backdrop. It's certainly OK to experiment with texture and color, these can sometimes help to create an interesting, unique shot. In general, though, a simple painted wall or plain sheet of card or paper is best.
Composition: take your time and think it through. There are quite a few elements of composition that you need to consider to make you piece engaging to the eye. First think about the subject itself: consider it's defining features, and how they can be used to full effect. Space: think about how you want to use space in your piece. Consider whether you want to fill a lot of the frame with negative space, or whether you want the subject to fill most of it.
A great advantage for the still life photographer is that he or she has plenty of scope to get things right. There are no models to get bored and restless, no landscape to change at just the wrong moment. With this type of photography one has almost complete control. One can take one's time and strive to create the very best work one can.
Think outside the box: don't just go with fruit or flowers just because everyone else does. Use your imagination and choose subjects that will give your work a singular twist. Look for objects that can be used creatively with light and shadow.
Try juxtaposing objects that would not ordinarily go together. Or try putting them in an incongruous setting. Practice makes perfect, and with some effort you will soon develop a knack for coming up with great ideas for shots.
Light and shade: superb result can be achieved using some very unexciting lighting apparatus. Ordinary household lights can be used to create some amazing effects if they are used with flair and imagination. Natural light can also be used to great effect. Windows blocked or partially blocked using curtains or shutters can provide interest and drama to an otherwise ordinary setting.
Positions and angles: there is plenty one can do here, too, to alter the tone of a photograph. The same subject photographed from a new angle can result in a dramatically different piece of work. It's easy to become complacent on a shoot and forget to play around with positioning. So remember to mix things up and take advantage of what can be created by altering point of view, camera height, camera angle and positioning.
Don't get too fancy with your backdrop. Remember that your subject is the 'main attraction' and should not be in any way overshadowed by its backdrop. It's certainly OK to experiment with texture and color, these can sometimes help to create an interesting, unique shot. In general, though, a simple painted wall or plain sheet of card or paper is best.
Composition: take your time and think it through. There are quite a few elements of composition that you need to consider to make you piece engaging to the eye. First think about the subject itself: consider it's defining features, and how they can be used to full effect. Space: think about how you want to use space in your piece. Consider whether you want to fill a lot of the frame with negative space, or whether you want the subject to fill most of it.
A great advantage for the still life photographer is that he or she has plenty of scope to get things right. There are no models to get bored and restless, no landscape to change at just the wrong moment. With this type of photography one has almost complete control. One can take one's time and strive to create the very best work one can.
About the Author:
If you would like to see the work of an excellent still life photographer click www.brianeverettmiller.com. Come view the portfolio of Brian Everett Miller at http://www.brianeverettmiller.com today.
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