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.
Use some lateral thinking with your subject matter: don't just use the kind of subjects that most people go for. Food and flowers are fine, but there's so much more you can use to get that exceptional shot.
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.
Composing your piece: this will make or break the shot. The composition of your shot is everything when it comes to how engaging and unique it will be. You should take your time and think through how you will proceed. Think about the context of your subject, how you will use space, and where you want the viewers eye to fall. Also consider carefully your subject matter and what it's defining features are. Think about how you can employ them to best create an eye-catching, original composition.
For a still life photographer, a big benefit is having more freedom to get one's shot just right. People and other elements can change or move around, and make life awkward for the photographer. Static objects on the other hand, allow one the scope to experiment and get things just so. One can adjust the elements of the shot, change things around or start again from scratch.
Use some lateral thinking with your subject matter: don't just use the kind of subjects that most people go for. Food and flowers are fine, but there's so much more you can use to get that exceptional shot.
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.
Composing your piece: this will make or break the shot. The composition of your shot is everything when it comes to how engaging and unique it will be. You should take your time and think through how you will proceed. Think about the context of your subject, how you will use space, and where you want the viewers eye to fall. Also consider carefully your subject matter and what it's defining features are. Think about how you can employ them to best create an eye-catching, original composition.
For a still life photographer, a big benefit is having more freedom to get one's shot just right. People and other elements can change or move around, and make life awkward for the photographer. Static objects on the other hand, allow one the scope to experiment and get things just so. One can adjust the elements of the shot, change things around or start again from scratch.
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