We start off with a simple still life.

Whether we shoot editorial or advertising, the world of still life will always be something we need to be familiar with. Fashion shooters are often called on to shoot inanimate still life. So are corporate, travel and environmental shooters. Even portrait photographers have been called upon to shoot a still life for additional ‘color” images for a magazine story.

Parameters are:

• It should not require more than 20″ x 20″ of set space.
• The objects should be simple and NOT shiny. (Please no chrome or glossy black.)
• The objects should be something you can find around the house, or office, or neighborhood.
• There should be at least 5 items (props) in the shot.

Special Note:

The still life must include a flower. Fake or real. The flower does not have to be the main focus of the shot, and I do NOT WANT a bunch of flowers to be the shot. In other words, the client wants a flower for a reason, we add it into the mix of other items. It may or may not be the focus of your shot… that is up to you, but the image MUST contain a flower. Or a bunch of flowers in a still life setting… props = context.

Lighting for this shot should be diffused. Not direct sun, nor direct flash.

If you are using sunlight, use a scrim for dealing with the sun, or work in the shade.

You may, however, use a hard light for a slight kicker, but in addition to the softer light, not instead of it.

If you are using strobe, please use a diffusion scrim, softbox or soft lighter.

This still-life will be a vertical shot (portrait) and in color. Manipulated color is fine if that is your style, but not black and white or monochrome for this shot.

Make sure the still life has texture and shape to it.

Shooting Suggestions:

• A comfortable workspace.
• Tripod for ease of shooting.
• Shoot “Tethered” if you can.
• If you choose to shoot from overhead, consider working on the floor so you don’t have to climb a stepladder for every shot.
• Backgrounds, if they show, should be appropriate.
• Choose an angle that shows off your subject well, and presents the textures and shapes to best result.
• Consider different lenses. A telephoto lens will do something much different with the subject than a short, wide lens will do. The telephoto compresses, and the wide angle creates depth. Lenses in the middle range are more ‘normal’ in how they render the point of view.

Begin to gather props now, please, in anticipation of the shoot. Do not wait for the due date to get these things together, and be prepared for a couple of reshoots as you work through the imagery… having two weeks to do this shot gives you time to work out the kinks.

A Lighting Essentials article on doing a very simple still life with natural light.

Some inspiration for you”
Google Images
Vanessa Rees – fixed
Adam Voorhes
Three still life shooters, three different styles. What is YOUR style preference?

Some good Youtube Videos on shooting a still life:

Images for INSPIRATION from previous students!

BEAUTIFUL IMAGERY EVERYONE!