Happy
03/10/2006, 09:24 PM
A quick short article I threw together to correspond with the current photography contest...
Inanimate Still Life Photography
Still Life photography is sometimes described as being not interesting, boring, with no movement, well just plain 'still'. However, a beautifully portrayed and photographed still life is rather pleasing to view due to its overall balanced composition of light, color and texture.
In general, the definition for Still Life is described as a method of studio or outdoor photography, where the subject matter is composed of inanimate objects that are pre-arranged to be photographed, making full use of form, shape and lighting." The key here is "arranged," "inanimate" and "lighting."
An inanimate object is a material thing. Attention, feeling, thought, or action is directed towards it when composed in a photograph. It is usually conceived as subhuman, unreflective, and passive. Common still life subjects include food, flowers, books, clothing, containers or vessels. Also, advertising product photography, such as furniture, beverage, or jewelry, is considered still life photography. There are endless possibilities of subject matter.
What inanimate object should be selected for the photograph? The answer to that question could be 'anything'. You can photograph a torn and tattered newspaper. If it is arranged and represented well, it will be a fabulous photograph that you can be proud of displaying. You should pay close attention to the shapes, the color, and the texture of the object(s) that you decide to capture with your camera. If a long stem rose catches your eye, and you want to shoot a photo of it, then choose a composition that will accommodate its long length. If it is too tall for your composition then pass it by, but keep it in mind for a future photograph. All it takes is your vision and creativity to bring your still life alive.
Pay attention to the proportion of your subject matter. If using more than one object, there should be some that are similar in size, such as several pieces of fruit. Sometimes it is interesting to select objects that repeat a shape throughout the composition. The round shape of a orange might repeat the round shape of a serving plate. A larger, more substantial piece is necessary to give the photograph a good anchor. For example, a coffee pot composed with a textured basket turned on its side could be used add visual interest. Be sure to include smooth textured items along with rough ones. The larger object will give the photograph its stability and provide nice place for the viewers eye to rest. They could be placed off center or slightly off center position in your arrangement.
Begin to arrange your subject matter as you choose it. One choice is to set up your still life in a classical balanced composition. A classic traditional composition is based on the geometric shape of a triangle. Look closely at some of the wonderful still life paintings by Master artists that have remained popular throughout history. They are arranged with the summit peak of the triangle at the top. Put the larger, taller object in the center, or slightly off-center of your composition. Objects on the edges of your still life act as both the bottom corners of the triangle and the anticlimax to your focal point.
Think about the colors of the objects. Do they harmonize? If not, add, replace, or remove one or more of the objects. If you are sure about the colors take look at a color wheel. The opposite portions of a color wheel are colors that harmonize.
The harmonizing colors and use of proper lighting that moves around each object supplies motion to your photograph. As you are arranging your subject matters, think about the viewer’s eye movement. Where is your light source and how does it enhance your set up? Stand back and look at your arrangement. Proper lighting that plays on your objects will affect each one in varying levels of intensity. Don't forget that the use of shadows can also add an emotional path to follow.
Inanimate Still Life Photography
Still Life photography is sometimes described as being not interesting, boring, with no movement, well just plain 'still'. However, a beautifully portrayed and photographed still life is rather pleasing to view due to its overall balanced composition of light, color and texture.
In general, the definition for Still Life is described as a method of studio or outdoor photography, where the subject matter is composed of inanimate objects that are pre-arranged to be photographed, making full use of form, shape and lighting." The key here is "arranged," "inanimate" and "lighting."
An inanimate object is a material thing. Attention, feeling, thought, or action is directed towards it when composed in a photograph. It is usually conceived as subhuman, unreflective, and passive. Common still life subjects include food, flowers, books, clothing, containers or vessels. Also, advertising product photography, such as furniture, beverage, or jewelry, is considered still life photography. There are endless possibilities of subject matter.
What inanimate object should be selected for the photograph? The answer to that question could be 'anything'. You can photograph a torn and tattered newspaper. If it is arranged and represented well, it will be a fabulous photograph that you can be proud of displaying. You should pay close attention to the shapes, the color, and the texture of the object(s) that you decide to capture with your camera. If a long stem rose catches your eye, and you want to shoot a photo of it, then choose a composition that will accommodate its long length. If it is too tall for your composition then pass it by, but keep it in mind for a future photograph. All it takes is your vision and creativity to bring your still life alive.
Pay attention to the proportion of your subject matter. If using more than one object, there should be some that are similar in size, such as several pieces of fruit. Sometimes it is interesting to select objects that repeat a shape throughout the composition. The round shape of a orange might repeat the round shape of a serving plate. A larger, more substantial piece is necessary to give the photograph a good anchor. For example, a coffee pot composed with a textured basket turned on its side could be used add visual interest. Be sure to include smooth textured items along with rough ones. The larger object will give the photograph its stability and provide nice place for the viewers eye to rest. They could be placed off center or slightly off center position in your arrangement.
Begin to arrange your subject matter as you choose it. One choice is to set up your still life in a classical balanced composition. A classic traditional composition is based on the geometric shape of a triangle. Look closely at some of the wonderful still life paintings by Master artists that have remained popular throughout history. They are arranged with the summit peak of the triangle at the top. Put the larger, taller object in the center, or slightly off-center of your composition. Objects on the edges of your still life act as both the bottom corners of the triangle and the anticlimax to your focal point.
Think about the colors of the objects. Do they harmonize? If not, add, replace, or remove one or more of the objects. If you are sure about the colors take look at a color wheel. The opposite portions of a color wheel are colors that harmonize.
The harmonizing colors and use of proper lighting that moves around each object supplies motion to your photograph. As you are arranging your subject matters, think about the viewer’s eye movement. Where is your light source and how does it enhance your set up? Stand back and look at your arrangement. Proper lighting that plays on your objects will affect each one in varying levels of intensity. Don't forget that the use of shadows can also add an emotional path to follow.