Still life is considered one of the simplest genres of photography, but it also has its own secrets. The ability to see the unusual in the ordinary is the hallmark of a true artist. Sometimes a couple of pumpkins or amber beads thrown on a white tablecloth can tell a more entertaining story than a portrait or panoramic city view.
It is necessary
- - camera;
- - tripod;
- - a set of items;
- - several light sources;
- - translucent umbrella;
- - a piece of fabric or a wide sheet of paper.
Instructions
Step 1
Select the still life subjects you want to photograph. Traditionally, fruits, berries, dishes of various shapes, napkins, cutlery, common household items or exotic souvenirs brought from travel are used. But no matter how versatile these things are, they should be connected by one theme, mood or color. Keep in mind that objects, like people, are more or less photogenic. Sometimes a ball glued from nylon threads will look more advantageous than a beautifully painted flat plate.
Step 2
Get the right background. Use a piece of cloth or a wide piece of paper to avoid a horizontal line dividing the frame in two when the items are on the table. Drape fabric is a special art. Successfully laid folds will only decorate the still life, while unnecessary creases can ruin the composition. Do not make the background too active. It should set off plot-significant objects located in the foreground, and not distract attention from them.
Step 3
Install lighting. The amount of light and the placement of its sources is directly related to the creative challenge. The more dark places in the picture, the more mysterious the still life will look, causing, at the same time, a feeling of anxiety. The abundance of light will bring a cheerful, optimistic note. It is very important to decide where the light will come from. To accentuate the texture of glass bottles, vases or glasses, side or back lighting is suitable. If light comes from the front, unwanted reflections may appear. To evenly illuminate all objects, you need multiple light sources. Directed artificial light may be too harsh. Use a translucent umbrella to soften it.
Step 4
Find the optimal shooting point. Don't take photos in too tight spaces. You should be able to experiment with camera placement to find an interesting angle. Lock the camera. Tripod still life photography looks preferable because it allows you to change the composition of objects, observing them through the viewfinder and without moving the camera. In addition, fixation will allow you to use high sensitivity film, which will provide a subtle transfer of the texture of objects.
