STILL LIFE
Still life photography is the art of photographing inanimate objects and arranging them intentionally within the frame. But a still life is about much more than simply photographing a collection of things. The objects we choose, how we arrange them, and the way we light them can all communicate meaning, emotion, and story.
Look at the classics for inspiration. Traditional still life paintings often used flowers, fruit, books, glassware, food, and everyday objects, with each item carefully chosen for its symbolism. A wilting flower might suggest the passage of time, while a skull could represent mortality. Objects can speak to wealth, beauty, knowledge, celebration, loss, or even the simple pleasures of everyday life.
But don't feel that you need to recreate a traditional still life. Take what you learn from the masters and give it your own modern interpretation. Experiment with unexpected objects, contemporary subjects, unusual compositions, colour, lighting, reflections, or even digital techniques. Think about how ordinary objects can tell a story when placed together in a thoughtful and unexpected way.
Most importantly, don't simply arrange beautiful objects and photograph them. Ask yourself why each object belongs in the frame and what it contributes to the story. Create a still life that makes us pause, look closer, and perhaps discover a meaning that isn't immediately obvious.
Image by Kat Lovasi