Objects and settings around the home, or in the immediate environment can serve as excellent material for the still life photographer. It's a myth that one needs elaborate equipment or an exotic setting to create great photographs. A simple room, lit by daylight, a fascinating object, an interesting surface - these can all be used to create engaging and original photographic art. The following five tips will help you create great photos with simple settings and simple subjects.
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.
Use the ordinary and everyday to trip the light fantastic. You do not need expensive and elaborate light set-ups to create original shots. Household lights that are used with imagination can help create superb effects. Likewise natural light. There is much you can do with the quality of light that appears at different times of the day. You can also make imaginative use of barriers like curtains to achieve the look and mood you want.
Height, position, and angle: there is literally an unlimited range of effects that can be created by experimenting with these elements. A subject shot from one height/position/angle/point of view can look dramatically different if done from another. It's easy to forget just how much can be done by making very simple changes with these elements. So always remember to experiment - a simple change may be all that is needed to get the result you're looking for.
Your backdrop: keep it simple. You certainly don't need an elaborate backdrop for this kind of photo. A simple, neutral colored backdrop will form a perfect setting for your subject in most cases. That said, you may want to experiment with colors and textures to create an interesting contrast with your subject matter. Don't loose sight of the fact that your subject is the star of the piece, so to speak, and that it should not be outshone by it's setting.
When it comes to composing your shot, aim to keep it simple. Think about your subject, its defining characteristics, and how you want to use the space around it. It's often best to fill the frame with the subject and keep negative space to a minimum. Leave out anything in the scene that is distracting or irrelevant. Also strive for balance: make sure there's nothing in the scene that will draw the viewer's eye one way or the other (unless that's what you intend).
It's a big advantage for the still life photographer that one has more scope to achieve the results one is looking for. Static object do not get bored or tired, and they don't complain! This kind of photography allows the artist to get things exactly as desired, and for him or her to take as much time as needed.
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.
Use the ordinary and everyday to trip the light fantastic. You do not need expensive and elaborate light set-ups to create original shots. Household lights that are used with imagination can help create superb effects. Likewise natural light. There is much you can do with the quality of light that appears at different times of the day. You can also make imaginative use of barriers like curtains to achieve the look and mood you want.
Height, position, and angle: there is literally an unlimited range of effects that can be created by experimenting with these elements. A subject shot from one height/position/angle/point of view can look dramatically different if done from another. It's easy to forget just how much can be done by making very simple changes with these elements. So always remember to experiment - a simple change may be all that is needed to get the result you're looking for.
Your backdrop: keep it simple. You certainly don't need an elaborate backdrop for this kind of photo. A simple, neutral colored backdrop will form a perfect setting for your subject in most cases. That said, you may want to experiment with colors and textures to create an interesting contrast with your subject matter. Don't loose sight of the fact that your subject is the star of the piece, so to speak, and that it should not be outshone by it's setting.
When it comes to composing your shot, aim to keep it simple. Think about your subject, its defining characteristics, and how you want to use the space around it. It's often best to fill the frame with the subject and keep negative space to a minimum. Leave out anything in the scene that is distracting or irrelevant. Also strive for balance: make sure there's nothing in the scene that will draw the viewer's eye one way or the other (unless that's what you intend).
It's a big advantage for the still life photographer that one has more scope to achieve the results one is looking for. Static object do not get bored or tired, and they don't complain! This kind of photography allows the artist to get things exactly as desired, and for him or her to take as much time as needed.
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If you would like to see the work of an excellent still life photographer click www.brianeverettmiller.com. Come view the portfolio of Brian Everett Miller at http://www.brianeverettmiller.com today.
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