Still life photography is a genre of photography that involves capturing images of inanimate (still) objects, typically arranged in a pleasing composition. The objects could be everyday items such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, and household items. Unusual things like old books, vintage cameras, or antique furniture also work well. The aim is to create an aesthetically pleasing image that draws the viewer’s eye and holds their attention. Photographers often use lighting, composition, and depth of field to create a sense of mood or emotion in their images.

History

Still life painting and photography have been around for centuries, with roots dating back to ancient Greece and Rome. However, the genre began to take shape during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance in Europe. During the Middle Ages, still life paintings were primarily used for religious purposes. These depicted objects, such as fruits, flowers, and vessels, representing the Eucharist or other religious themes. In the 16th century, still life painting emerged as a separate genre, with artists creating compositions of everyday objects such as food, flowers, and household items.

During the 17th century, still life painting reached new heights of popularity, with artists creating highly detailed and realistic compositions of food, flowers, and household items. This period is often considered the golden age of still life painting, with artists such as Pieter Claesz, Willem Kalf, and Rachel Ruysch becoming well-known for their still life compositions.

In the 19th and 20th centuries, still life painting began to evolve, with artists experimenting with new styles and techniques. For example, impressionist artists such as Claude Monet and Pierre-Auguste Renoir created still life paintings that focused on capturing the essence of light and colour. In contrast, modernist artists such as Pablo Picasso and Georges Braque experimented with abstract forms and shapes.

In the 20th century, still life photography emerged as a popular genre. Photographers such as Edward Weston, Imogen Cunningham, and Irving Penn created stunning compositions of everyday objects. Today, still life photography continues to be a popular and vibrant genre.

Subjects

A wide variety of subjects can make for interesting still life photography. Some examples are:

• Flowers and plants: Fresh or dried flowers, potted plants, succulents, and other botanicals can make beautiful and visually appealing compositions.

• Food and drink: Fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, wine bottles, and coffee mugs. These and other culinary items can be arranged artistically to create mouth-watering images.

• Household items: Antique cameras, old books, vintage telephones, and other household items arranged creatively to create visually intriguing still life images.

• Personal items: Sentimental objects such as jewellery, souvenirs, and keepsakes. These items capture their sentimental value and tell a story.

• Natural objects: Rocks, shells, feathers, bird nests, seed pods. All create a sense of calmness and serenity.

Flowers in Still Life

Vases and containers: Choose vases and containers that complement the colours and shapes of the flowers you are shooting. You can use clear glass vases to create a minimalist look. Alternatively, choose more colourful or patterned containers to add visual interest.

Textiles: Consider using fabrics or textiles as a backdrop for the flowers. You can choose a simple white or black background or go for something more colourful or patterned to create a more dynamic composition.

Natural props, such as branches, leaves, or rocks, can add context and make the flowers look more natural. You can also add water droplets to the flowers to create a more organic look.

Lighting props: Using lighting props such as reflectors or diffusers can help control the lighting and create the desired mood for your shot. You can use these props to create soft, diffused lighting or to add dramatic shadows to the flowers.

Other decorative props: Consider using props such as candles, books, or decorative objects to enhance the overall composition and add visual interest.

Remember, the key is to use props that enhance the flowers and create a visually appealing composition. Keep the focus on the flowers while using props to add context and interest to the shot.

Food in Still Life

Plates and bowls: Choose plates and bowls that complement the colours and textures of the food you are shooting. You can use white or neutral-coloured dishes to make the food stand out or use more colourful and patterned plates to add visual interest.

Utensils: Including utensils such as forks, spoons, and knives in the shot can create a sense of context and a more natural look. You can also use props such as cutting boards, rolling pins, or whisks to enhance the composition.

Linens and textiles: Tablecloths, napkins, and other textiles can add texture and visual interest to the shot. Choose fabrics that complement the colours and textures of the food. Alternatively, go for a more contrasting look for added drama.

Backgrounds: Consider using backgrounds that enhance the colours and textures of the food, such as wooden boards, marble countertops, or colourful tiles. You can also use textured paper or fabric as a backdrop to create a more cohesive composition. One background set I bought came from Amazon, and I love it. You get two double-sided foam core boards with brackets to stand them up. One panel has a different concrete look on either side, and the other has two different woodgrains.

Garnishes: Adding herbs, spices, or fresh fruit can add visual interest to the shot and make the food look more appetising.

Natural Objects in Still Life

Natural backgrounds: Consider using natural settings such as fields, forests, or beaches as a backdrop for the objects. You can also use raw materials such as rocks, sand, or moss to create a more textured and interesting background.

Other natural objects: Consider using flowers, leaves, or branches to create a more natural and interesting composition. You don’t have to have fresh flowers all the time. Good quality silk plants work, too (like the ivy in the blue jug above). You can also use water droplets, dew, or frost to add texture and interest to the objects.

Background props: Consider using other objects or props to create a background or context for your shooting objects. For example, if you are shooting a bird’s nest, you could use feathers or twigs as a background.

Other decorative props: Consider using candles, books, or other natural objects. These enhance the overall composition and add visual interest.

Making your own backgrounds

There are many different ways to make your backgrounds for still life photography. This depends on the look and feel that you want to achieve. Consider the colours of your objects. The background should help make them stand out. I find working with a solid colour is best.

Use fabric or paper backdrops: You can easily create backdrops using fabrics or papers with different textures and colours. For example, you could use a plain white sheet as a backdrop for a minimalist look. Conversely, a colourful piece of fabric adds visual interest to the shot. You can also use patterned or textured papers, such as scrapbook paper, to create a unique look. For example, woodgrain wallpaper will give the look of a timber tabletop without storing multiple tables.

Create your textured backgrounds: Using wood planks, textured wallpaper, or even concrete slabs, you can create textured backgrounds. Self-adhesive tiles from eBay make great backgrounds; attach them to your chosen boards. I previously did a post on DYI backgrounds here. Foam core board, MDF and Plywood all work great as a base. Then, paint or cover them with your desired texture or colour to create a backdrop that fits your vision.

Where to source your props

My two primary resources are around my own home or op shops. The kitchen cupboards yield a feast of plates, bowls, and jugs: my linen cupboard – tablecloths, tea towels, and even white sheets for backdrops. I look for old silver or wooden spoons, jugs, herb jars, trays, crockery, vases and glassware in op shops. One of my favourite objects is an old rusted kitchen scale I picked up on eBay relatively cheaply.

still life photography scene ideas

1. Food: Arrange fruits, vegetables, and other food items and capture their textures, colours, and shapes. Experiment with lighting, shadows, and backgrounds to create a dramatic effect.
2. Flowers: Choose a beautiful bouquet and capture them from different angles, emphasising their shapes, colours, and textures. You can also play with depth of field, blurring the background and adding props such as vases, ribbons, or books.
3. Objects: Select a collection of vintage or everyday objects, such as books, glasses, keys, or toys. Use a plain or textured background, and experiment with angles, lighting, and shadows.
4. Art supplies: Gather pencils, paintbrushes, paints, and other art supplies and create a creative scene. Try adding some blank paper or canvas to stage the scene, emphasising the idea of creativity and inspiration.
5. Musical instruments: If you can access them, try capturing their textures, shapes, and colours. Experiment with lighting, shadows, and reflections, emphasising the idea of rhythm and harmony.
6. Household objects: Use everyday household objects such as glasses, mugs, plates, or utensils. Experiment with angles, lighting, and reflections, and add some complementary items such as flowers or fruits.
7. Natural elements: Capture the beauty of natural elements such as rocks, shells, leaves, or branches. Use close-up shots, emphasising the textures, colours, and shapes.
8. Vintage items: If you can access vintage items such as cameras, typewriters, or telephones, use them to capture their beauty and nostalgia. Use a plain or textured background, and experiment with angles, lighting, and shadows.

Camera Settings

The camera settings for still life photography vary depending on your equipment and lighting conditions. However, here are some general settings that can work well for still life photography:

Aperture: Use a smaller aperture (higher f-number) to create a wider depth of field to keep the entire subject in focus. This is especially important when photographing multiple objects in a single frame.

ISO: Use the lowest ISO possible to reduce noise and maintain image quality. This can help create a sharper image and minimise graininess.

Shutter speed: Use a tripod and a slower shutter speed. This allows more light into the camera and captures more detail in the still life. This is especially important when shooting in low-light conditions.

White balance: Adjust your white balance to ensure that the colours in your image are accurate and natural. You can do this manually or use a white balance preset based on the lighting conditions.

Focus: Use manual or autofocus to ensure the subject is sharp and focused. Pay attention to the depth of field and adjust your focus point accordingly.

Remember, these settings are just a starting point. You may still need to adjust them depending on the lighting and subject you are working with. Experiment with different settings and take test shots to find the best combination for your still life photography.

A Final word

Still life photography is a fascinating and versatile genre that offers photographers endless possibilities for creativity and expression. Whether capturing everyday objects or carefully composed arrangements, still life photography invites us to look at the world around us in a new way and appreciate the beauty in the mundane.

With the correct technique and a keen eye for detail, anyone can create striking and memorable still life images that capture the essence of their subject matter. Whether you’re a professional photographer or an enthusiastic hobbyist, still life photography is a rewarding and engaging pursuit that offers endless opportunities for growth and discovery.