How To Light a Still Life
- April 18, 2008
- 3,137 Views
Writer
photopro
Music
Edison Music Corp
Voice Over Artist
Liv Rooth
Objects don’t move, are easy to set up, and with a little creativity you can really get some interestingly beautiful shots.
You Will Need
- A camera
- An arrangement of objects or still life
- Work or studio space
- 1 to 2 lights
- Soft box
- And a backdrop or natural environment
Step 1: Arrange set & still life
Begin to arrange the set and still life.
Step 2: Mount camera on tripod
Mount your camera on the tripod.
Step 3: Arrange backdrop
If you’re using a backdrop, arrange the backdrop behind the arrangement at a minimum of 6 feet away from the subject.
Your still lifes can take on life of their own and really “pop” off the page just by keeping your backgrounds simple and clean.
Step 4: Position lights
Position one light — with a soft box mounted onto it — at the same height as the subject, and at 90º angles from the camera and subject. This will create a dramatic soft light.
Step 5: Select your film, aperture, and shutter speed
Select film, aperture and shutter speed that are appropriate for your lighting conditions.
Make sure not to select a shutter speed that is too fast for your camera’s optimal sync speed.
Step 6: Focus
Focus on your subject.
Step 7: Compose your shot
Compose your shot.
Step 8: Shoot away
Take as many shots as you can, each time varying your composition slightly.
Georgia O’Keefe, who is known for her still life paintings of flowers, was married to the famed photographer Alfred Stieglitz.
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Comments (1)
Very interesting and very helpful! Appreciated the tips on shooting still life photographs.
over 2 years ago by deltenney
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