Tips for photographing still life’s for beginners

There is no one type of pictures that would be so old as shooting still life’s. When only began to appear the first cameras for snapshots required very long exposure time, so static things were ideal subjects. However, despite the excitement of technology development of still life’s, left and they are still considered the most striking views of photographic art.

Among other things, shooting still life’s can be a lucrative business, as magazines, catalogues, art galleries and websites are always in need of product photos. There are many benefits of working with this area, which is often underestimated. I hope that after reading this tutorial, you will see its capacity for creativity and try to take some pictures of yourself!

Don't rush from the outset

Contrary to frequent prejudice, you don't need a Studio or beautiful terrain to start work with still lifes. You can start by simply using free space at home, for example, put a table at the window, find the hole and install a couple of lamps.

This field is significantly different from the landscape or portraiture, where you have the subject, say, a stunning mountain landscape, or model. They have a lot of variables, but the creative content depends on the photographer.

When photographing still life’s far fewer variables. You have full control over the situation, including the subject, but you need very creatively think to capture its interesting and attractive.

1. Select the subjects that interest you

That photograph depends entirely on you. Look at home, can you find something simple, but interesting to start with. Not necessarily to do pictures of fruit or flowers just because so doing everything. Don't limit yourself and be ambitious.

If walking, you notice something interesting, take it home (just don't steal!) or write in Notepad, so you don't forget to try out as a subject. At first, try to avoid reflective surfaces such as glass and metal, because it is very difficult to work with them in terms of lighting. After you master the skills of shooting one subject, try something new, to combine objects of different shapes, colors or textures and see what happens.

2. Set the proper lighting

Lighting should not be expensive. I know exactly what set of Studio spotlights outside my budget, so I still have to use any of the available lighting, often including even daylight.

Remember that you can completely control the snapshot, so if you want to find a room where you can block all the natural light using blinds or curtains to completely independently to illuminate the subject.

Conventional lamps when used properly, can yield excellent results. Try different variations of the lamps is not necessarily fully cover the subject of front, side and rear lighting also adds interest, shadows and depth to the picture. Alternatively, you can choose a room that is well illuminated through a window and use it to your advantage. The natural light coming from one direction, to illuminate your subject. If you want complete it lamp or reflector.

3. Buy tripod and shoot from different angles

Depending on the lighting situation might require a tripod and remote control remote shutter release. I recommend using these devices because they help to observe and work with the subject. This will also allow the use of longer shutter speed required for small aperture, from which you can properly focus.

However, don't let static mute your creativity. Very easy to forget that the camera was in the same position during the entire shoot. Remember to vary the angles and the height of the camera. Otherwise, you get a whole bunch of pictures taken with one provision without any diversity. Vary your work. Try to shoot the subject level or bird's-eye view, pointing the camera straight down. Be careful when you move so as not to obscure the light!

4. Choose the correct background

A suitable backdrop for the subject plays a key role in the success of the snapshot. Best when it is simple, neat and does not interfere with the subject. Plain painted wall or a large sheet of white/color paper is the perfect option.

Think about how your choice of background is combined with the subject. Whether you want a neutral background, or have a tone that can complement the shades of the subject. For smaller items may not need a backdrop, but instead need a surface on which they can be put. Great choice-black corduroy, as it absorbs light and looks like a uniform black surface.

5. Compose the picture

Compositional element of still life is absolutely the most important part of the uniqueness and attraction work. Think about the rule of thirds, as you can use it in your picture to get the proper composition. Make sure that the frame is not distracting objects, only the subject and the background.

Vary the composition of the subject while shooting and don't limit yourself. Where do you want to look? Do you use negative space or worthwhile to try to fill the frame? What is it used for? Can I put it in the context or the subject looks better?

6. If you want to spend a whole day at work

I often notice that the meaning that I put in a snapshot depends on the cause. If I just take pictures for fun (and don't perform someone's order), I'm not so strictly checking the exact observance of all aspects. It's a bad habit, from which I want to get rid of, but when it comes to shooting still life’s, there is no reason not to do everything absolutely correctly. You have plenty of time to work hard!

Unlike landscape shooting, light is not changing so rapidly and in contrast to portraits, your subject does not get tired to keep one position for a long time. Use this, position the subject, adjust the lighting, background and camera, make some shots, then slightly move the items and try again. If you notice that nothing turns out, leave everything as is, make a cup of tea and come back with fresh eyes.

Another advantage is you have no excuses not to do clean and sharp pictures, take your time at the proper lighting and focus. If possible, take a macro lens-it is ideal for this type of work. However, if it is not, turn the camera in the macro mode, receiving the maximum chance to capture the fine details of the subject.

7. Get inspired works of masters

If you have problems with lighting, layout or images need structuring search for inspiration and best fit original masterpieces of this genre, which for more than a year. Look for online artists-still-life masters of the Renaissance and carefully consider their work.

The study of such drawings will teach you to think about forms, shades and combinations of colors as well as give some new ideas to form the composition and get a strong, attractive picture.

8. Teach yourself notice scenes of still life’s

Now you should start to shoot yourself. Select your own schedule free day and take some time to practice. Try to position your camera and back in a fairly well-lit spot next to the window and start shooting!

After mastering the basics, start experimenting with camera angles and lighting, as well as alternative sources of lighting, such as candles or lamps. You can even play with Aperture and use f/1.8 fixed-focus, reaching artistic soft focus effect. However, if you take only one thing from this tutorial, it will sound like this: still life is not necessarily fruit and flowers! Find unique and exciting subject that you like and take a picture of it!

9. Hone skills post-processing

Working with images after the shooting should not be punishment. It should be fun!

Photoshop actions are often touted for what they help save a lot of time, but for me, their main advantage is repeatable workflow. Instead of having to carry out all the steps first, action performs the necessary work, and you just have to adjust everything by getting perfect results.

Here is an example of action from a set of Actions for post-processing food-photos from Graphic River:

10. Shooting still life’s you can earn a living

To capture life’s a huge demand, particularly at a time when photographers can easily take pictures for photo stock. After you get the result, don't be afraid to share it on the Internet! You can even try to sell their pictures in the store photo book.

Scope shooting still life’s covers a large number of subjects, and many photographers specialize in narrow areas: food, food, architecture and working with directories. These are the most popular.

Don't stop!

As the oldest of the spheres of photography, shooting still life has a rich and very varied history. There is no limit to the inspiration and knowledge, which can be obtained by simply looking at the world through the viewfinder of the camera.