Shooting still life doesn’t mean the images have to be dull. You can add life and a sense of whimsy to your still lifes with a little creativity. Once again, COOPH delivers the creative goods in this video about shooting awesome still life photography with a few household items and some imagination:
1. Plan Your Concept
Sketch what you’re visualizing before you start. This is a great way to plan your concept. Then you can position everything perfectly when setting up.
2. Build Simple Setups
Find material, like solid color bed sheets, you have at home to create plain backdrops. Or buy inexpensive materials, like plain white acrylic sheeting. Use available light; so if you can, try to shoot near a window with lots of natural light coming in.
3. Play with Light
Use whatever lighting sources you have available. For example, you can use a desk lamp to light your subject from behind or below.
4. Shoot Reflections
Photograph against a black tile or shiny acrylic sheet—anything with a reflective surface.
5. Think Abstract
Get creative here! Think outside the box. Anything goes, it’s just a matter of imagination.
“Make the ordinary extraordinary.”
6. Enhance Your Props
Make your props come alive. If you’re shooting a beverage, spray the glass or bottle with water to give it a cool, refreshing feeling. Or add steam by simply setting a heated kettle next to the frame.
7. Capture a Message
Use props, draw pictures, find ways to capture a message or tell a story.
Do you have any fun, creative ways to shoot still life? Share your ideas and tricks below. Inspire others!
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