Tips for Lighting Still Life photos

In creating a dynamic still life image, the photographer uses light to add depth, mood and interest. While lighting is the most important element, it is not complicated. Here are some tips and ideas to help you get the perfect still life shot every time.

If you use lighting in a directional manner, you will bring out texture. Lighting from the sides is the best way to bring out the contrast between highlights and shadows. Use this to give images greater depth and dimension.

In order to be sure that you obtain proper contrast, your lights need to be varied from one to the next. Therefore, your main needs to be the brightest, no matter what source you are using. Your secondary should simply provide the proper fill effect.

Keep the background simple! Fluffs and folds might be appropriate in some situations but are usually more of distraction than not. Just try keep the idea of 'simple and smooth' in your head when you're setting up this type of shot.

Don't be afraid to experiment with angles. When setting up the scene in your studio, you can think about the relationship of the subject to the camera and also the lights to the subject. You can give something ordinary an interesting new perspective when you change up the angles.

Think about the shape of your subject in three dimensions. That's the way we see, so images that are able to draw the viewer in or bring the subject out, are the most pleasing to the eye. Highlighting along the sides will help accomplish this.

Whether or not you shoot professionally or not, spending some time in the studio with a still life, will help you understand the way this element impacts your images.

Thanks for checking in & happy shooting,
Tom

How to get a Good Studio Up and Running

If you’re going to open a photo studio, you’re going to need some basic equipment.  Even if you don’t use it all, the appearance of a good, operational studio is important.  But you are probably going to use the equipment regardless, and if you don’t think you need something, maybe you just don’t know how to use it!  Or what it’s for.  For example, you are going to need some photo backgrounds because that way you can control the environment a whole heck of a lot more.  You’re going to want a couple different photo backdrops to use so that your clients can have an option.  Even if you have one you really like., you are probably going to encounter people who are paying you money – i.e. you have to do what they say – and will have a different aesthetic than you.  And that’s okay – your expertise should be respected, but sometimes a client will simply have something different in mind and you’ll have to accommodate.  Could be worse I suppose!  So if you have a lot of options for your clients to choose from, there’s a better chance they’re going to be happy.  If they’re happy, there’s a better chance you get a favorable review both online and in person, through word of mouth, and then you get more clients and more money and you can get the vacation home you’ve always wanted!  I get all my equipment at www.thelashop.com because they ship right to your house and have a lot of options on the site.  I hope my advice has been helpful at least in encouraging you to do things right and get a good start on your photo career.  If done right, it can be a whole heck of a lot of fun!  It’s how I make my money and I love it.


Thanks for checking in & happy shooting!