Still Life: Decisions for Your Shot
Still photography is a curious field of photography. Because still can be both simple and complex, natural or created, it lends itself to great diversity. Deciding which approach you will take is sometimes the most difficult part of the process!
If you happen to be starting out in still, then a general rule of thumb will be to keep things as simple as possible, at least until you feel comfortable with all of the elements. From perspective to depth of field to lighting and even composition, you\’ll find that keeping your scene to one, two, or three subjects will be more than enough to experiment with! Once confident, you can then easily transition to some of the more complex scenes.
Keep in mind that the more you add to your scene at the beginning, the more difficult it will be to keep your lighting on target. To remedy this, consider placing a reflector on the dimly lit side of your scene. The more complex your scene, the more attention to lighting will be required.
Natural Still
If you\’re planning to shoot natural scenes, prepare for what you will encounter in nature. Preparing for a hunting trip is much the same as preparing for shooting natural scenes. It may be quite some time before the perfect shot is in place, so be sure to have the equipment, supplies, and physical endurance you\’ll need for your trip.
Some of your equipment will include items that will help you keep control of your scene. While a tripod is an excellent tool for stabilizing your shot, the drawback is carrying it around until you have found your spot in nature. Still, other options might include miniature tripods that will carry easily and still provide you with the stability you need.
For materials, be sure that you have adequate water, food, and clothing that is appropriate for the weather. Not bringing the proper amount of any of these will cause your trip to be a long one! Consult the weather forecast and plan accordingly before venturing out for the day.
Not only will preparation for natural pictures be a challenge, but also the quality can be a challenge. Good quality still life pictures can be even more challenging to photograph than those that you coordinate. That\’s because they are often close up, so it\’s easy to spot imperfections like a blemish on a leaf, fruit, or animal that would usually pass unnoticed. Pay special attention to detail of natural still photography is your passion.
Still Life: Other Tips to Consider
For the best results with still photography, consider holding the camera, not from your own height, but instead from the height of your subject. For variety, you can also capture the same scene from different angles to give your audience unique perspectives. From a handful of photos, you may soon find that the art of photography has really just become an adventure in creativity!
For those who might not have the chance to get close enough to your subject, think about the possibilities when it comes to framing. This might be just the method for removing empty space while allowing you to photograph your subject in their natural setting. With these simple tips in mind, you can go out into the world of still photography prepared for the challenges this exciting field brings!
For more detail on photography and what can be done with the right equipment, see what other photographers are doing and what they\’re learning in this field.
Possibilities of Still Photography
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