Still life is the study of an inanimate object…takes you right back to 6th grade art class! However, still life images are not restricted to painting and drawing – many of us take still life photos every day without actually realizing that we are taking a “still life”. When you really think about it, you may realize just how many still life’s you’ve taken over the years. In the traditional sense a still life is often thought of as a bowl of fruit, a vase of flowers, or an arrangement of related (or non-related) objects. But ultimately any type of objects that you set up or create as a scene can be a still life; they don’t necessarily need to be flowers or fruit. The key to creating a good still life is thinking about the object in terms of setting the scene. 

<a title="Still-life at Historic 1930s Wray Home, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/nancyvioletavelez/5920747068/" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="550" height="365" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/stilllife1.jpg"]</a>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Still-life at Historic 1930s Wray Home</em>
Photo by Nancy Violeta Velez<p>&nbsp;</p>

When you think about your object in the same terms that you would as a normal “subject” such as a personal or an animal, you begin to see the photograph in the same way you would any other. And just like any other photograph you need good light (as well as a willing subject), so you’re well on your way. 

Further to that, here are a few practical tips for shooting still life images. 

<h4>Arranging and Composition:</h4> 
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<li>Arrange your object(s) in a pleasing way. If you’re using fruit, use a bowl that compliments the color of the fruit. </li>
<li>If you are grouping several items together, try to use bunches of 3 or 5. Even though they are technically “odd” numbers, they provide a more balanced feel to the final image. </li>
<li>Try to arrange your object so that the light hits it in a pleasing way, the most natural light may be from the side. Check for harsh shadows falling over your objects and adjust your scene accordingly.</li>
<li>You’ve actually got a lot of options when it comes to composition and still life is a good time to play around with breaking the “traditional” composition rules. Experiment! Still life objects often look nice as the sole central point of an image…hurrah!</li>
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<a title="Still life in a Penfolds Bottle, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monkeyc/91333256/" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="550" height="418" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/stilllife2.jpg"]</a>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Still Life in a Penfold's Bottle</em>
Photo by Monkeyc.net<p>&nbsp;</p>

<h4>Shooting:</h4>
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<ul>
<li>We suggest you start with aperture priority mode, which will give you the ability to change the depth of field and create a sense of space in your image.</li>
<li>Make sure there is enough light – either shoot near a window or a natural light source, or use a bounce flash. </li>
<li>Set up your camera’s white balance. Depending on your shooting conditions you may be able to use a white balance preset, or try setting your white balance to custom and shooting a piece of white paper as a reference point for your camera. </li>
<li>Take the time you need to analyse your photos, if you have the ability to tether your camera to your laptop or computer you will see your photos in a whole new light! If you see something you don’t like…change it and shoot it again (that’s the beauty of having a patient subject)!</li>
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<h4>Post Production:</h4> 
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<li>Play with the white balance, curves, levels and contrast to enhance your image.</li>
<li>Try out some post-processing effects. Adding a vignette to a still life’s is often a nice way to add a bit more depth.</li>
<li>Why not try your image in black & white? Or split-tone? The options are literally endless…</li>
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So next time you see a beautiful vase of flowers, start thinking of it in terms of how you can arrange it to be your next still life subject! 

<a title="Still life in a Penfolds Bottle, on Flickr" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/monkeyc/91333256/" target="_blank">[imageeffect type="frame" align="aligncenter" width="550" height="418" alt="" url="http://thebeginnerslens.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/11/stilllife3.jpg"]</a>
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<p style="text-align: center;"><em>Still Life in a Penfold's Bottle</em>
Photo by Monkeyc.net<p>&nbsp;</p>
