Six ways to shoot… Natural-light still-life

Combine creativity and planning to get more from your static-subject shots

1 Get creative

As long as you are shooting an inanimate subject or subjects in fixed position, anything goes for still-life. So try to think beyond the traditional concept of fruit or flowers for your composition.

2 Low-cost lighting

Lighting can be anything from natural window light to expensive studio lights but even inexpensive angle-poise lights can be used to direct illumination where you want it. If you shoot raw then it’s easy to control the white balance.

3 Sweet harmony

The key to a successful still-life is in arranging your composition in an interesting way. Take your time and be prepared to move things around to create harmony in the frame.

Don’t forget the 4 background

Whether you are setting up a tabletop still-life or photographing found objects in situ, the background you are using will pay a pivotal role in the success of your image. Make sure it complements the subject itself and doesn’t distract from it.

5 Keep it simple

Simplicity is essential in a still-life. Don’t throw in too many ideas or overcomplicate the story you are trying to tell.

6 Plan ahead

Think about how you might edit your image before you’ve even taken it. Whether you want to go black-and-white, warm it up, or even add a textural quality to it in Photoshop should be something you’ve taken into consideration from the start.