Still Life Photography Practice Assignment - Free Lesson

Still Life Photography

Still life photography is a captivating genre that transforms ordinary objects into stunning visual narratives. By controlling composition, lighting, and mood, photographers can create art that evokes emotion and tells a story through careful arrangement and presentation of items.

Learning Objectives

  • Understand the principles of composition in still life photography.
  • Learn how to manipulate lighting to enhance textures and moods.
  • Master the use of camera settings to achieve desired effects in still life images.

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Before You Shoot

  • Select a theme or concept for your still life arrangement.
  • Gather three to five related objects that complement each other.
  • Choose a suitable background that enhances the visual appeal of your objects.
  • Set up your shooting area with adequate space and lighting.
  • Prepare your camera and check that it is fully charged with an empty memory card.

The Assignment

Technical Focus

  • Use a tripod to stabilize your camera and avoid motion blur; set your aperture to f/8, shutter speed to 1/60s, ISO 100 in manual mode.
  • Experiment with different focal lengths; try using a 50mm lens at f/4, 1/125s, ISO 200 to create a pleasing depth of field.
  • Adjust white balance to match your light source; set it to 'Daylight' for natural light or 'Tungsten' for indoor lighting.
  • Use spot metering to ensure proper exposure on the subject; set your camera to aperture priority mode at f/5.6, 1/80s, ISO 400.
  • Take test shots and adjust exposure compensation to +1 or -1 as necessary to avoid clipping highlights or shadows.

Creative Focus

  • Incorporate the rule of thirds to create dynamic compositions in your still life images.
  • Experiment with layering textures and varying heights to add depth to your arrangement.
  • Use negative space intentionally to draw attention to your main subject.
  • Explore different angles and perspectives to find the most compelling view of your still life.
  • Utilize props or additional elements to tell a story or enhance the theme of your arrangement.

Assignment Tasks

  1. Arrange a group of three to five related objects on a tabletop; shoot at f/8, 1/60s, ISO 100 in manual mode to achieve sharp focus and depth.
  2. Create a still life scene using natural light from a window; set your camera to f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 200, and use a reflector to bounce light onto the objects.
  3. Experiment with different artificial light sources, positioning a softbox at 45°; shoot at f/4, 1/80s, ISO 400 in manual mode to create dramatic shadows.
  4. Incorporate a white bounce card to fill in shadows; set your camera to f/8, 1/60s, ISO 100 in aperture priority mode while adjusting the card's position.
  5. Take a series of photos from slightly different angles; use f/5.6, 1/125s, ISO 200 to maintain consistent exposure and focus.
  6. Create a monochromatic still life arrangement using objects of similar color; shoot at f/11, 1/30s, ISO 100 in manual mode to enhance texture details.

💡 Stretch Tasks

  • Develop a themed still life series focusing on a specific color palette; ensure consistent lighting and shoot at f/8, 1/60s, ISO 100.
  • Collaborate with another photographer to create contrasting still life images; experiment with different lighting techniques and camera settings.

DO / DON'T

DO

  • ✓ Do use a tripod for stability and consistency in your shots.
  • ✓ Do test different camera settings to find what works best for your specific scene.
  • ✓ Do pay attention to the arrangement of objects and their relationship to one another.
  • ✓ Do keep your background simple to avoid distractions from the main subject.
  • ✓ Do review your images regularly to assess composition and exposure.

DON'T

  • ✗ Don't overcrowd your composition with too many objects.
  • ✗ Don't ignore the importance of lighting; it can make or break your still life image.
  • ✗ Don't forget to clean your objects to avoid dust and fingerprints.
  • ✗ Don't use mixed lighting sources without adjusting your white balance.
  • ✗ Don't rush the setup; take your time to arrange and style your still life effectively.

Reflection Questions

  • What emotions did you aim to evoke through your still life arrangement?
  • How did the choice of lighting affect the mood of your photographs?
  • What challenges did you face while arranging your still life, and how did you overcome them?
  • In what ways did your camera settings influence the final outcome of your images?

📚 Related Reading

Before you start, read these related blog posts to deepen your understanding:

For Foundation Plus members: Submit 3 images from this assignment for personalised feedback in your next Zoom session. You should upload to the shared Dropbox folder - link provided by Alan when you joined Foundation Plus.

Alan RangerGenre-Specific