Still Life Photography Research

I borrowed this book from the library - it has some good techniques on how to light and photograph food, includes equipment required, position and covers all foods (burgers, cakes, ice cream and ice cold drinks)

Still Life Evaluation

Evaluation

Still life assignment was easier to do as I was able to set up at home and take photographs of normal household objects and flowers.  I didn't realise how difficult it was to get the lighting right but after lots of practice (which is evident in my blog) I felt I was finally getting the hang of it.

I experimented with different backgrounds to achieve different results.

Some of the shots that I would have like to do more of was to use water but I did need more equipment to achieve those particular shots i.e. more lights in different positions, an assistant to drop things in water so that I could release the shutter on time and capture the action with a fast shutter speed.

My final still life enlargement is ok but seems slightly duller as an enlargement, if I had more time I think I would probably reshoot it to change the depth of field slightly and also brighten it.

still life - cookie display

Saw this cookie display in a shop window in York- liked the way the cookies were displayed
(as well as the taste!)

Rose

Rose

More practice shots - using natural light as the only light source

My friend Galangal

trying out different compositions and lighting

The photos above are of a piece of galangal (similar to ginger) which I found in the supermarket and thought would make an interesting photo for still life.  

The top photo was taken using black background and single light source, where as the bottom photo was taken using a white background and natural daylight and the object is surrounded by black eye beans and curry leaves - the perfect dish!

its an artificial bugs life

thinking about new ideas, composition

practice shots

more practice shots at home - slightly under-exposed with the lighting not quite right

The lighting is better in this photograph - making the fruit look more tempting

water droplets

Water droplets catching the light and dropping - used faster shutter speed to capture this, lighting still needed adjusting but its so difficult doing everything single handedly

New hasselblad with tilt and shift facility set up for still life photography

first studio shoot

First studio shoot - personal things that belong to me and say something about me, probably meaningless to anyone else.

I used a black background but used a blue scarf (dupatta) draped in the background to create more colour in the photo and my anklets on a pair of sandals.  I used a single light to emphasise the anklets.

In this shot a second light was used to light up the scarf from behind, slightly more difficult to work with as the fabric was net.

Henna Plates

Henna Plates - with tea lights

From my own collection of photographs

Flowers

I like the way the flowers have been arranged - from my own collection of photographs

Flowers scattered in a box - the colour and the position of these flowers help emphasise the the different shades and tones, creating slight shadows

From my own collection of photographs

still life

The funny side to still life!
from my own photographs

still life - cultural touch

From my own collection of photographs

nature morte - still life

This photograph is from my own collection of photographs and is a typical example of nature morte -
The background in this photograph is similar to the ones used in 'inspired by Carvaggio collection' adding more texture and feel to the photograph

Selection of photographs from: Caravaggio in the Kitchen.

http://www.richskitchen.com/inspired-by-caravaggio/

Photographs by Renato Marcialis, Italian Food Photographer inspired by Carvaggio

I like the way that soft lighting has been used in these photographs and also the natural background which gives adds more texture to the photos