Instructions
- Step 1: Arrange set & still life Begin to arrange the set and still life.
- Step 2: Mount camera on tripod Mount your camera on the tripod.
- Step 3: Arrange backdrop If you’re using a backdrop, arrange the backdrop behind the arrangement at a minimum of 6 feet away from the subject.
- TIP: Your still lifes can take on life of their own and really ‘pop’ off the page just by keeping your backgrounds simple and clean.
- Step 4: Position lights Position one light — with a soft box mounted onto it — at the same height as the subject, and at 90º angles from the camera and subject. This will create a dramatic soft light.
- Step 5: Select your film, aperture, and shutter speed Select film, aperture and shutter speed that are appropriate for your lighting conditions.
- TIP: Make sure not to select a shutter speed that is too fast for your camera’s optimal sync speed.
- Step 6: Focus Focus on your subject.
- Step 7: Compose your shot Compose your shot.
- Step 8: Shoot away Take as many shots as you can, each time varying your composition slightly.
- FACT: Georgia O’Keefe, who is known for her still life paintings of flowers, was married to the famed photographer Alfred Stieglitz.
You Will Need
- A camera
- An arrangement of objects or still life
- Work or studio space
- 1 to 2 lights
- Soft box
- And a backdrop or natural environment
