Saturday, June 7th, 2008
s t i l l
cat table bowl
A current goal of mine is to learn more about my camera(s) and to experiment with taking still life shots. I would like to try taking some different types of photos of my clothing as well -less documentation like and more natural. I love this type of photo that Maria takes. I think it’s nice to have both together to describe each piece.
What I have found so far is that taking still life images is hard! At least for me. Right now I’m trying to figure out why it seems so hard and I think the main reason is that in posing objects I have a hard time figuring out what to include in the image to make it feel natural.
In experimenting I realized that seeing the image on the screen of the camera as opposed to seeing it with my eye up to the viewfinder makes it easier for me to frame. I just move the camera around until I get it framed just right. It makes me think of drawing class long ago, when the instructor gave us empty slide carriers to hold up to frame the image we wanted to draw. That means using my canon powershot instead of the D40 but I think I will try this for awhile.
So in the interest of learning I’m going to dedicate next week to taking still life photographs. You can join me here if you would like. I would love to see your photos. I’m going to focus on light (and absence of light) as well as emulating particular photographers and photographs I admire. It would be great to have a critical discussion and dialog about the photos.
added: I was just thinking….technically this photo isn’t still. Fritz jumped up just as I was snapping it. But I like it.
on Saturday, June 7th, 2008 at 12:03 pm:
Looking forward to seeing more of your still-life collection. Are you going to start a flickr group as well?
-K
on Saturday, June 7th, 2008 at 12:14 pm:
That’s a beautiful photograph.
It’s funny, I’ve had the exact opposite experience with composition when it comes to using a viewfinder vs. a screen. When I use my D80 (which isn’t often — usually just for work-related things, since it’s so large), I find I take the time to really think about what’s in the frame and what settings I’m using before I shoot. I also take fewer frames, probably because my attitude towards it is very similar to a film camera (and the days of being a poor art student and not wanting waste film!). When I use my Powershot (every day, always with me), I take a whole lot of really mediocre photos, usually using the automatic setting. Sad!
on Saturday, June 7th, 2008 at 2:06 pm:
love this photo. i have had the same experience. it is easier for me to frame still life photos looking on the screen vs. the viewfinder. so interesting. maybe i’ll join you and dig out my powershot for a change. happy saturday. xo
on Saturday, June 7th, 2008 at 8:28 pm:
This photo is outstanding! I love it!!!
on Sunday, June 8th, 2008 at 5:16 am:
If this is the starting point, you will go far.
I love the moody colour and the sense of anticipation.
on Sunday, June 8th, 2008 at 3:08 pm:
I’m going to enjoy watching your pictures pop up on my flickr…I love your “moving” still above…
on Sunday, June 8th, 2008 at 11:07 pm:
Looking forward to seeing your photos this week!!
on Sunday, June 8th, 2008 at 11:14 pm:
I’m in! I got a late start tonight so I had to look hard for a shot that had any decent light. I can’t wait to see all the contributions.
I love this shot. I think Fritz adds a lot of depth.
on Monday, June 9th, 2008 at 12:00 am:
[…] photo group. But this time I’m worried I’m not up for the challenge. It’s a still life week long challenge started by Martha. Critiquing is encourage, which is great but scares me a […]
on Monday, June 9th, 2008 at 10:55 am:
Some of my best photos have been happy accidents. I love Fritz’s blurry presence. Many of my stills have been set up naturally, ie: they were in place already when I spotted them. What could be fun for me is the challenge of arranging one. I’m way more comfortable with just walking around looking for one that happened on its own.
on Monday, June 9th, 2008 at 6:28 pm:
i spent some time in the still pool earlier today and it is really wonderful. i am going to try to jump in too… i’ve been slack with taking photos lately and this is such a good project. still life is something i also struggle with… looking natural, everyday, ‘un-posed.’ xox
on Monday, June 9th, 2008 at 11:47 pm:
What a wonderful unexpected shot. Photos like these have a feel that capture interesting emotions. The colors and objects are so simple yet feel so profound.
on Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 at 10:39 am:
I am working on photos as well lately. Product shot are interesting and diverse according to what their use will be. Ee. A catalog type shot, a juried photo for gallery or show inclusion.
on Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 at 2:53 pm:
i’m really having fun with the still pool. when i joined, there were 40 or so members…it is now up to 400.
i can’t believe how quickly it has grown!
on Tuesday, June 10th, 2008 at 4:29 pm:
quite nice. the composition is lovely, abstract, elegant. best of luck with mastering your camera. no doubt with your design sense your still-lifes will be simply stunning.
and congrats on the ‘un’ collection. very much looking forward to it. worth every penny.
on Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 at 12:29 pm:
I really like this. It feels very moody…
on Wednesday, June 11th, 2008 at 11:21 pm:
still lifes are my favorite type of photos to snap and look at. I love this and will be submitting something soon. Oh and how I love this blog….cheers!
on Friday, June 13th, 2008 at 6:24 am:
Great idea for a group. It’s going to be fun watching what develops.