Still Photography: Looking at Your Options

By James Harden


Still Life: Decisions for Your Shot

With such an amazing field of still photography, it's a wonder that more photographers don't focus on this area of photography! Since there are so many options, with both simple and complex scenes, as well as natural or arranged shots, this field lends itself to incredible flexibility. Yet, you will find that deciding which style is the most suitable for you might be the most challenging part of the process!

For anyone just starting out in this field, you'll probably want to keep your scene as simple as possible. With only one to three subjects per shot, you'll begin to get a feel for both arrangement and capture. As you experiment with perspective, lighting, and composition, you'll soon master the basics and be ready to move on as you see fit.

Remember though, the more subjects or scenery elements you add, the more it will become difficult to maintain correct lighting. You can, of course, also place a reflector on the dim lit side to create fill light for more complex scenes. It depends upon the level of still photography that you are ready to conquer.

Photography: Natural Still

If you're planning to shoot natural scenes, prepare for what you will encounter in nature. Preparing for a hunting trip is much the same as preparing for shooting natural scenes. It may be quite some time before the perfect shot is in place, so be sure to have the equipment, supplies, and physical endurance you'll need for your trip.

One area of equipment that is essential are items to stabilize your camera. Whether you opt for the more cumbersome full-size tripod, or choose the miniature that still offers stability, make sure your hours of waiting for the right shot are worth it by producing a clear photo. Stability will be an essential element to your collection.

For the materials for your shoot, be sure you have what you personally need--water, food, and the right type of outer gear for the weather. Because weather conditions constantly change, consider consulting a weather forecast as you prepare for your trip. If you have these comforts taken care of, they will go a long way to making your shoot much more enjoyable.

Not only will preparation for natural pictures be a challenge, but also the quality can be a challenge. Good quality still life pictures can be even more challenging to photograph than those that you coordinate. That's because they are often close up, so it's easy to spot imperfections like a blemish on a leaf, fruit, or animal that would usually pass unnoticed. Pay special attention to detail of natural still photography is your passion.

Photography: Other Tips for Still

For the best results with still photography, consider holding the camera, not from your own height, but instead from the height of your subject. For variety, you can also capture the same scene from different angles to give your audience unique perspectives. From a handful of photos, you may soon find that the art of photography has really just become an adventure in creativity!

For those who might not have the chance to get close enough to your subject, think about the possibilities when it comes to framing. This might be just the method for removing empty space while allowing you to photograph your subject in their natural setting. With these simple tips in mind, you can go out into the world of still photography prepared for the challenges this exciting field brings!




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