Friday, November 30, 2012

Four Lighting Tips For Success As A Still Life Photographer

By Gloria Gardner


Artistically arranging inanimate items and taking pictures of them is what a still life photographer does. There is art in the arrangement. Also, these artistic elements are enhanced by the different techniques used.

Four simple tips will help you get the most impact from your lighting efforts. Lighting is the most important aspect of getting interesting effects. It is a simple process and will make the statement you want for any arrangement of objects and backdrops. Following these tips will mean the difference between a so-so depiction and a fantastic one.

The first thing to consider is the backdrop. It is not really a part of lighting, but it impacts how light reflects. To reflect light back it is important to have a smooth shiny surface. This will reflect light onto the focus items of your arrangement, directing attention on the most important items.

Next, you need to focus on contrast. Varying the angle and the intensity of the lighting you are using will give interesting contrast and a three-dimensional effect. You don't want deep shadows, unless the effect calls for it, but you do want to have areas of contrasting intensity to make it interesting and to focus attention.

Tip number three is about focusing on directional lighting. This involves both the direction of the lights to the subject and the direction of the subject to the camera. Side lighting gives more interest in most cases. Also, an angled direction of the camera lends more interest than a head on shot, in most cases.

The final suggestions is about angles. The angle of lights, camera, and subject gives some interest to the composition. These angles are much more interesting than just a straight on approach. Keeping these four suggestions in mind when composing your work will help to get a much more interesting composition and a more artistic approach in your work as a still life photographer.




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