Still life photography - insights into the art of the quiet moment
Still life photography has its origins in painting and encompasses the artistic depiction of still objects. It is a genre that not only conveys tranquillity and beauty, but also leaves plenty of room for creativity. Whether everyday objects, natural materials or architectural details - still life photography captures the charm and elegance of the everyday.
In this article I would like to share my experiences with still life photography, especially in connection with a special project that I recently carried out for my client Christian Weilert. It was about the photographic accompaniment for his website, which sets special accents in the area of fashion as well as in the area of calm, expressive still life images.
What is still life photography?
Basically, still life photography is about breathing life into inanimate objects. The photographer arranges various objects or finds them in nature and uses light, shadow, perspective and composition to showcase them in a special way. Unlike portrait or landscape photography, there is no movement here - the subject is static, but the aim is to give it a story.
A typical still life can consist of fruit, flowers, everyday objects or architectural details. There are countless ways to play with shapes, colours and structures. The choice of background and lighting also play a decisive role, as they influence the overall character of the picture.
My project for Christian Weilert
Christian Weilert is an experienced tailor who specialises in high-quality, made-to-measure clothing. On his website christianweilert.de he presents his exclusive collection and his customised suits and shirts. His focus is on the combination of craftsmanship, quality and individual style, offering his customers perfectly customised clothing.
For a new project, I was commissioned to take still life photos of Palma in addition to fashion shots, which would serve as filler material between his fashion photos.
Having focused little on still life photography in recent years, I was presented with an exciting opportunity to rediscover the city of Palma through the lens in a calm, unagitated way. The challenge was to capture spontaneous, authentic images that reflect the charm and aesthetics of Palma, without the people and vibrant life in the foreground.
The creative process behind my still life shots
For this project, I went for a walk through Palma one evening - camera in hand and with the aim of capturing spontaneous moments. It wasn't about creating perfectly staged scenes, but rather about searching for the small, quiet details that are often overlooked in the hustle and bustle of everyday life.
I began by capturing architectural elements such as old doors, windows and the characteristic facades of the old town. These motifs tell their own story and are typical of the city's Mediterranean flair. But nature should not be neglected either. I found the palm trees and the play of light on the water, which was given a special atmosphere at dusk, particularly fascinating.
Important tips for successful still life photography
If you want to get into still life photography yourself, there are a few important points that can help you create appealing images:
1. the right light: Light is one of the most crucial elements in still life photography. Natural light is often best, especially in the early morning hours or during the golden hour in the evening. The soft, warm light gives the pictures a special depth and prevents harsh shadows.
2. composition and perspective: The arrangement of the objects in the picture and the choice of perspective play a major role. Think about what message you want to convey with your picture and how you can arrange the objects so that they tell a story.
3. colours and textures: Colours and textures are also crucial. A monochrome still life can fascinate with interesting structures and light accents, while a colourful arrangement comes to life through the combination of different materials and surfaces.
4. less is more: It is often enough to focus on just one or two objects. In still life photography, it is important to avoid unnecessary distractions and concentrate on the essentials.
Technical aspects of still life photography
In addition to the creative aspects, technique also plays an important role. For still life shots, I recommend using a camera with manual settings so that you have full control over the exposure and focus. A low ISO setting ensures clear, low-noise images, while a low aperture (high f-number) keeps the entire scene in focus.
A tripod can be helpful to keep the camera stable, especially in poor lighting conditions or with longer exposure times. This prevents camera shake and allows you to concentrate fully on the composition and the light.
Still life photography - more than just filler material
Even though still life photos are often used as filler or complementary shots in a larger context, they offer the opportunity to capture the beauty of the everyday in a unique way. For Christian Weilert's website, it was particularly important that the images not only fill a gap, but add value and support the atmosphere of Palma in his fashion shots.
The project showed me how much potential there is in still life photography and how it can radiate a special calm and serenity, even in a city as lively as Palma.
Conclusion
Photography offers endless opportunities to harmonise creativity and aesthetics. Whether in nature, at home or in an urban environment - there are objects everywhere that are worth capturing photographically. The art lies in seeing the special in the ordinary and bringing it to life in a picture.
