Five Lighting Techniques in Still Life Photography

Still life photography, as opposed to figure photography and landscape photography, takes inanimate objects (such as fish and shrimps coming ashore, picked melons and fruits, etc.) as the performance objects. Mostly handicrafts, fruits, vegetables and flowers. On the basis of reality, through organization and arrangement, the composition, light, tone and color are artistically treated to accurately reflect the texture and three-dimensional sense of the subject. Here are five lighting techniques for still life photography that I collected for you. Welcome to read the collection.

Five Lighting Techniques in Still Life Photography

First, the front light (also known as "smooth light")

The photographer's back is facing the light source, that is, the light coming from the back of the camera, which is also called smooth light. Because all parts of the subject are bathed in direct light, there is light everywhere in the part facing the camera, and the result is an image without tone levels. It may not look good to pat your face with positive light, especially with high positive light.

Second, the main light+auxiliary light

Auxiliary light is a kind of light that supplements other surfaces of the subject that cannot be illuminated by light to make up for the lack of illumination and play an auxiliary role. It must be used in conjunction with the main light, so it is also called auxiliary light. Generally, auxiliary light is used to balance the brightness difference between the bright and dark sides of the subject, reflect more shadow details, and adjust the light ratio (illumination contrast) of the picture.

In the application of auxiliary light, it should be clear that the intensity of auxiliary light is less than the intensity of main light, otherwise it will lead to the effect of usurping the role of the master and easily produce obvious auxiliary light projection on the subject, that is, the phenomenon of "light clamping".

Third, the dome light

The top light, that is, the light from the top of the subject, forms a vertical angle of about 90 degrees with the scene and camera. Use silver reflector or strongpoint to change the front light into auxiliary light, and the inappropriate situation will disappear immediately. It is the most unsuitable light for portraits.

Fourth, sidelight

Side light, that is, light from the left or right side of the scene, forms a horizontal angle of about 90 degrees with the scene and the camera. This kind of light can produce obvious and strong contrast. The shadow is slender and expressive, the surface structure is very obvious, and every tiny bump produces obvious shadow. Using sidelight photography can create a strong modeling effect.

Fifth, the backlight.

One kind of backlight is because the subject is just between the light source and the camera, which easily leads to underexposure of the subject. Generally speaking, photographers should try to avoid shooting objects in the case of backlight, but sometimes the special effect produced by backlight can also be regarded as an artistic photography technique.

Although backlight conditions increase the difficulty of photography, backlight conditions can sometimes be used for some artistic creation. Skilled photographers often use backlighting to achieve some unusual visual effects, such as backlighting, especially good at vividly showing the outline of objects.

Further reading

Still life dark tone photography skills

Elementary course

Unlike routine, still life photography does not need to find a studio or an ideal place. You can find a simple space at home to start your photography work, such as a table by the bed, a simple background and some lights.

Still life photography is very different from landscape photography and figure photography. Scenery and people usually set a theme, which can be a mountain or a model. They can also change greatly, and the creative space is ready for you. Still life photography, however, is different. They change very little, and everything is controlled by the photographer, including the theme. You need to rack your brains to come up with interesting and novel ways to capture their characteristics creatively.

Select a theme.

What kind of photos you take is entirely up to you. Look around the house and see if there is anything interesting but simple to start with. Never think that you must pat fruit or flowers like others. You can choose courses openly, but don't choose too difficult.

When you go out for a stroll, if something catches your attention, take it home (but not steal it), or mark it and shoot it later when you have time. Try to avoid choosing objects with reflective surfaces, such as grass and metal, because the light that hits them is very difficult to control. Once you have mastered the shooting skills of a single object, try to shoot several objects together, preferably with different shapes, colors and textures, and see if you can get good results.

light

You don't have to use very expensive lighting equipment. I know very well that my budget can't afford a complete set of studio lighting, so I will try my best to shoot still life with the lighting equipment I can. Please remember that all aspects of photography need to be under your control. If you think so, you need to find a room and block all the natural light with blinds or curtains, so that you can completely control the light that shines on your subject.

If we can effectively use general lighting, we can also achieve good results. In addition to putting it in front of the real thing, please be sure to try several placement positions. The light projected from the side and back can increase the interest, shadow and depth of the lens. Otherwise, you can choose a room with only one window as an advantage. Natural light illuminates an object from an angle. You can use other lights or reflectors to adjust the desired lights.

Tripod and angle

Depending on your lighting conditions, you may or may not need a tripod and cable release device. I suggest using these devices, because with these devices, you can better observe and photograph your subject. These devices can also make the aperture speed a little longer, move the focus of the image forward and blur the background, if you need it.

But don't let a fixed camera limit your creativity. Once a tripod is used, it is easier to forget that all photos are taken from one angle because of its fixed position. You need to make sure that you can adjust the angle and height when shooting. Otherwise, before you know and make adjustments, your whole series of photos are taken from one angle, with little change and extremely limited. Angle and height can be adjusted at the same time. You can try to take a bird's eye view of the object and shoot it from top to bottom, but be careful not to cast a shadow on the object during the movement.

Correct use of background

Choosing a good background plays a very important role in creating a successful work. It's best to choose a simple but beautiful background, so it won't have a great impact on your subject. Plain wall or large white paper or plain paper are good choices.

If you choose a background that supports the object, you need to carefully consider whether you want a neutral background or a background that matches the color of the object. For some small objects, it may not be necessary to use a background, but a substrate can be used instead. For example, black velvet is a good choice, because it can absorb light and make the substrate look pure black.

Combination of shooting elements

The combination of various creative elements is very important for shooting a unique and exquisite still life photography. Combining the trichotomy, you should consider how to make your work achieve the best combination of various elements. Make sure there are no distracting elements in the picture, only the subject and background.

Try to use some creative thinking to change the combination of various elements to shoot. Where do you want the audience to focus? Do you make full use of the blank space around the object? Is it possible to try to fill in the picture? What is the most striking feature of your subject? What is it used for? Does it exist as a part of the whole or as a separate subject?

Inspired by masterpieces

If you are obsessed with light, combination and composition, you may need some inspiration. A better way to find inspiration is to look at the still life works of masters many years ago. Look up Renaissance still life works on the Internet, and carefully observe the various elements of these works.

Studying these works will help you better think about the comprehensive application of composition, shadow and color. I hope these will inspire you and let you shoot more wonderful works.

practice

Now it's time for you to try your hand. Find a free time from your schedule to practice. Try to find and set up your camera, set up your background, find a suitable position by the window, and then start shooting.

Once you have mastered the basic experiments, you can do some experiments by changing the angle and light of the camera or using some variable light sources, such as candles and desk lamps. Aperture is also a creative link. Using f/ 1.8 fixed-focus lens, we can get special fixed-focus background artistic effect. If you use something as an experimental object, shoot it. Still life photography is more than just fruits and flowers. So, find a unique and charming object as a start and start photography.

Matters needing attention

Don't let a fixed camera limit your creativity. Once a tripod is used, it is easier to forget that all photos are taken from one angle because of its fixed position. You need to make sure that you can adjust the angle and height when shooting. Otherwise, before you know and make adjustments, your whole series of photos are taken from one angle, with little change and extremely limited. Angle and height can be adjusted at the same time. You can try to take a bird's eye view of the object and shoot it from top to bottom, but be careful not to cast a shadow on the object during the movement.