How to Make a Still-Life Shooting Set

Keep the right equipment on hand for location shoots.

Still-life photographers capture the essence of stationary items, showing them to their best advantage. Many still-life shots are of items that clients want photographed for in advertising. These types of items require you to travel to the photography location as clients want you to shoot on location. As a result, bringing the correct equipment is crucial. Unless the items are very large, you need a portable still-life shooting set for these assignments.

Instructions

1. Invest in a sturdy but lightweight folding table. Aluminum tables are easy to carry. Additionally, photography stores sell tables with collapsible legs that form a case when folded in half. While these are also easy to carry, cheaper tables work just as well.

2. Construct a backboard or frame that clamps onto your table to hold various backdrops. For a solid backboard, use foam core board. Alternately, use any type of back support with clamps attached, allowing you to change backgrounds for shooting.

3. Stock up on backdrops. Black velvet is indispensable for still-life photography, along with white vinyl and a clear piece of glass to place over the black velvet when shooting jewelry and other items needing a reflective surface. Add additional colors to vary your shooting kit.

4. Use softboxes to fill in shadows created by the still-life objects. Maneuverability is critical. Purchase small softboxes and mount them on adjustable tripods. For some still-life shots, you want strategically-placed shadows to mimic reality; in others, you need to erase all shadows.

5. Try a backless wooden frame instead of the foam core when you need to illuminate the object from the back. Hang translucent fabric on the frame and position a softbox behind it. Beverages emit a flattering inner glow when following this technique. It is also good for transparent glass objects.

6. Place the piece of glass on top of black or white fabric and set an object on top to achieve a reflective effect. A mirror is not as effective since it catches the reflection of other items in the room, distracting from the still life.

7. Bring a tripod for your camera and a remote shutter release. Adjust your light meter and focus before taking the shot. By using a remote, you can stay at the table, rearranging the still life and changing the lights without returning to the camera for every shot.

Tips & Warnings

• Add props to your still-life shooting set if you will be photographing similar items often. For food photography, an assortment of plates, flatware and stemware are good choices.

References

• Placer Camera Club; 8 Tips for Indoor Still Life Photography; Sue Bartholomew