"Still Life" - Thoughts and Opinions: I was sorting through folders and doing a bit of organizing... As I am going through my images I realize that while I photograph all types of...

Travesty Loc: Chicago Burbs, USA

I was sorting through folders and doing a bit of organizing...
As I am going through my images I realize that while I photograph all types of subjects and different styles I am always partial to vintage subjects and Americana. I also realize that one of my true passions is composing "Still Life" images. Many Folks may look at a still life and not think much of it until they actually try and compose one themselves and find the challenges that may be involved. I love the hunt for subjects and the act of arranging/composing them for a shot. Having total control of the scene which includes everything from the subjects themselves as well as the placement, framing, lighting and ultimately setting the mood or atmosphere... Would love to hear comments as well as seeing other Folks examples of the subject. Here is one I am partial to because it has a special meaning to me from the loss of a good Friend..

Goodnight Bobby

carlysue Loc: Columbus

Travesty wrote:

I was sorting through folders and doing a bit of o... (show quote)

This image has so much impact. I think I'd feel some emotion,even if I was not aware that there was this connection for you. I think I am drawn to this genre because the photographer is in charge of everything. If there is something that doesn't work,its on me. And I love thinking up ideas and using stuff that's just around me and easily ignored. Finding art in the mundane.

Pouring Pearls

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

A wonderful subject for FYC. I have absolutely zero experience with the genre but can appreciate the effort. Look forward to following the thread. You both have posted works that to me set the bar for an interesting show and tell.

Travesty Loc: Chicago Burbs, USA

carlysue wrote:

This image has so much impact. I think I'd feel some emotion,even if I was not aware that there was this connection for you. I think I am drawn to this genre because the photographer is in charge of everything. If there is something that doesn't work,its on me. And I love thinking up ideas and using stuff that's just around me and easily ignored. Finding art in the mundane.

Thank you CarlySue! I must say "Wow" to your image... Nicely lit and composed!

May sound cliche, but I really do consider myself an Artist that cannot paint so thank God for the digital camera and my ability to edit my images into my true vision....

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Randy and Carla, you both have set the bar very high to open. What inspiring, awesome artistry.

I have done virtually no still life, but am very much interested in following this subject. Already, comments such as "hunt for subjects" and "photographer is in charge of everything" have me enthralled!

Travesty Loc: Chicago Burbs, USA

Frank2013 wrote:

A wonderful subject for FYC. I have absolutely zero experience with the genre but can appreciate the effort. Look forward to following the thread. You both have posted works that to me set the bar for an interesting show and tell.

:) Thank you Frank.. :) I must say I really admire your Signature... If you get an itch to try your hand at a still life I would love to see it..

Travesty Loc: Chicago Burbs, USA

Linda From Maine wrote:

Randy and Carla, you both have set the bar very high to open. What inspiring, awesome artistry.

I have done virtually no still life, but am very much interested in following this subject. Already, comments such as "hunt for subjects" and "photographer is in charge of everything" have me enthralled!

Linda, I actually feel you would be very good at still life. You have an eye for composition and lighting so why not test them?

carlysue Loc: Columbus

Thank you Frank. I would encourage you and others to post work, especially if its something you've not tried, to get a feel for setting up and taking control and making it enjoyable/interesting/thought provoking.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

Travesty wrote:

Linda, I actually feel you would be very good at still life. You have an eye for composition and lighting so why not test them?

Very nice of you to say, Randy. This thread just might get me going. I particularly like the thought of roaming through thrift shops and such, looking for photogenic objects. I have virtually no "knick knacks" in my home, so that's another reason :)

I do recall shooting a little beveled vase for a b&w class I took decades ago. I used a flashlight for some interesting side lighting and shadows. I'll have to refresh myself with your work, but I'm thinking your lighting is usually quite subtle. Can you speak about the choices you make in that regard?

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

Travesty wrote:

:) Thank you Frank.. :) I must say I really admire your Signature... If you get an itch to try your hand at a still life I would love to see it..

I think it's highly improbable to be used at his point, but thank you. I really post in no other section so if I ever do you won't have to struggle to find it. Maybe I'll take you up on it you never know.

Linda From Maine Loc: Yakima, Washington

carlysue wrote:

... And I love thinking up ideas and using stuff that's just around me and easily ignored. Finding art in the mundane.

Carla, are there any particular artists that inspired you?

pfrancke Loc: cold Maine

Randy and Carla, your work is beautiful. I love the darkness and mystery and form giving light. The chariscuro mood is so awesome with pearls and old paper. We have elegance in one image, and a timeless tribute to days gone past in the other. I cannot imagine why anyone would ever think that works like these is some type of secondary form of photography!

Pierre H.J. Dumais Loc: Mississippi Mills, Ont.

I do still life from time to time and enjoy it very much and believe this discussion is potentially one of great value.
Your opening points are so well thought out and stated. A good photographer and friend told me years ago "still photography develops elite photographers".
Thanks for beginning this Randy. You are one of the elites and your photographs do the talking.

Pierre

I am writing this on my IPad and need to start up my main computer in order to post an image. This will take a few minutes an I'll do it separately to this.

Frank2013 Loc: San Antonio, TX. & Milwaukee, WI.

carlysue wrote:

Thank you Frank. I would encourage you and others to post work, especially if its something you've not tried, to get a feel for setting up and taking control and making it enjoyable/interesting/thought provoking.

Thank you for encouragement....I am not very creative so we will see.

Whuff Loc: Marshalltown, Iowa

This is a still life I did a while back for the woman who's cut my hair for the last 25-30 years. She has always been a good friend and even came to my home to cut my hair once when I was confined to a wheelchair for a short time following an accident. (at that time she ran her business out of her basement, so I couldn't get down her stairs.) When conceiving of how to arrange things, I thought of the way you would do it Randy, so thought I'd do it ala Randy, in a crate. This is an extremely poor imitation of your style but I did kinda like how it turned out. The lighting is not up to your standards though.
I have to thank Linda from Maine for sending me a PM to let me know about this thread. How she knew I'd be interested I don't know, I think the woman must be psychic or something. LOL Thank you Linda!

Walt