The idea of still-life and studio photography can easily conjure up
thoughts of complicated studio set-ups with expensive, multiple lights,
umbrellas and giant softboxes. In an ideal situation and if you have the
money this is certainly the professional way of doing things.
But
things don’t need to be that complicated, especially when the most
dispensable form of quality light is free – daylight. If you can set up
in front of a large window in your house then you have the perfect way
to get fantastic and professional-looking still-life shots. So if the
weather is rubbish outside or you are just bored of Christmas telly,
have a go at shooting some simple still-life subjects.
Make a
visit to your local art shop and purchase some large sheets of card in a
variety of colours to use as both a base and background. Now you can
set yourself up in front of the window either on the floor or ideally
move a table in front of the window to allow you to work at a good
height. As the window light is coming from only one direction, some sort
of reflector is needed to fill in any shadows that you will get. You
can purchase fold-up reflectors made by Lastolite or you can make your
own out of card covered with crinkled-up kitchen foil taped to it.
Lastolite
also make mini light tents that help spread the light evenly over the
subject. You place these near a window or with desktop lamps either side
and place your subject inside. The panels of the tent light the subject
with a soft even light without any harsh shadows.
Once you have set up your mini studio, then it’s time to shoot some subjects.
© Craig Roberts