Still-life Photography
35mm SLR, 100mm f-2.8 macro lens, Kodachrome 25, Bogen tripod and Pan/tilt head. Incident metering with Minolta Auto Meter IIIF, 1/4 sec and f-8.
It takes more imagination than anything else to produce a still-life. It also requires attention to details. Any object can be turned into a beautiful photograph. When doing still life try to keep it as simple as possible. The objects you choose must relate to each other and added one at a time. Adding too many objects can be very distracting. Pay attention to colors and make sure they do not compete. As you arrange the objects, constantly view it through the viewfinder. A Plain background is generally the best although you can use other types of backgrounds as long as they don't overpower your composition.
A tripod is needed for smaller apertures used to gain depth-of-field which is necessary for still life and in fine tuning composition. 50mm lenses with close focusing or a 50mm macro lens along with an 80-200mm lens are enough for most still life work. One light should be enough for most set ups. An electronic flash with diffuser can also be used to reduce reflections.
Recommended
reading: Still
Life and Special Effects Photography: A Guide to Professional Lighting
Techniques
Useful Accessories
Bogen -
Manfrotto Expan Background Paper Drive Set with Plastic Drive Chain
Background paper
drive set for one roll. Including plastic chain and weight. Expands from:
1.8" to 3"
Smith Victor KT750 3-Light 750-Watt Thrifty
Photoflood Kit with Corrugated Carrying Case
Thrifty Kits are designed to fulfill basic lighting requirements at an exceptionally affordable price. Each Thrifty Kit has hand spun reflectors made of high strength aluminum with chemically attached interiors for maximum light dispersion. The outer finish is photographic black baked on enamel. The Raven RS6 telescopes to 6' and the Raven RS8 telescopes to 8'. Each Thrifty Kit comes with a photoflood lamps, sockets and cordsets, a corrugated carrying case for storage and transport and the Imaging with Light Guide.