Setting Up A Flat-Lay for Still Life Photography
There are multiple steps for setting up a flat-lay for still life photography. Still life photography takes some planning and time for gathering not only the main subject, but the supporting elements as well. This is true for all still life photography whether it is flowers, books, food, or family heirlooms. Expect to take some time in gathering what you’ll want for your still life shoot.
Plan Your Still Life
Some people find it helpful to make a written plan of all the props they will need, the time of day they will shoot if they are using natural light, the kind of light they will use, and even sketch out all the images they plan to take. Planning takes time. Although I do not usually have a written plan about my still life shoot, I definitely create a mental plan before I even begin gathering the subject, the props, the backgrounds, and the foundation.
Unexpected Subject
Although I had no intention of photographing the plums from our plum tree, there were so many this year, I just had to. In past years, the birds enjoyed most of them so it wasn’t really a possibility. My point is, be receptive to an unexpected subject. As photographers, we notice many things that other creatives also see, and perhaps other people do not. So, be open to the possibilities when a potential unexpected subject presents itself to you.
Garden Gathering
Once the plums were picked and I realized my good fortune, it was time to plan how I would photograph these plums. I’ve photographed plums in the past so I wanted this shoot to be different. I made a very loose plan, headed out to the garden to gather some greenery, and back inside to look for other props I could use in my still life flat-lay. That is when the ‘set up’ began, and that is where this video begins.
The rose is a rose,
And was always a rose.
But the theory now goes
That the apple's a rose,
And the pear is, and so's
The plum, I suppose.
The dear only knows
What will next prove a rose.
You, of course, are a rose -
But were always a rose.”
~ Robert Frost
Here are a few images of plums that I’ve taken in the past.
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As a published, featured northern California fine art photographer living in the greater Sacramento area, I specialize in fine art landscape and still life photography. My style is authentic, fresh and personality-driven. I offer several educational opportunities. You can learn about them by going to SERVICES. While currently living in rural northern California with my husband and a couple thousand walnut trees, I post regularly to Instagram.
Please CONTACT ME with any questions or to schedule your learning session.
Serving Yuba City/Marysville, East Nicolaus, Wheatland, Lincoln, Woodland, Davis, Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Sacramento area.
(530) 633-7575
