still life with clockwork
Oct, 2015Views
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Awards
Winner in The Art Of Still Life VI Photo Challenge
Outstanding Creativity
Superb Composition
Peer Award
Absolute Masterpiece
Top Choice
Magnificent Capture
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Behind The Lens
Location
This was taken in the bay window of my living room in Bristol.Time
This was taken in early October and early in the morning.Lighting
This was set up as a 'table-top' still life using the natural daylight from the living room bay window. The window faces west so although the day was bright there wasn't any direct sunlight. I set everything up in the bay window to make the best use of the light that I had. I didn't use a light tent as I wasn't worried too much about shadows.Equipment
This was taken with an Olympus E410 with a 35mm macro lens (As this is a four-thirds format camera this is equivalent to 70mm on other camerras.) This was taken at 1/125 at f3.5 and ISO 400. I had the camera mounted on a tripod looking almost vertically down on top of the set-up. I could have used an extension arm, ideally, to get right over the subject. As it was, I had the table low enough that I could get very close with the tripod.Inspiration
I've always enjoyed the control of setting up a still life shot and you can make interesting pictures from alomst anything. I keep my eye out for odds and ends in charity shops and flea markets, anything unusual and inexpensive can get added to my props box. I can then experiment putting together different items to see what images I can create.Editing
I cropped the picture fairly tightly, then made some small adjustments to the contrast using Photoshop and Topaz filters. I then added a little warmth to the picture and finished with a slight vignette and a border.In my camera bag
For these sorts of shots I use a macro lens where possible and a full size tripod. I do have a circular polairiser which I occasionaly use. I will also use spare sheets of card as shades and reflectors if the light is too strong or too directional.Feedback
Don't overthink these shots. Grab a few bits and pieces that are vaguely related and experiment with those. Use any little ornanments or odd items that get lost at the back of a draw, find some odds bits of fabric or paper for a background and try different combinations. Not everything will work, but its fun experimenting and a great way to do some photography if you can't get out and about.
