Still Life Stories
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine|August 2020
Ashraful Arefin manipulates colour and light to create ethereal still life images that tell exciting stories about simple household objects
Ashraful Arefin
Still Life Stories
What comes to mind when you think of a still life? It’s probably a painting of flowers in a decorative vase, or perhaps a human skull resting beside a bowl of fruit. And while we’re all familiar with Caravaggio’s Basket of Fruits and Van Gogh’s Sunflowers, have you ever thought about the objects that were used and the stories they’re trying to tell? Still life photography is equally as traditional, and at times it might seem like there’s not much to work with, or the subjects aren’t very interesting; you might think nobody would pay attention to some of the ordinary objects used, but in my opinion this is also the best part about photographing still lifes. You are forced to exercise your creativity by creating an interesting photo out of something that appears mundane and lifeless. Still life photographers breathe life into inanimate subjects by playing with lighting, arrangements and the odd special effect. My favourite thing about shooting still life is that I don’t need much to create an engaging story. This is in contrast with other genres, where you have to find a model, search out the best locations, or wait for the weather.

Instead, you can work with the common objects you already have lying around your home. And since you have complete control over every aspect of the scene, you can take the time to try out different settings and compositions, and find what works best. This is a great genre if you’re new to photography and want to learn about lighting and framing, or even if you want to double down and improve your skills in a controlled environment.

SUBJECTS WITH STORIES

This story is from the August 2020 edition of N-Photo: the Nikon magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 2020 edition of N-Photo: the Nikon magazine.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM N-PHOTO: THE NIKON MAGAZINEView All
Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD G2
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 Di III RXD G2

The original version broke the mould for ‘trinity' standard zooms. The G2 enhances handling and performance further still

time-read
2 mins  |
Summer 2024
Nikon D500
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Nikon D500

Nikon's flagship DX-format DSLR is a modern classic. And while it hasn't been out of production for long, it left a hole in Nikon's camera line-up that's never been filled

time-read
1 min  |
Summer 2024
Laurence Griffiths
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Laurence Griffiths

With so much sporting action this summer, Laurence Griffiths of Getty Images reveals how to catch every goal at the Euros, details Getty Images' 24/7 Olympics coverage and why he always has a wide-angle ready. Keith Wilson managed to grab him before kick-off...

time-read
10 mins  |
Summer 2024
Ghost town
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Ghost town

Adam Waring uses ND filters to subdue the hustle and bustle when shooting busy cities

time-read
2 mins  |
Summer 2024
Creative cities
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Creative cities

Experienced travel photographer Matt Higgs provides top tips for stunning shots of city sights

time-read
2 mins  |
Summer 2024
If at first you don't succeed...
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

If at first you don't succeed...

Tom travels to the other side of the world to have another go at shooting an elusive image and displays the power of his perseverance

time-read
3 mins  |
Summer 2024
Shoot the summer of sports
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Shoot the summer of sports

Have the Olympics and Euros inspired you to photograph sport? Mike Harris shows you how to score a portfolio of top shots

time-read
10+ mins  |
Summer 2024
Osprey & prey
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Osprey & prey

Birds of a feather Gary Jones and Leigh Pugh photograph ospreys from a purpose-built hide

time-read
8 mins  |
Summer 2024
Superzoom lenses
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Superzoom lenses

These lenses will have you in for a long stretch, some more than others in the wide-angle to telephoto stakes

time-read
5 mins  |
Summer 2024
Nikon Z 6III
N-Photo: the Nikon magazine

Nikon Z 6III

With a revolutionary 'partially stacked' full-frame sensor, the Z 6III fits flagship camera features in an compact enthusiast-level body

time-read
8 mins  |
Summer 2024