Process
Whilst this is an example layout for the still life, feel free to adapt this to suit your own creative process for other briefs. We are looking for technically sound images that are supported with a good amount of development and research. Your tutor may set different parameters for what type of objects to use in your still life imagery but keep a look out for items that are visually interesting, even if this falls outside of their criteria (you can always negotiate).
Our one rule: do not use rubbish such as empty bottles and packets!
Artist Research
When researching practitioners consider the following questions when studying their work to help inform your responses to the briefs. You don’t need to answer each question or write a lengthy essay (though some written engagement is required) but think about how they might be relevant to the images you wish to achieve in each brief:
- What is the content in the image and is there a visual message?
- Where is the subject and does this add any context to the image? Has the photographer decided to remove this context by shooting in a “studio” environment?
- Why did they choose a particular colour, texture or surface to present this object? Does this create a complimentary or uncomplimentary aesthetic?
- What type of lighting is used, soft or hard? Does this originate from one direction or is it reflected? Is it natural or unnatural?
- What is the composition used and has the photographer created an arrangement with multiple objects?
- Is there a wider concept involved in selecting and documenting these objects?
As a guideline, we ask that you study at least three practitioners but the more the better. These must be relevant practitioners who have a presence beyond social media for example: websites, online articles, books, journals etc.
Edward Weston
Best known for his carefully composed and sharp images of natural forms, Edward Weston utilises black and white imagery to investigate line, form and texture in his objects.
Final Image
