STILL-LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY Composing with White and Reflective Objects

What are the “Six Guidelines for Better Composition? 1.Framing 2.Simplify 3.Balance 4.Rule of thirds 5.Use lines to direct the viewer 6.Avoid mergers!

Andre Kertesz Melancholic Tulip 1939

Andre Kertesz The Fork, 1928

Paul Outerbridge Kitchen Table 1921 © The Estate of Paul Outerbridge

Paul Outerbridge Ide Collar 1922 © The Estate of Paul Outerbridge

Paul Outerbridge Triumph of the Egg 1932 © The Estate of Paul Outerbridge

Tina Modotti Roses 1925 © The Estate of Tina Modotti

Tina Modotti Bandolier, corn, guitar 1927 © The Estate of Tina Modotti

Tina Modotti Mexican sombrero with hammer and sickle 1927 © The Estate of Tina Modotti

Edward Steichen Three Pears and an Apple 1921

Edward Steichen Evening shoes by Vida Moore 1927

Edward Steichen Triumph of the Egg 1921 © Estate of Edward Steichen

Edward Weston Shells 1927 © Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Board of Regents

Edward Weston Pepper No © Center for Creative Photography, Arizona Board of Regents

Joseph Sudek Composition 1954

Josef Sudek Untitled 1950

Josef Sudek Egg in a Dish How did Josef Sudek use the “Six Guidelines for Composition in this still life photo?

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Triumph of the Egg

Do you have to use all “Six Guidelines” in every composition? 1.Framing 2.Simplify 3.Balance 4.Rule of thirds 5.Use lines to direct the viewer 6.Avoid mergers! Review: What is composition?

Josef Sudek Untitled 1950 Part 1: Eggs and Feathers Using eggs and feathers, consider how you can create unique compositions against a plain background. You may alter, design or destroy your still-life objects. Think carefully about your use of lighting. The objects are white and you will need to utilize light and shadow to make your photos interesting. Experiment with the lighting direction and quality. Direct lighting will cast strong highlights and shadows. Diffused lighting will create a softer effect.

Paul Outerbridge Kitchen Table 1921 Part 2: White Objects Find two or more white objects. Objects can be white originally or colored objects that have been painted white. Transparent objects, such a glass, may also be used. Take some shots with eggs, feathers and your found objects. Shots can be a variety of combinations and cropping of the objects. Think about how you can use framing and viewpoint to create interest in your pictures. You may also want to move you lighting to create interesting light and shadow. Again, for the sake of simplification, a plain background will work best.

Paul Outerbridge Triumph of the Egg 1932 Part 3: Reflective Objects Find two or more reflective objects to photograph with your eggs and feathers. Use strong lighting to emphasize the reflective quality of your objects. You might also want try a patterned backdrop to reflect off of your objects.

Edward Steichen Triumph of the Egg 1921 Triumph of the Egg Editing Considerations: Make a contact sheet and choose the best images from each of the 3 parts of the assignment. Size and crop the best image to 8x10. Change the image to black and white. Adjust levels, curves, brightness and contrast for the most artistic use of light and shadow. Print your 8x10 and drymount. THE FINAL DEADLINE FOR ALL PICTURES IS MAY 16 NO EXCEPTIONS!!