Pictures don't need action to be interesting. When the weather is bad and you find yourself without any of your usual subjects to take pictures of, try taking some still life pictures. Still life can be any inanimate object we commonly use or see. The subject matter is virtually unlimited.
Instructions
1. Use a tripod. You'll need to frequently adjust and move your subjects to get the best pictures. With a tripod, you can leave your camera set up and focused while you set up your subjects. Also, a tripod is essential to avoid the camera shake that can be troublesome in macro photography.
2. Turn on your cameras macro setting if the camera will be closer than two feet to your subject. Most still life pictures are most effective when zoomed in tightly on subjects. You can use your optical zoom a little, but it's best to physically move the camera closer as well.
3. Control the lighting in still life pictures. Place objects by a window in the late afternoon when low, warm light is shining through it. Use curtains and shades to experiment with lighting and shade effects on your subjects. Streaks of light and shadows add interest to otherwise boring subjects.
4. Try artificial light from a lamp if daylight is not giving you the beams of light and shadows you need in your pictures. For this, use a lamp that can angle toward your subject. You must also use your camera's manual white balance to keep colors true.
5. Provide a white background for your still life subjects. A white background allows the simplicity of your subject to be the star of the picture. A white sheet or paper works well for this purpose.
Tags: life pictures, still life, still life pictures, your subject, your subjects
