I've been going through some of the pictures for the theme and it occurred to me that for years I may have had the wrong definition for what "still life" was.
I was always under the impression that still life was, well, exactly what the title proposes: something that is still, but has life. You know, like a fruit, a plant, etc. - Things that cannot exactly move on their own but are still alive.
No--I think that would sum it up. Ross posted a link which gives a very good description of what still life photography is. I think two key points are that it needs to tell a story and natural lighting is key.
I had the same view, Zaimarie, but then in seeing some of the other photos on here that've been classified under the same banner, I can kinda see their point.
They are emotive aspects of human life which are posed just-so as to imply activity, without directly portraying it.
According to the website that was linked in the theme post,
"Still life photography is the depiction of inanimate subjects or a group of objects which are either natural or man-made, via the means of a photograph."
I thought it had to be life too, but we are apparently using a broader definition here.
According to Wikipedia: Still life photography is the depiction of inanimate subject matter, most typically a small grouping of objects. Still life photography, more so than other types of photography, such as landscape or portraiture, gives the photographer more leeway in the arrangement of design elements within a composition.
Still life photography is a demanding art, one in which the photographers are expected to be able to form their work with a refined sense of lighting, coupled with compositional skills. The still life photographer makes pictures rather than takes them. Knowing where to look for propping and surfaces also is a required skill
@miata2u No it isn't, because you didn't set up the shot. A still life will have been set up by the photographer. Again, check out the Flickr group for examples.
I wanted to do a "deliberately misinterpreted because it might be funny spoof" version on this theme - some kind of hospital or medical photo, called "Still Alive"...
But I didn't... And I'm sure you're all very glad! :)
Coming from an art background, this is a fascinating conversation. A still life is something I always took for granted as a set in stone type of thing. Strictly speaking, it is a group of objects set up by the artist, with the artist in control of every element, think a bowl of fruit, or a Cezanne painting. I think a good still life is extremely difficult. It is all about composition and lighting and since everything is in your control, there is not a lot of room for error. No "happy accidents".
I too am seeing lots of pictures tagged theme-stilllife that I wouldn't have expected to see 'in the race'.
I subscribe to the 'traditional' notion of still life as "a group of objects set up by the artist, with the artist in control of every element" (after @Rae Lowenberg). I'd add to that the element of natural light being central to many still life images. As I have no sophisticated flash setup I am very much limited to natural light anyway. :)
When all is said & done though the judges will decide - until then we can all add pictures to the theme that we feel are relevant. That's just one of the fun aspects of this site. :)
I often fail to see how some of the shortlisted pictures relate to the theme anyway, so despite the rules and regulations I would say just go for it.
I have been pondering on the meaning of "still life" - as the objects in these photos are not "alive" - so thanks for the explanations. I kind of get the fruit etc., but some artists use posed models so there was a bit of confusion there.
I think the reason that not all the photos fit this idea of still life is that people have different ideas of "life." Is it scientifically alive, theoretically alive, does it possess an active idea of life? It's very interpretive.
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They are emotive aspects of human life which are posed just-so as to imply activity, without directly portraying it.
Perhaps?
"Still life photography is the depiction of inanimate subjects or a group of objects which are either natural or man-made, via the means of a photograph."
I thought it had to be life too, but we are apparently using a broader definition here.
Still life photography is a demanding art, one in which the photographers are expected to be able to form their work with a refined sense of lighting, coupled with compositional skills. The still life photographer makes pictures rather than takes them. Knowing where to look for propping and surfaces also is a required skill
Does this clarify for anybody????
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
What about this... @vikdaddy ?
But I didn't... And I'm sure you're all very glad! :)
I'm sticking with it ;)
Oh, I'm glad you think so! Thanks... :)
Thanks everyone. I'm glad I wasn't the only one confused. Hope everyone gets it now. :-)
I subscribe to the 'traditional' notion of still life as "a group of objects set up by the artist, with the artist in control of every element" (after @Rae Lowenberg). I'd add to that the element of natural light being central to many still life images. As I have no sophisticated flash setup I am very much limited to natural light anyway. :)
When all is said & done though the judges will decide - until then we can all add pictures to the theme that we feel are relevant. That's just one of the fun aspects of this site. :)
I have been pondering on the meaning of "still life" - as the objects in these photos are not "alive" - so thanks for the explanations. I kind of get the fruit etc., but some artists use posed models so there was a bit of confusion there.