The Fine Art of Still-Life Photography

Still lifes have intrigued artists since the beginning of recorded time. From ancient Egypt, where they adorned the walls of tombs, to the Renaissance, which introduced the genre into the cultural mainstream, the still life has been continually explored and refined, a process that continues today. For photographers, the still life presents unique challenges, as technical lighting skills merge with composition and design to bring an image to exquisite life.

This online workshop is scheduled over four Saturdays from 9:30 am- 12 noon MT beginning on April 30 and finishing on May 21. These sessions will be live-streamed via zoom from Kimberly’s studio.

Kimberly begins this four-day workshop with a review of the history of the still life, providing context and inspiration for our creative endeavors. From her studio, she discusses and demonstrates techniques for building a still life photograph, from conception and propping to composition and lighting, through to the final image. We explore sources of inspiration—finding objects, selecting surfaces, and building sets—while paying close attention to prop positioning and color theory. A keen focus is placed on lighting, to ensure that we heighten the desired emotional impact of our imagery. This workshop is taught entirely using natural light. No artificial lighting equipment is required.

Each Saturday’s demonstrations and discussions build on the previous session. Kimberly leads image reviews of your assignment work at the beginning of each class and shares the work of contemporary artists working in the still-life genre. Weekly assignments take the group rummaging for subject matter. Fruits, vegetables, and flowers are sure-fire options, but we also seek out more exotic alternatives.

Challenge yourself to achieve a higher level of craft and a deeper understanding of your personal aesthetic as you immerse yourself in the venerable art of the still life.