Still Life - Standing on the Shoulders of Giants

I have stood, mesmerized, before paintings that so realistically depicted vases of flowers or simple bowls of fruit that I found it hard to believe they were not photos. Balthasar van der Ast was a Dutch painter of the 17th Century who painted in this style.

Recently, Steven and I decided to stretch a little by trying our hand at still life photography. It was interesting how we came at it when we began. Steven was all about getting the light right by setting up the flashes, the backdrop, and the reflectors. I was all about the subject and the composition.

We tried using different fruits and vegetables in various holders and attitudes and using various decorative items.

One important lesson we learned is that more is not always better. The simpler compositions were more much more powerful.

This picture, including lighting, subject and composition, is by Steven.

Jennifer