Composing with White and Reflective Objects
STILL-LIFE PHOTOGRAPHY
What are the “Six Guidelines
for Better Composition?
1. Framing
2. Simplify
3.
4.
5.
6.
Balance
Rule of thirds
Use lines to direct the viewer
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. 30
1930
© Center for Creative
Photography, Arizona Board of
Regents
Joseph Sudek
Composition
1954
Josef Sudek
Untitled
1950
How did Josef Sudek use the
“Six Guidelines for Composition
in this still life photo?
Josef Sudek
Egg in a Dish
Resources
• www.masters-of-photography.com
• www.loc.gov/loc/lcib/0112/images/white_1
1.jpg
• ritualcafe.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/eig
ht-...
• www.masters-of-fine-art-photography.com
Triumph of the Egg
Review: What is composition?
1. Framing
2. Simplify
3.
4.
5.
6.
Balance
Rule of thirds
Use lines to direct the viewer
Avoid mergers!
Do you have to use all “Six Guidelines” in
every 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.
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
Kitchen Table
1921
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.
Paul Outerbridge
Triumph of the Egg
1932
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!!
Edward Steichen
Triumph of the Egg
1921