Being in a different climate (not to mention country) brings new perspectives and opportunities for my still life photography. If I was at home, I’d be shooting potting benches and perhaps baby bedding plants (even though it’s too early for plants, I’d be keeping them inside.)
As it is, we’ve been going to a lot of garage sales here in AZ, and there are always treasures to be found.
I like the southwestern “look” but I want it to be subtle and that’s what I was hoping to achieve in the following photo.
It was the handmade basket that sparked this image, and I’m kinda going with my “gut” without knowing how to explain my choices. I try to create vignettes that really work in my decor. Again it’s still life is real life is still life.
Of course my tall entranceway table made from an old door is the gem that’s sets the stage here. I absolutely adore it. I make use of all four sides in my photography—this time it’s the back with the beyond amazing hinges. When I set the little metal drawer on the table I was quite astounded to see how it matched the hinges!
Can you say “serendipitous”?!!
kk_Lilly preset by Kim Klassen
The little handmade pottery vases and old books just seem to fit … adding to the rustic feel.
Settings and setup:
- West wall with north sidelight coming from the right
- Manual mode
- 1/60s (on a tripod using a timer)
- f7.1
- ISO 500
I focused on the basket which resulted in it, and the hinge, being quite sharp. The rest of the image is slightly out of focus. I’m OK with that. I could have tried changing the f-stop but by the time I got my shot, I’d had enough and was done for the day. So I’m taking artistic licence here and declaring that this is how it’s supposed to be … although I did try a little sharpening in Lightroom.
This is for the “Gather” prompt for The Studio Online, and the “Utilitarian” prompt for the Be Still|One Year Wiser class at Learn | Kim Klassen dot com.
Barb,
I love your storytelling that went along with this image. I want more. When is the next chapter ???. Thank you for sharing so much of you.
Ann
Thank you Ann – sometimes when I write down the details it also helps me understand what it was I was doing ;)
Yes, I love the details you shared. It helps it come together in my mind and makes it doable instead of magical as if you waved your camera and poof, this happened. Because I’m sure that’s what you did!
I’m enjoying learning here. It’s a wonderful supplement to Kim’s class.
Debbie, thank you so much for your kind comment. Sometimes (often) I struggle when I’m writing a post, thinking it must be boring as can be, but when I get a few comments like yours and Ann’s, it makes it all worth it! Thank you again!
Hi Barb. This is just beautiful.. I have to use a higher ISO in my home as I do not have the light yet.
Learning all the time and as people share what and how they learn so do I in stills.
Thanks for that.
Have a beautiful day.
I love it!! You’re so creative. I need to learn how to set scenes like this. I fear I just don’t have the creativity for it!
Hi Barb I love your still and real life, You are amazing and I love everything you do.. Where are you at in az.I am in Phoenix but have not got there this year, been taking care of my mom. Love to go garage saleing with you. Miss you
Barb, I’m right with you with
admiring SW style that is “subtle.”
If I lived in that part of the country,
I’d decorate exactly as you have
done, here. I’d find full-on SW
a bit too much…..
I saw this shot on IG and it’s really,
really lovely. Thank you for sharing
your special talents as well as your
photography notes!
xo Suzanne