Every now and then I like to pull out the camera and tripod and do a little still life shooting. Sometimes its flowers, and sometimes it’s just something I find around the house. I could set up the studio and lights but I actually prefer to use natural light, especially when it’s a little overcast outside. My favorite light is the soft wrapping light that comes in from the South side of my house during mid-day. My latest subject was the Davis sewing machine that my wife inherited from her Grandmother. Not only is it a very cool antique but it’s still fully functional and actually gets used for sewing from time to time.
To add a little interest and color, I raided the thread drawer and pulled out a few spools. I also pulled out my double-black Westcott panel to use as a backdrop. It’s a black velvet surface that just sucks up light like a blackhole. I shot using a standard 50mm prime lens and varied my f-stop between f/2 and f/11, depending on how much depth of field I required. The interesting thing about shooting a larger object like this is that every new angle comes from moving the tripod and camera instead of the subject. It made for a more challenging shoot since all of the light was coming from the window. It also means I had to really explore the angles to control the look of the final image.
Next time you want to go shooting but the weather outside isn’t exactly ideal, try shooting some natural light still lifes. It is certain to get you thinking and will let you stretch your skills. This is also great light for portraits. Just throw a white reflector into the mix for some great fill light.
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It’s what I do most days. I don’t have the money for studio lights but there is plenty of free light from the sun. I have a black dresser in my bedroom I use for the backdrop. I can make the rough texture show or make it all black.