Still life photography is a timeless genre that blends creativity, control, and storytelling. It focuses on capturing inanimate objects—often ordinary, everyday items—in thoughtfully arranged compositions to evoke mood, meaning, or beauty.

What Is Still Life Photography?

Still life photography is the art of photographing inanimate subjects. These can range from flowers and fruit to books, kitchenware, or vintage items. The goal is to bring these objects to life through composition, lighting, and artistic styling. Unlike spontaneous genres, still life offers complete creative control over every detail in the frame.

A Brief History of Still Life in Art

Still life originated in painting long before photography existed. In the 17th century, Dutch painters like Jan Davidsz. de Heem and Willem Kalf used still life scenes to explore themes of mortality, wealth, and impermanence. These symbolic works—known as "vanitas" paintings—often included skulls, hourglasses, overripe fruit, or extinguished candles.

With the invention of the camera in the 19th century, photographers began recreating these visual stories using real-life objects. Over time, still life evolved from a symbolic tradition into a modern tool for storytelling, branding, and artistic expression.


Photo © Deines Rojas

Types of Still Life Photography

  • Classic Still Life: Inspired by painting, often symbolic and staged with traditional props.

  • Food and Drink: Popular in magazines and social media, focusing on edible arrangements.

  • Product Still Life: Used in advertising to present goods attractively and effectively.

  • Minimalist or Abstract: Focus on form, color, and negative space with clean, modern aesthetics.

  • Botanical or Floral: Centered around plants, flowers, and natural beauty.

  • Conceptual Still Life: Uses objects to express ideas, emotions, or narratives.

Tips for Creating Powerful Still Life Images

  • Control the Light: Use soft window light or studio lighting to define form and texture.

  • Choose a Fitting Backdrop: Think about how your background supports your story.

  • Use Composition Rules: Apply the rule of thirds, symmetry, or diagonals for visual balance.

  • Mind the Styling: Select props that complement—not distract from—your main subject.

  • Try a Tripod: For precision, sharpness, and creative angles.

Why It’s Relevant Today

Still life is not just a historical art form. It thrives in today’s world—from social media flat lays to e-commerce catalogs and editorial spreads. It’s also a powerful way to develop your skills as a photographer. You can practice light manipulation, styling, storytelling, and fine-tune your creative eye.

Still life photography turns the mundane into meaningful. It invites you to look closer, arrange deliberately, and find artistry in everyday objects. Whether you're shooting a fine art project or creating commercial content, still life is a genre that constantly challenges and rewards.

So next time you see a bowl of fruit, a vase of flowers, or an old watch—think of the stories you could tell through your lens.

Join our actual Flowers still life photo contest - Nature Morte and get awarded!