Thursday, December 27, 2007
i-MAG PHOTOGRAPHY - STILL LIFE
The way I understand it, still life photography is the grouping of inanimate objects -- such as decorative items, freshly-cut flowers or various fruits -- arranged in such a way as to resemble subjects for fine art paintings. It can be challenging, for the photographer must have fundamental knowledge of photography, as well as basic skills in lighting and compositional techniques.
I was one of five photographers invited by i-Mag Photography Magazine to submit a couple of photographs for its article, Still Life Clinic (Volume 1 Number 12 issue). The submitted images were then scrutinized by two seasoned professional photographers, Noli Gabilo and Mark Floro.
It wasn't a photo contest by any means; rather, the intention was for everyone to learn from the pros' critiques.
The photograph above was one of two I had submitted that were included in this tutorial article. I must admit, the merits and faults pointed out by Noli and Mark were humbling yet enlightening. Certainly, many readers learn from their insight as well.
If you're a budding photographer, I highly recommend that you pick up a copy of this issue. Who knows? What you gain from it may someday help you grab a top prize in a photo contest.
posted by Señor Enrique at 4:40 PM
20 Comments:
- Gita Asuncion said...
i bought that issue! and yes, it was very informative. taught me stuff i didnt know about still life. now im more confused than ever... hahaha... ;-)
- said...
I will and I'm sure it will be worth it. Nice shot and hope to learn more from you. Congrats! :D
- said...
I like the colors and subject matter of the photo. Would you mind sharing some of the critique of it? Thanks!
- candlelight books said...
hi eric:
di ka na maabot!
so what was your winning entry at the contest? i am mustering some guts to try. . .
a most prosperous new year to you!
minotte- Señor Enrique said...
Lol ... am laughing with you, Gita, because you're right. All those information can certainly be inundating :)
However, your still life photograph of those six cute dolls from your collection and their tiny gifts in the middle made a cool still life composition and capture. So, you essentially got the idea!- Señor Enrique said...
Hi LAR,
Noli Gabilo is one of our fine local travel/landscape photographers. His comments on lighting is worth checking out.
I say this because I notice your fondness and admirable skills with landscapes and nature scenes, especially your ability to play with nature's light and shadows. Imagine playing with those same elements but with artificial light and natural when composing still life images :)- Francesca said...
looks lovely the tea/coffee set!
is it bone china(Spaude) of England?
Nice design, elegant.
still life nga.- Señor Enrique said...
In the Still Life Clinic article, Anonymous, there are ten images used as samples for these pros to share their insight. Providing you with what was said about this particular photo of mine would only make you miss other significant elements as they had pointed out in the other photographs; hence only confuse you in the end.
i-Mag Magazine is only P175.00 and not really that expensive for any budding shutterbug. Besides, buying a copy will support an all Pinoy enterprise :)
Thanks!- Señor Enrique said...
It's fun, Minotte, especially when you begin manifesting some shots you'd always dreamed of creating.
No, this wasn't a contest but a tutorial article.
Thanks and wishing you the best for 2008 as well :)- said...
ey congrats again... being published in photo magazine is an honor enough, and being scrutinized and critiqued by seasoned photographer is another... kelan kaya ako? hehehe
- Señor Enrique said...
Hi Francesca,
Gosh ... have no idea. This was the time when I'd jumped at the chance whenever invited by some cousins and friends over for coffee or dinner -- I'd end up taking along my camera and start taking still life photographs of everything I see in their beautiful homes ... hahaha.
However, they'd often get annoyed, though. Because I was no longer sitting still as I used to while listening to them recite the reasons why they feel God has forsaken them despite their riches ... hahaha.- Señor Enrique said...
It may be much sooner than you realize, Lino. I'm serious!
Your nighttime shot of the UST admin building is hauntingly beautiful!- Unknown said...
Your photo is lovely, Eric. Reminds me of the ambiance in my grandmother's old house...warm and cozy.
Oh this Imag issue was not available when I got Number 11 last month. Will buy one this weekend.:D- Señor Enrique said...
It's a must have issue, Luna. You have got to keep one in your collection.
Many thanks! Check out what the pros have to say about it, though. Interesting comments, indeed :)- said...
wow, what a privilege, eric, for you... i saw an I-MAG magazine borrowed by daughter from one of her classmates. it's really one helluva magazine filled with fascinating pics and tips for newbies and professionals.
will buy one this time..- Señor Enrique said...
Check out its online forum also, Narissa:
http://www.imagphoto.com/iforum/index.php
You may want to sign up and join this group of friendly enthusiasts.
i-Mag has plenty of tips for all shutterbugs and they are written in layman's terms which I can easily understand :)
The pictures they feature are also worth studying.- gmirage said...
Subtle but wonderful as always SenorE. I wondered tuloy what they said. Congratulations!
- Señor Enrique said...
The pros were quite brutal, G.Mirage ... only kidding ... hehehe.
Many thanks!- INKBLOTS said...
Hi Eric,
Thanks for sharing this info.
I will try to look for this issue!
Happy New year!- Señor Enrique said...
Hi Ding!
A Happy and Successful 2008 for you!
Yes ... this is a wonderful must-have issue of i-Mag!