still-life-photography « WordPress.com Tag Feed

Waiting...

sheenajanes — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 03:36:29 +0000

Cool Coffee Drinks

rickgayle — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 21:07:27 +0000

We recently shot some awesome tasty coffee drink photographs for Coldstone Creamery. We had to carefully match the color of the drinks based on what their test kitchen came up with, so we played with food coloring like a bunch of mad scientists and then I finalized color and contrast in the “digital barkroom” aka photo-shop.

Thanks to food-stylist Kim Krejca, photo-assitant extrodinare Ken Clark and stylist-assistant Jill Flewellen.

In The Mood For...

sheenajanes — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 05:21:11 +0000

The Gonzales Family- Photographed for the Portrait of Opportunity Fundraiser

rickgayle — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:10:20 +0000

I was invited to participate in their Portraits of Opportunity pro bono exhibit that took place October 15th 2009 at Steele Indian School Park in Phoenix. I selected a family to photography that would then be apart of the exhibit that raised funds to provide aid to the families that Southwest Human Development helps in Arizona.

Southwest Human Development contacted me at Rick Gayle Studios and a few other photographers in Phoenix to participate in their fund-raising exhibit called Portraits of Opportunity. I was given a family to photograph during their daily activities. The exhibit was this past October at Steele Indian School Park.

Thank you to all the photographers that participated, the Gonzales family and Southwest Human Development for contacting me for this project.

Studio fire taught life lessons.

rickgayle — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:01:10 +0000

In July 2007, the Rick Gayle Studio location which I was in for 22 years burnt to the ground. I had been thinking of moving into a new space, but not exactly that way. The fire made it really easy to make the move…no packing, plus I learned a lot from the experience and best of all (thank God for insurance) – I got all new equipment.

The day after the fire I secured a new space and had it completely built out by the first August. I had the help of a group of very devoted people who really made the new chapter possible. On the one year anniversary of the fire I decided to make still life photographs of some of the charred remains I chose to save.

Holiday pie creates tasty photography.

rickgayle — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 17:53:10 +0000

Food photography is a passion of mine. What a great combo, I love photography and I love food. We do a lot of work with AJ’S and Bashas’ and we recently shot holiday pies for them for billboards and bus shelters. We did several shots and the cool thing for me was we had over 40 pies delivered to the studio for the shoot. Nothing like having pie for lunch.

Their marketing group is over-whelmed with work so, rather than coming to the studio we work remotely with them. We get a rough idea of what their needs are, the stylist pulls props and she prepares the stand in food, a capture is made and then emailed to the art director, changes are made and then we go to final. It’s cool because they trust our vision and allow us some creative freedom.

Special thanks to Kim Krejca food stylist, Jill Flewellen stylist assistant and Ken Clark photo-assistant.

Photo of the day. Close up photography of water droplets.

alxe24 — Sat, 21 Nov 2009 21:17:05 +0000

This are some images I took a while ago. I first tried this with milk and the results was not what I was hoping for. Lighting was not the best. The idea on this type of photography, aside of capturing the water droplet properly and sharp, is to have nice reflections and some highlights and shadows created by the ripples, thus enhancing the image by adding some depth.

Front lighting is not the way to approach this topic, unless you are looking for a flat looking image without any sence of relief. The way to do it (one of them at least) is to use one or more lights detached from the camera. In this set up I used one light; if you can imagine a clock I was at 12 the water droplet was the center of the clock and the flash was at 4 pointing at the droplets.

The set up was quite simple. Pirex with water on a low table. The camera was sitting on the tripod in front of the pirex I was using a Canon EF 100mm f2.8 Macro lens set at f8 for good depth of field. Speed was at 200 and ISO at 100. The key to illuminate the water here is the flash, that is what is going to not only light the frame but also freeze the action; therefore I set the Canon 580EXII to manual and lower the power to let say 1/64th and from there find the right output up or down until you have the right exposure.

What I used for the droplets was an empty gallon of milk with some water in it, poke the smallest hole you can (I mean this) you just want a constant drip and that is it. Hung it from something above the pirex (about 30 inches) that way you don’t have to be holding the gallon. Doing this will keep the source of water still and the droplet will hit the same place every time. Set your lens to manual and focus the place where the droplet hits, and the rest is fun time.

If you have a cable release it going to be useful. Also, the amount of water on the pirex and the distance of the water gallon to the pirex will determine the shape of the splash.

For more fun. If you change the withe balance to Tungsten the picture will turn out blue. If you put a color source in the back of the pirex and point the flash to it the relection of it will light up the water creating some interesting results.

I’ll upload some more with the different colors if anyone care.

Thanks for looknig.

Alex

PS: If you have any questions or comments free free to post or share your thoughts.

Ranch Market

rickgayle — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:27:24 +0000

The Ranch Market is a cool ethnic grocery store at 16th street and Roosevelt. I went there to find some interesting food items to shoot. These images are from my still life exploration.

Finally Rick Gayle Studio is Blogging!

rickgayle — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:04:27 +0000

Well I finally joined the social media world, I’m know a blogger. Yes me Rick Gayle! I guess I’ll have to learn to spell and be witty all at the same time.

I will be adding posts when I feel stuff is worthy of sharing or if too much time has past and everybody has forgotten who I am. The posts will be my own work as well as items from the world of photography that may be of interest.

Yes Rick Gayle Studio is bloggin….

Photo of the day. Still life photography

alxe24 — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 16:51:25 +0000

Here is a container that caught my attention at a friend’s house; I asked his to lend it to me and here it is. I like to play with it a bit more since I’m not quite sure what to group it with to make the image.

The lighting on this one is just one side (left) main light Canon 580EX trigered with a Canon 580EXII as a master. On the right side I placed a silver reflector to fill in the shadows just a bit.

shutterism — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:59:20 +0000

shutterism — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 05:18:51 +0000

Irving Penn – Exposing the life behind the achievement

tnrcommunications — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:14:50 +0000

Irving Penn; the father of modern day fashion photography, known for his celebrity portraits, fashion photographs, still life work and images of remote places died last Wednesday at his home in Manhattan aged 92.

A curator holds a photograph of Kate Moss by Irving Penn at Christie's in London, part of Gert Elfering's collection March 2008. Anthony Devlin/Press Association

Penn’s images inspired photographers for generations from all over the world to pick up the camera and try to capture their subjects in the same simple, clear and yet incredibly detailed way that only Penn could achieve. He brought about a whole new perspective to postwar portraiture. In a time when celebrities, politicians and generals were able to hide behind the façade of perfect features and unblemished faces, Penn sought to break down the walls of fame and power and capture their true selves.

He liked to take his subjects out of their natural settings and put them against a stark studio background. To expand his surroundings, Penn constructed sets of upright angled backdrops. Posing his subjects within these tight, unorthodox spaces, he brought an unprecedented sense of drama to his portraits, driving the viewer’s focus onto the person and their expression.

Penn’s talent earned him the widespread admiration of Vogue readers during his long time with the magazine, beginning in 1943.

Not only was he one of the most influential fashion photographers of the 20^th century but he was widely recognised in the art world for his still life photography; his images have been exhibited in museums and galleries and are prized by collectors.

His career at Vogue spanned a number of radical transformations in fashion and its depiction, but his style remained remarkably constant. Imbued with calm and decorum, his photographs often seemed intent on rebelling against fashion. His fashion, beauty and still life images had a unique style, with the models always carefully posed in specific positions. He very rarely used movement to portray youthfulness or vigour, rather somehow bringing it out of his subjects instead; he even turned the rough-and-ready members of the Hells Angels motorcycle club into the graphic equivalent of a Greek mural.

His work with cosmetic giant Clinique since 1968 set the benchmark for high-end, still life advertising campaigns with this style and lighting being copied all over the world.

He belonged to that elusive and limited club of photographers who even when his work was uncredited – you knew it was a Penn. With his death comes not only the end to a stunning career in photography and art, but the beginning of what will sure to be many retrospective’s on his work.

An exhibition at the National Portrait Gallery next February is still set to go ahead and will surely be one not to miss.

http://www.amateurphotographer.co.uk/news/Irving_Penn_death_London_show_to_go_ahead_update_news_290291.html

Post by Penny Joyner (Marketing Executive of PA Photocall)

Photo of the day. Dice roll

alxe24 — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 08:52:58 +0000

I just found this set of dice that belong to my grandma. I can’t tell how old they are but I know I used to play with them as a kid (just a few years ago

Pretty simple set up. Two umbrellas, one on each side Canon 430EXII on the left and Canon EX 580EX on the right the master was a Canon 580EXII and the ratio was set 3:1 and I shot them on ETTLII The lens was a Canon EFS 10-22 F3.5 4.5 USM set at 20mm f7.1 ISO 200 Speed at 250th .

Photo of the Day - 11/03/09

Gary — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:03:21 +0000

“Last Night’s Dinner”

Photo inspired by Trisha.

Thanks for the subject matter Trisha!

My Beef Stew with Fresh Italian Bread

Something I Learned Today: Beef stew is very difficult to make LOOK good for a photo!

Devon's Senior Portraits

Rob — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:09:23 +0000

I’ve known Devon and her parents for about the past 4 years. She was on a trip a friend and I led to Chicago, and we’ve worked together on a number of church functions throughout the years. I was really pleased that her mom asked me to do the portraits. Thanks Lynne! Glad you could come along for the shoot; we had a great time working together. Looking forward to doing more S family portraits in the future!

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Walker-Calderon Engagement

Rob — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:06:43 +0000

Congratulations G and J on your engagement! We’re really excited to be a part of your wedding next June!

G and J were a blast to work with! They’re both laid back, fun-loving people who feed of one another. J had just returned from Afghanistan when we did these portraits, and it was obvious how much he missed his bride-to-be. Love was in the air

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Emma's Portraits

Rob — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 23:03:15 +0000

I spent a couple hours with Emma a few weeks ago doing a portrait session. Such a sweet young lady. We had a great time shooting and had her mom along for the whole thing. Sure was nice getting to meet both of you! We’re looking forward to working with you in the future!

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"Buy Fresh, Buy Local" in Bloomington-Normal

Rob — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:43:16 +0000

This past week I was privileged to work with the Bloomington-Normal “Buy Fresh, Buy Local” organization, Vrooman Mansion, and Heartland Community College at a local cooking class. We had a great time and a learned a lot about local farmers and vendors while shooting this class. Thank you to Theora and Pam from Vrooman Mansion (click here to link) and Sally from Buy Fresh, Buy Local for the opportunity!

Check out some shots of the class, the chef, Sally, and some appetizing food shots! Beware, if you’re hungry, these photos will only make you more so

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Adam and Mary Lou's Sneak Peek!

Rob — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:38:06 +0000

Adam and Mary Lou were married recently at a beautiful ceremony on a golf course in Bloomington. While we had to battle the rain throughout the day, everyone’s spirits were high and smiles brightened the day. This couple has been a real pleasure to work with! Thanks Adam and Mary Lou for allowing me to be a part of your special day!

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Ashley and Jordyn

Rob — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:33:56 +0000

Ashley and Jordyn came over for a portrait session a couple of weeks ago. I really enjoyed getting to meet these two fun ladies! There’s little as cute or precious as a little girl enjoying time with mom

Thanks Ashley and Jordyn for letting us capture moments of your lives!

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Kenny and Stephenie's Sneak Peek!

Rob — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:29:29 +0000

Kenny has been a friend of about four years now. When he told me that he was proposing to Stephenie I wanted to offer him my services. They called me and asked me to come to Kansas City to capture the moments of this important event, and I was happy to make the trip.

Just a few days ago they were married with a beautiful ceremony and a wonderful reception. While we finish working through the images for their final review, we’ve selected some of our favorites to share with you. Congratulations again to Kenny and Stephenie and thanks for letting us be a part of your special day! Enjoy some favorites below!

If you would like to have Still Life Photography capture your life’s memories, call or email us at 309-830-0101 or Info@StillLife-Photo.com.

<img src="http://stilllifephoto.files.wordpress.com/2009/11/tc007.jpg" alt="tc007.jpg" border="0" width="425" height="638

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Matt and Lindsey's Wedding Sneak Peek!

Rob — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:20:31 +0000

Congratulations to Matt and Lindsey on their marriage! July 4th holds a special place in their hearts as the anniversary of Lindsey’s great-grandparent’s and grandparent’s anniversaries. Matt and Lindsey added their names to that list of July 4 anniversaries as they were married at Wesley UMC in Bloomington. The bride and groom, and their families, are fantastic people. We were thrilled to have been part of their day. Thank you Lindsey and Matt for allowing us to work with you! Enjoy the memories as you gaze through your sneak peak of some photographer favorites!

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St. Louis Chinese Culture Festival

Rob — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 22:04:19 +0000

A visit to my brother in St. Louis included a fantastic trip to the Chinese Culture Festival held at the St. Louis Botanical Gardens. The day was a mix between the rush of the “Thunder Drummers” and the serenity of the Garden’s many relaxing walks. Some snapshots from the weekend follow.

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Customized Guestbooks Make A Splash

Rob — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 21:50:14 +0000

Some people ponder whether to have a guestbook at their wedding or to have a print with a matte around it, signed by all the guests. While a guestbook is easy to store, it’s pretty likely that you won’t take it out and look at it often.

On the other hand, a photo-matte print is large, and easy to look at, but what do you do with it when you’re done having it up? Do you keep the matte and get rid of the frame? Change out photos from time-to-time?

I’m offering a new product that serves both purposes, ease of storage, but visually intriguing. Fun to look at, but without taking up wall space. The guestbook album is available in three sizes, 6×9 (horizontal), 8×10 (horizontal), and 8×12 (horizontal). They range in price from $100 to $175 and include 6 pages, or 12 sides. Half of the sides are collages while the other 6 sides are white space for notes to the bride and groom. Additional pages can be added for a relatively small fee.

The bride and groom can customize the cover, selection for a leatherette cover or photographic. If leatherette is selected, you have the choice of leather colors. If photographic is selected, you have the freedom to select which two images you would like to use as your front and back covers. The purchaser also gets to select which images will be used in the collages, and has the opportunity to review and request changes be made to each of the pages. While the engagement portrait is included in all of my wedding packages, you are also free to send me other images of the couple to be included in the album.

A young couple whose wedding I am photographing this summer ordered one, and loved it so much they ordered a second one. With the ability to completely customize this album, it’s a big hit, and a fun process as you make it your own.

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