Latest project..

Latest project..

If anyone had said when I restarted in this great hobby 8 years ago, that I would be creating still life's - and enjoying it, I would have thought they were having a moment of insanity.

However in that time, a lot has changed, not least in my career. I bought a camera, for something to do on an evening, I stayed away from home, 2-3 nights a week, often travelling to the NE Coast and Scotland visiting customers, so I went out on an evening capturing the great landscapes this country has, rather than staying in the room or going to the bar.

Time moves on, I no longer visit customers (or rarely), still spend as much time in hotels tho mainly entertaining so landscape photography has all but disappeared from my PF.

So what has this to do with still life's? Well, I have little time to spare these days, still love the hobby, yes my mojo likes to wander more frequently than I would like. I dabbled with stills after a long conversation with one of the elder statesmen of EPZ a few years back, I was hooked. Initial results were, well frankly $¥!} I really struggled with composition - still do. So they were spasmodic, but when my job changed I decided to alter our spare bedroom (my office) into a studio - come office, a lot of help and advice from people on here for which I'm very grateful. Now after a stressful day I can lock myself away for an hour or two, and I can leave a project set up so I can take my time.

This brings me to my most recent project, I've set myself 12 months to get the final image, don't get me wrong I hope there will be a number interim / supporting images (and other simpler projects) but this one will need a lot of thought. Why, well I want it to have minimal photoshop - so as much in camera as possible. It has to tell a story- that's easy I even have a title in mind, but the props will be difficult to source - at least realistic props and the main one will be expensive.

I'm even contemplating in the final image (not main image) that all the props will be completely destroyed. The list of props is extensive but includes:

Gothic candlestick - I've got several, tho not sure they are right tho
Candle (dripping) - hopefully sourced
Dresser mirror (the ones I've seen are over £200..gulp)
Jewellery / watch - some sourced, but need much, much more
Antique ladies grooming kit
Prayer book.

Plus lots of final "dressings" and a couple of finishing touches.

I don't know if to upload images as I go along or wait till the project finishes, using the blog on my website to detail my progress.

Then there's the lighting .. Which won't be easy, but this I love doing

I would love to hear your thoughts and suggestions

Tags: Help Project Still life