Still Life Photography – Book Stock

Definition of ‘Still Life’ –

·         Representation of inanimate objects, such as flowers or fruit, in paintings or photography.

·         A painting, picture, or photograph of inanimate objects.

http://www.thefreedictionary.com/still+life

Still Life

Any subject matter that does not move, is classed as Still Life photography, items such as flowers, fruit and vegetables etc (food) are classed as still life as-well because they are non-moving objects, there are also life forms of still life which do not move as-well.

Not as much lighting is needed in still life shoots, this is because the subject matter is normally much smaller and does cover as much area as a human or portrait style shot would need.

http://www.schoolofphotography.com/courses/free-photography-tips-and-articles/19-still-life-photography.html

Helen Chadwick

Chadwick’s work of animals and figures in the pool are all seen as still lives, this is because the animals were only very recently living. The lamb, the monkfish, the rabbits, the crab etc all appear to be dancing and flying in the embraces of the lover in the pool have passed into a dreamscape where all their existence is no longer real but is only remembered.



The Oval Court (detail)

The Oval Court (detail)

The positions of the women (bodies) in the pool have been taken from famous displays of women – the swoon of Bernini’s St Teresa when the seraph pierces her breast inspires the lover and bird in the goose panel. The none living objects like the lace, cords and veils create a different response to what the animals do.

Helen’s work I think is all about the feelings and different emotions between still life pieces in one photograph. Her own feelings are been portrayed in her work and how people see each other and how we can show this through different types of still life. She wants the viewers to get a feeling from the work and know what it is trying to portray to them,

Max Friedlander said ‘Still Life can be a symbol of life in flower, or equally it can be the symbol of ruin and death.’ – To me this quote is very realistic there isn’t really a boundary on what can be classed as Still Life, as any non moving object/subject could easily be classed as still life but also could be put under Portraiture if a person for example.

Book: -

CHADWICK, HELEN - ENFLESHINGS

Publication: SECKER AND WARBURG, 1989