I bought some beautiful ripe red strawberries to eat as a snack. However, because they were so pretty, I decided to line them up and take pictures. I decided to photograph them in my studio using strobe lighting, on a black table, against a black backdrop.
Peeled Mandarin Orange
I decided to photograph a macro shot of a Mandarin orange against a black background. I arranged the sections of this peeled orange to display their vibrant and juicy interiors. The contrast between the orange segments and the dark background highlights the fruit’s natural texture and color and gives this image a dramatic flair.
Three Green Pears
I gathered three ripe pears in my studio and arranged them in a row against a black and then white backdrop. Each image has a different feel to it. Not sure which I like better. All these images were taken in studio. The colors on the second image were added as a texture. The image against the black backdrop were arranged on a shiny black table. Their vibrant green color and smooth, glossy surface give them a fresh and appetizing appearance. They look good enough to eat.
Green Grapes and Pears and Table
I decided to do a still life with the color theme green and brown. I like those earthy colors because they blend so well together. I already had a small, green ceramic vase, and rather than my usual red grapes, I felt that green grapes would be in keeping with my theme. I bought some yellow chrysanthemums to offset the green and brown tones. Once I had the specific composition mapped out, I assembled my vision on a shiny brown reflective desk. The brown pears, green grapes and all the elements came together. For a dramatic flair, I photographed the scene against a black background.
My second image is similar except it is assembled on a wooden board, taken against a white background. I then used a texture in Photoshop to add the blue background. It is similar to the first, yet different.
Hydrangea, Pears, and Plums
I have never used hydrangeas in a photo before and wanted to see how it would look. I came upon some in a store and thought I would somehow incorporate these delicate blue flowers into a still life. I had a pretty wicker basket at home already and decided that some brown Bosc pears and red plums would complement the gorgeous colors of the hydrangeas. I set this up and decided that a black backdrop would create a perfect contrast to the vivid flowers and fruit. I was pleased with the composition. I was about to give up for the day when suddenly I got a brain storm and this whole creation fell into place. Luckily I persisted.
Ukulele, Yellow Lilies, and Lemons
My friend loaned me her ukulele for this photo shoot. I posed ukulele in back of a still life with a brown ceramic vase with yellow lilies and lemons against a black background. I realize this is just one picture but I thought it needed a post of it’s own. I liked using a musical instrument in my still life.















