Project 1: Low-Key Still Life

Proposal Due: 9/29, in class. Be prepared to discuss.
Preliminary critique: Monday, October 6th
Final Critique: Monday, October 13th

Write a 1-page proposal for a low key still life project. In a low key still life, the image is generally darker, tonally.  The background is generally on the darker end of the scale and the lighting design supports deeper shadows. The class vanitas still life could be considered low key

For this project, please steer away from overly shiny, metallic or glass subjects, for now. These present particular challenges that might be best to avoid for now.

Design a background that supports the subject.

Your proposal should consist of:

• An overall idea or concept for your image...reflect on some themes or ideas you hope to communicate.
• A description of the subjects that will express these ideas
• A description of the background
• Any particulars regarding the set-up of the still life that you are considering that come to mind (e.g. need to build a stand to prop up objects, or create a GOBO for a certain effect)
• A brief description of at least two still life examples, by well-known, established photographers (choose two different artists) that serve to inspire the set-up and/or lighting design of your project. These examples should be properly referenced. Start with examples from the class blog.
• 1 page

Project:

Plan for several shooting sessions outside of class. Reserve studio time well in advance.

Over the course of the project you will be shooting many variations. Keep all of these, planning to turn them in. The final image (best variation) will be printed full size to at least 16" x 20". Shoot RAW and focus critically to ensure that the image will hold up through enlargement.