| How to Take Still Life Photography Posted: 03 Mar 2021 04:00 PM PST When you think of still lifes, you might think of classical paintings, but it's a very creative form of photography. You don't have to account for movement or real-life subjects, so you have total control of your composition. Practice photographing common still life arrangements or play around with modern setups like items of similar colors or textures. Still life photography isn't product photography—it's an expressive art form, so play around have find your own unique style. [Edit]Subject Matter - Use food if you want to photograph a classic still life set up. There's a reason that fruits, vegetables, and drinks like wine are popular with artists—they're different colors, textures, and sizes. You can slice them, leave them whole, or use them to create a pattern. You can even use fake food if you want![1]
- Study classical still life paintings for great examples of still life compositions with food. At their simplest, you might see a jug in the background with fresh fruit scattered around it.
- A still life of food doesn't have to be stuffy! Try arranging grapes in a geometric pattern and shoot it against an all-white background so the color of the fruit really stands out.
- Pick objects with matching colors or textures for a modern still life. The items you choose don't have to make sense together—you don't have to photograph a vase of flowers with books on a table, for instance. You could gather items that all of have a similar color, style, or texture. For example, find twisted metal parts, clear glass containers, or natural materials that are all bumpy.
- Remember, there are no rules when it comes to picking your still life subjects! Instead of choosing objects with the same color or texture, try shooting objects with contrasting styles.
- Gather found objects that have a pleasing arrangement. Challenge yourself to capture images of items you find in real life. You can take photos of the subjects as you've found them—like a nest that's fallen out of a tree onto the sidewalk—or arrange them into an image that you construct.[2]
- For example, you arrange tools, shells, or buttons geometrically to come up with a unique composition.
- Use objects to make words in your still life. Pictures tell a story, but you can add interest and detail by turning objects into letters. Shape letters with wire, flowers, buttons, or even cookies! Use your custom alphabet to write words on your still life surface and then shoot straight down so the viewer can read the words.[3]
- If you don't want to form the letters out of objects, lay a template on your shooting surface. Then, sprinkle something free-flowing over it and remove the template to reveal the words. This works great with sprinkles, ground coffee, or glitter, for instance.
- Find objects that work together to tell a story. Instead of arranging items by texture, size, or pattern, think about what kind of scene or story you want to make and look for objects that illustrate that. For example, create a still life of things that a writer might have on their desk or the objects that a gardener has in their greenhouse.[4]
- Your background can be part of the story or you can keep it simple by sticking to a neutral color.
[Edit]Composition - Choose a simple background that doesn't distract from your subject. In most still life cases, a plain white or black background will work great. Drape a plain white cloth or prop a large black poster board behind your subject. Use white if you'd like a light, clean, minimalist style or go with black for a moody, dark scene.[5]
- For example, black is a popular background for luxury drinks or sumptuous fruit and flower displays. You might use white to photograph something clear or modern like a stack of glasses.
- Want to experiment with bright or textured backgrounds? Go ahead! There are no rules for still life photography and you might find that a bright, colorful pattern can make your subject really pop. Use any background you like as long as it doesn't distract from your still life subject.
- Sketch out arrangements until you find a setup or grouping you like. Some people like to start arranging items on a tabletop, while other people prefer to draw out their ideas first. This can really help you visualize what the end result will be. Need some popular arrangements to get you started? Try:[6]
- A pitcher of flowers with fruit on a plate
- A teapot or coffeepot nestled on a cloth
- Jewelry with scarves and a bottle of perfume
- Books, a clock, and a candle
- Shoot at eye level for a traditional still life. The majority of still lifes you've probably seen were arranged on a tabletop and photographed from the side. This makes your photograph look more like a classical painting and it's a great way to practice this genre.[7]
- Play around with shooting at different angles—eye level is just a starting point! Raise your camera up slightly or shoot from just below eye level so you get a variety of viewpoints.
- Stand above your still life and shoot from above to get a bird's eye view. Arrange your items on a flat surface and stand above them. You can create a pattern or a recognizable shape. For example, lay flowers flat on a table and scatter petals around it instead of propping them in a vase. This way, when you photograph from the top down, you'll get more of a 2-dimensional image.[8]
- This is a fun exercise to do with small items. Spread trinkets, rocks, shells, or beads on a flat surface. Then, you can make them into a pattern and photograph from above.
- Make your own rules to create a totally unique still life. There are lots of helpful guidelines when it comes to choosing still life subjects and arranging them, but don't let these hold you back! Look for inspiration in everyday life and don't be afraid to try out something that doesn't follow a staged setup.
- Take your camera with you wherever you go. You never know when you see something that would make a fantastic still life.
[Edit]Lighting - Use natural lighting for a soft, realistic still life. You don't need fancy studio lighting to capture fantastic still life photos. Set up your still life near a window or photograph in a room with good natural light. You can even create your still life outside![9]
- Keep in mind that you'll get different natural lighting throughout the day. For example, you'll get more shadows as the sun sets which can give your still life a dramatic feel.
- Point a lamp directly at your subject if you want to control where the light falls. Natural light can be great, but if you want more control over where the light hits your subjects, use studio lighting. Take a table lamp and position it to the front or side of your subject, depending on the area you want to highlight.[10]
- For example, you might have an arrangement of found objects, but you really want to focus on a specific item. Place the light where you want your viewer to look, since light draws attention.
- Use the shadows in your setup to create a dramatic, moody feel. If you're using natural lighting, photograph when the sun is setting so your subjects cast long shadows. Want to make shadows? Position your lamp or studio lighting so it's directly pointing at your items. Keep moving the light closer until the shadows are as long as you like.[11]
- Make the shadows part of the arrangement. For example, photograph forks or bottles so the shadows make a cool pattern on your background.
- Place a reflector near your subject to create a light, airy atmosphere. If you're shooting a bright still life that's bright and modern, place the reflector on the side of your still life that's opposite from the light source. This way, the light bounces off of the reflector and back onto the subjects.[12]
- Try a reflector if your still life has a minimalist, modern feeling. It minimizes shadows and makes the objects stand out more.
[Edit]Camera Setup and Equipment - Secure your camera to a tripod so you can focus on the still life setup. Although it's totally fine to hold your camera when you photograph, a tripod really helps. It keeps your shot steady and lets you concentrate on setting up the scene or rearranging items.[13]
- You can also hook your camera up to a remote trigger so you can capture an image without standing right behind the camera.
- Shoot with a standard or telephoto lens so you can capture the whole still life. You don't really need fancy lenses to take a still life, so in most cases, a standard 50mm or 85mm lens will be good. If you want to photograph a large still life or leave a lot of space between your subjects, you might need a telephoto lens so you can stand back and include all the items in the shot.[14]
- Avoid using wide-angle lenses since they can stretch or distort your subjects.
- Try a macro lens or use the camera's zoom to focus on a small detail. You don't have to focus on all of the subjects in your still life. If you'd like to play around with form or texture, arrange your items and put a macro lens on your camera. Then, focus tight on a small detail or on just 1 of the items. This pulls out the details and makes the other items fade into the background.[15]
- For example, set out a handful of fresh peaches. Instead of composing the shot so they're all in focus, choose 1 fruit to focus on so you really bring out the texture and color.
- Don't have a macro lens? You can get the same effect by using the zoom feature on your camera.
- Try to arrange your still life photos using an odd number of items. This usually helps you create movement and balance within the arrangement.[16]
- Add instant style to your photographs by shooting in black and white instead of color. Black and white works really well if you want to showcase the pattern or textures of your subject.[17]
[Edit]References |
| How to Sort and Store LEGO Toys Posted: 03 Mar 2021 08:00 AM PST LEGO building bricks are a fun, creative toy for children and grown ups of all ages. If you or your child have a large collection, though, it can be impossible to find the precise pieces you're looking for! Check out this handy list we've put together on ways to sort and store your LEGO collection in an organized system. We'll start with tips on separating pieces into different categories and move on to where you can put all your LEGO pieces to keep them organized. [Edit]Spread your LEGO bricks out on a flat surface to sort them easily. - This makes it way easier to locate individual pieces. Pour your LEGO collection out onto a large, flat surface, such as the floor or a table. You'll be less likely to miss things and it will be faster overall to get the job done.[1]
- When you're sorting your LEGO bits, it can also help to work in small batches, particularly if you have a really large collection.
[Edit]Separate your LEGO pieces by type to easily find specific parts. - You can choose whatever categories help you easily find what you're looking for. Some common options include bricks, plates, roof pieces, wheels, and windows. It's also a good idea to have a miscellaneous category for any odds and ends that don't fit into a specific grouping.[2]
- While you're sorting your LEGO pieces, you may want to have interim containers to separate them into, so you stay organized. Plastic grocery bags are an ideal option.
[Edit]Divide the LEGO parts by size to keep similar bricks together. - Sort your bricks and other pieces by hand to separate them by size. Eyeball the different pieces and put ones that are the same or similar sizes together. It's up to you how specifically you want to group the sizes.[3]
- For example, you can put all the 1X1 pieces together, all the 2X1 pieces together, and so on if you want to get really precise and keep only pieces that are the exact same size together. Or, you can put all pieces that are 1x beams together, no matter the length, all 2x blocks together, and so on to group things together more generally.
[Edit]Group pieces by color and size or color and type to get specific. - Separate your LEGO bricks this way to make it even easier to find certain pieces of different colors.[4] Sorting by color alone can make it difficult to find specific bricks or accessories that you want, but dividing your collection even further can help organize it effectively. You might sort by color and type, so all your red bricks are in one spot and all your red beams are in another. You can also sort by color and size, so all of your blue 2x4 plates are in one container and your red 2x4 plates are in another.[5]
- Start by sorting the LEGO bricks according to type or size, and then further sort the pieces by color.
- Sorting your LEGO bits by color is best for collectors who like to build sculptures and mosaics.
[Edit]Sort your LEGO bricks by set to make it easy to rebuild the sets. - It's easier to have pieces stored together when you want to build the original sets over and over again. If you've kept the LEGO bricks in their original packaging, you'll easily be able to sort the pieces. If you haven't kept the boxes from your sets, it helps to locate the instruction booklets from your sets because they include a listing of all the pieces from the sets, so you can identify the LEGO pieces that should be gathered together.[6]
- When you don't have the original packaging on hand, you may want to sort the LEGO bricks into small containers before placing them into a larger storage system. That's because storing them each in their own bin, basket, or other storage option may take up too much room if you have many specialized sets. Zip-top bags or other small plastic storage bags are inexpensive and work well.
- It's a good idea to place the instruction booklet from each set in the bags along with the pieces. Not only will it prevent you from losing the booklet, it can help you identify which set is which when you have several bags in a single bin, basket, or container.
- Creative builders may be frustrated if they store their collection by set because it's more difficult to locate specific pieces when you're building your own creation.
[Edit]Sort your LEGO parts by favorites to quickly find preferred bricks. - Keep track of the pieces you're using for a week or so to identify your favorites. This can help even if you instinctively know which LEGO pieces are your favorites. It also helps to create specific categories, so you know how to sort the pieces. For example, you might decide on "Most Frequently Used," "Used Regularly," and "Used Rarely" categories.[7]
- Sorting by favorites or frequency of use is a good method if you're organizing a child's LEGO collection because it can help you identify pieces that you may be able to get rid of when your child needs room for other toys, books, or belongings.
- Place the LEGO pieces into containers based on accessibility. You'll want to put your favorite or most used pieces and sets in the bins or containers that are easiest to access. That might mean placing them on the top shelf of your storage unit -- or the lowest, if you're sorting for children.
[Edit]Put your LEGO collection in stackable bins to keep it out of sight. - Purchase enough plastic bins to hold your LEGO collection. Place your sorted LEGO bricks in the containers. When you're sorting your pieces in your bins, you don't want to overload them or it will be difficult to find pieces when you're working on a project. Having the LEGO pieces in a single layer in each bin is ideal because it makes it easier to see all of the pieces.[8]
- Clear bins or boxes work especially well because you can easily see what's inside. However, if you're color sorting your LEGO bricks, you may want to color code your bins. For example, choose red bins for your red pieces and blue bins for your blue pieces.
- It helps to buy bins in a variety of sizes, so you can customize your storage based on the size of the pieces. Small pieces, such as Technic pins, clips and hinges, can get lost in large bins, so smaller boxes are a better choice.
- If you are storing small LEGO pieces in a larger bin, you may want to place them inside a Ziploc or other plastic bag to make them easier to locate when you're building. Bins do not need to be boring but can also be seen as being part of an interior so that it does not become a focal point[9]
[Edit]Store LEGO parts in cabinets or drawers for easy access. - Purchase a storage cabinet or drawer system that fits your LEGO collection. Depending on the size of your collection, you can opt for simple plastic drawer sets that only have a few drawers or more elaborate cabinets with many drawers. For example, drawer systems that are usually used to hold crafting or hardware supplies are great.[10]
- As with plastic bins, storage cabinets that feature clear drawers are the best option because you can easily see what LEGO pieces are inside.
- Look for drawer systems that provide different sizes of drawers, so you can easily organize your collection based on the size of the pieces.
[Edit]Add drawer organizers to maximize the use of space. - It may make sense to store multiple types of LEGO bricks and pieces in a single drawer. To prevent them from becoming mixed up, it helps to have a drawer organizer with different compartments, so you can separate the pieces based on your chosen sorting system.[11]
- Drawer organizers are available at office and home supply stores. They come in a variety of sizes and some are even customizable, so you can create the ideal storage for your LEGO bits.
[Edit]Label your drawers or bins to keep track of what's inside them. - This way, you'll know exactly where to find all your pieces. Even if your bins are clear or if your storage cabinet has drawers made of clear plastic, it's a good idea to label them with the contents, so you don't have to go searching for a certain piece in the middle of a build. For the most organized collection, be as specific as possible when creating the labels.[12]
- A label maker is obviously ideal for creating labels for your drawers, but you can also easily create custom labels on your computer as well and tape them to the bins or drawers.
- A creative way to label things is to cut the small pictures from the original boxes your LEGO sets came in and use them to identify what is in each bin or drawer and keep a precise inventory of what you have. Laminating the pictures will help increase the durability.
[Edit]Find an out-of-the-way place to store your bins or drawers. - One of the benefits of using this type of storage is that they're versatile. You can stack the bins full of LEGO bits on a bookcase or shelving unit, stash them in a closet, or even tuck them under a bed to keep them out of sight. In a child's bedroom or playroom, you may want to simply stack them on the floor, so it's easy for your child to access them. Storage drawers can also go in a closet or be placed against a wall in the room you build your LEGO creations in.[13]
- For example, if you're sorting a LEGO collection for your child, consider organizing the pieces in drawers and lining a wall of your kid's playroom with them. Or, use skinny bins that fit under your child's bed.
[Edit]Use a tool, tackle, or craft box to make LEGO pieces more portable. - These types of containers are usually divided into several compartments. This makes it extremely easy to sort your LEGO pieces and keep them separated. You can store the boxes on shelves or tables, but they're also portable, which makes them ideal for taking your LEGO collection on the go.[14]
- A tool, tackle, or craft box works best for a small collection. If you have many pieces to hold, you may need multiple boxes.
- Avoid boxes with removable dividers because they are usually flimsy, and your LEGO pieces may end getting mixed together when you move the box around.
[Edit]Hang LEGO bricks in a shoe organizer for a creative solution. - When you're short on space, a hanging shoe organizer is an ideal option for LEGO bits. It's a great way to make use of wall or door space and store your sorted LEGO bricks neatly. The organizer's pockets make it easy to keep your sorted bricks and pieces separated, and the clear plastic allows you to see what's inside.[15]
- This works best for smaller LEGO collections, since these types of hanging shoe organizers have a limited amount of space.
[Edit]References |
| How to Be More Confident Posted: 03 Mar 2021 12:00 AM PST Confidence is important for positive social interactions, performing well in school, and advancing your career. If you feel like your confidence is low, you might shy away from new opportunities or avoid things that you find difficult. With these tips and tricks, you can work toward building your confidence and raising your self-esteem to tackle anything that life throws at you. Becoming more confident takes time, so keep going, even if it gets tough. [Edit]Challenge your negative thoughts - Try to catch yourself when you think bad things about yourself. If you notice a negative thought, question it to see if it's actually true. When you start to question your negative self-talk, you can adjust your thinking over time.[1]
- For example, if you think something like, "My friends probably don't like me," try asking yourself, "Is that true? Didn't my friend just invite me to hang out last week?"
- Or, if you think something like, "I'll never pass this test," ask yourself, "How do you know? Can you tell the future?"
[Edit]Use positive self-talk - Repeat phrases every day until you start to believe them. Take a few moments before you go to work or school to look at yourself in the mirror and remind yourself of your positive characteristics. You can either say something that you believe about yourself or something that you would like to believe about yourself. Try saying things like:[2]
- "I am an intelligent person."
- "I am a good father."
- "I have accomplished many important things in my life."
- "People enjoy spending time with me."
[Edit]Make a list of your positive qualities. - It might seem silly, but sit down and write out a list. Start with 5 things that you like about yourself and try to add something to the list every day. If you can't think of anything, try asking your loved ones what they like about you to get you started.[3]
- For example, you could write, "I'm kind, I'm loving, I'm passionate about art, I'm creative, and I'm a good friend."
[Edit]Stand up straight and make eye contact with people. - Body language is a huge indicator of confidence. When you interact with others, be sure to keep your head and chin up, stand up straight, and look people in the eyes when you talk to them. Keep your hands out of your pockets and plant your feet in a wide stance.[4]
- If you're listening to someone else talk, practice active listening skills by nodding your head and making eye contact.
[Edit]Be honest with yourself - In some areas of life, you might still have a lot to learn. Being confident doesn't mean overestimating your own abilities; instead, try to recognize where you might be slightly lacking, then work to improve that area.[5]
- For example, if you just started a new job, you probably don't know everything about the company yet. Spend some time learning from your coworkers to do the best job that you can do.
[Edit]Spend time with people who appreciate you - Negative people tend to lower your confidence. Instead, spend time with friends and family members who inspire you and push you to be your best self. You'll know someone is good to be around if you feel excited and happy to hang out with them.[6]
- People who lower your confidence might make disparaging remarks about you or tell you that your goals are dumb. It probably feels draining to hang out with them, and you might be subconsciously avoiding them.
- If you want to make a new group of friends, try joining a club to meet people interested in a hobby of yours.
[Edit]Learn to say "no." - You don't have to explain yourself to anyone. If you're feeling overwhelmed and don't want to take on another responsibility, say "no." It will be tough at first, but once you practice it, it will become second nature.[7]
- Saying "no" can often feel like we're disappointing friends or family members. However, overwhelming yourself with responsibilities will only make you feel worse, and it can lead to lower self-esteem.
[Edit]Wear clean clothes and practice good hygiene. - When you look good, you feel good, too. Try to shower every day, brush your hair, clean your teeth, and put on clean clothes. If you like makeup or jewelry, wear that too! Try to present yourself in a way that makes you feel confident.[8]
- If you're itching for a new wardrobe but don't want to break the bank, try hitting up a thrift store in your area.
[Edit]Do something you enjoy every day. - Make yourself happy by doing something fun. It could be a craft, an art piece, a nature walk, a hike, a jog, or even reading a good book. Spend 15 minutes doing something that you like to boost your mood and improve your overall self-esteem.[9]
- Try taking a break from technology while you do this, too. It can be nice to step away from the screens for a while.
[Edit]Forgive yourself for your mistakes. - Try to remember that you're only human. Everyone makes mistakes, and you're no different! Try to forgive yourself for things you did in the past so you can move on. Don't hold yourself to a higher standard than everyone else.[10]
- If you're having trouble forgiving yourself for something, try asking if you'd forgive a friend for the same mistake. Then, use that forgiveness on yourself.
[Edit]Exercise regularly. - Try to get 30 minutes of moderate exercise per day. Not only will it make you feel stronger and healthier, exercising releases chemicals in your brain that make you feel happier. It will boost your overall mood and it can break up your day if you're feeling stuck.[11]
- Exercising doesn't have to mean going to a gym and getting your pump on. You could swim, jog, do yoga, jump rope, or do an at-home workout routine.
[Edit]Learn a new skill. - Do something outside of your own comfort zone. If you've never tried playing chess before, play a few online games to get the hang of it. If you aren't the best cook, try making a dish you've never had. Build your confidence in smaller areas to improve your overall self-esteem.[12]
- Try to expand your comfort zone slowly and steadily over time.
[Edit]Get help from a mental health professional. - If you're really struggling with your confidence, a professional can help. They'll be able to find the root of your low confidence so you can challenge your thoughts and break any negative thought patterns. A mental health professional can also help you work toward other goals, like improving your relationships or making changes in your life.[13]
- If you're a college student, check out the mental health resources on campus. You might be able to see a mental health professional for free.
- Improving your confidence takes time. Don't give up!
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