Still Photography

Perfecting the art of composition and lighting to create a beautiful still life image is certainly no easy task. But get it right and still life photography can be an extremely powerful art form, and can be utilised in projects from calender design poster design. Here are 20 talented artists who have perfected the difficult skill of making, as well as taking, their photos...

 MICHAL KILMOV

This 'Rolleiflex' image showcases brilliant exposure and composition skills

Michal Klimov captured this atmospheric shot of his vintage camera recently. The beautifully simple image showcases brilliant colour and detail and skillful exposure and composition. Klimov's portfolio is full of vintage-style still life images, but this is our favourite.

 MARTIN ZALBA

This thought-provoking image was captured by Spanish amateur photographer Martin Zalba

We love how this 'After the walk' photo has us wondering just where these boots have been. Captured by Spanish amateur photographer Martin Zalba, he doesn't limit himself to one particular style: "I am interested in all types of photography," he says, "especially night photography, landscapes, urban photography, wildlife, portraits, still life and infrared photography."

 A SOT

Photographer A Sot burnt half a pack of matches in order to capture this gorgeous fire butterfly

A master of still life photography, artist A Sot has an awe-inspiring portfolio, full of beautiful images of all subjects. But our favourite has to be this fire butterfly, captured after the photographer burned half a pack of matches untill he got an interesting ignition. Just beautiful.

 EUGENIO COSTANTINI

Who'd have thought an umbrella could look this good?

Rain Machine by Eugenio Costantini goes to show that an eye for detail and talent behind the lens can turn even the most ordinary of objects into something very special. A unique point-of-view taken on an umbrella transforms its working parts into this beautiful, abstract image.

  LAFUGUE LOGOS

Lafugue Logos combines beautiful composition, lighting and colour in Sealed With A Kiss

We love the simplicity of the composition and beautiful colours in this Sealed With A Loving Kiss image by Lafugue Logos. With a passion for still life, photographing flowers in particular, the talented artist's portfolio is full of serene, dream-like images such as this.

 NIKO VASS

Perfect lighting eccentuates the colour and composition in Timeless

Timeless by Niko Vass caught our eye when searching for brilliant examples of still life. When looking through this photographers work, it's clear that he's all about simplicity, allowing his compositions, lighting and colours do the talking. And this atmospheric shot is our favourite.

 BRIAN ESTELLE

Photographer Brian Estelle captured this atmospheric image at the former cell of Al Capone

This room is, infact, the former cell of the famous American gangster Al Capone in the abandoned prison of Eastern State Penetentiary, Philadelphia. Titled Home Sweet Home, the atmospheric shot was captured by US-based photographer Brian Estelle, using his Canon EOS 6D.