As an experienced photographer in many types of food and drinks photography, still life is one of my favourite's since the images look so effortless and real.

It is important that I explain what this type of photography really is so that you understand my creative process throughout the shoot.

What is still life food photography, you ask?

Still life food photography may seem similar to most professional photos of food, but it is not.

This genre of photography you have witnessed it before but haven't realised. What characterises still life photography is images of food plates, for example, next to common objects that make the shot look like every day life. It's all about using inanimate and common objects that give off a familiar feeling to the viewer of the image, and arranging the objects to look naturally there, rather than propped for a shoot.

Concept of the shoot

As with any food or drinks photoshoot, I created a mood board for this project where I describe my creative thought process and ideas for each shot. For Chaga Life I mainly shot drinks, but the principles from this article can be followed for any still life photo project.

The project's main colours were warm browns, dark red as well as a bit of bright red for a pop of colour, and khaki greens. My aim was for the colours to compliment each other both on paper and on the image.

The background styles I chose for the photoshoot match the aesthetic I was trying to portrait which is warmth yet elegance. My background ideas included white marble, glossy dark wood, brown and blue surfaces that would support the palette colours.

For props, I needed everyday items such as mini clothesline pins, fabric pieces in brown tones, orange peels for a pop of colour, glasses and spoons.

All these elements combined, create a natural photo of a drink or food plate, as if the picture portrays a pause in life, a snapshot of a normal and ordinary moment in life.

Still life drinks I shot:

Old fashioned

I wanted to preserve the elegance and tradition of this well-known drink which is why the concept of this image is simple. I chose a dark background and rustic wood; old books as props and a jug in the background for a still life drink photography. My intention was the image to portray a classic 'Paul Newman vibe'.

Citrus Mulled Wine

For this drink, I really wanted to play with colours. I chose a neutral coloured marble surface and vibrant citrus fruit to grab the attention of the viewer with their colours. Props included pine needles, an ordinary pot, and pieces of cinnamon and orange slices. This photo gives the impression of someone making homemade mulled wine for a family celebration and placing it on the table for sharing.

Chaga Hot Chocolate

Hot chocolate brings to mind cosy nights, winter and Christmas. The surface I wanted it to be strictly wooden as we were incorporating a lot of pine needles and cones in the image, to get this 'cabin in the woods' aesthetic. I used a green cup to match the pine as well as cinnamon sticks to match the brown tones in the image. The hot chocolate now, is a frozen moment in time of a cold winter's night having a warm drink by the fireplace.

Espresso Martini

An espresso martini screams elegance and luxury. My thought process for this drink was that I wanted to give this exact impression of elegance to the viewer. A chic martini glass was chosen, wooden surface and a dark background that matches the overall colour scheme of my mood board, and props such as coffee beans or golden cutlery.

Overall, I tried to bring these drinks back to life through the photo. Chaga Life allowed me to be as creative as I wanted to be, and the end result is quite spectacular. The thought process described in this blog can be applied to both food and drinks photography.

Although I have experience in many genres of photography, my passion for still life is unmatched. You can have a look at my portfolio and my experience isn the food and drinks industry here.

Still Life Food Photography