Hello Rob,

I had to look up the classification of figs to see if they were fruit and found they are actually tiny flowers growing inside an edible shell! I have never seen figs fresh off a tree, so this photograph was fun!

You have taken a lovely top-down documentary-style photograph of your figs. The clean white background helps the viewer focus on the figs. The narrow f/11 aperture helps show them in sharp focus, and the shutter speed for hand-held was good at 1/200 second. Usually, 1-2 times the focal length is a recommended range for shutter speed when you don't use a tripod.

I see your challenge in this composition is too many figs. Try shooting from a lower angle, composing the figs more invitingly, and trying a different background. Could you set up a small setting and show how you would present the figs to a guest at your table? You might also consider a different background, one that is complementary to the figs. This could even be a pretty complimentary colored napkin instead of a white plate.

You noted you are out of your comfort zone for doing still life. No problem there; you have to find the rules for starting as a beginner online, watch some videos on YouTube to see how others do it, and find out how they assemble the elements on the table. Then practice, practice, practice, and practice some more! PSA has a Still Life course, but I see it is unavailable now. Keep an eye open for this class in the future. I took it a while back when I first was interested in learning how to shoot still life.

Here are some tips to get started. Do you have a macro lens (great for small subjects)? Otherwise, a telephoto is suitable for more significant subjects. You might even try a 50mm lens or focal length.

Secondly, determine your aperture if you want a shallow depth of field or everything in focus. Then consider your composition, rule of thirds placement of elements, and overall balance in the image. You will also have to consider a background/backdrop for your photo. Next comes light. When starting, I recommend natural daylight from an east or west side window (it's softer than southern exposure). You can advance to flashlights or LED lights that are "daylight-balanced" light sources. With light, you can use bounce cards to direct the light on the subjects and create a mood. Lastly, keeping your composition relatively simple with odd number 3 or 5 elements (less is more) and keeping the scene only what you want the viewer to see is recommended when beginning.

This information should give you enough detail to start if you want to pursue still-life photography. Still-life is a fun genre; I think you will enjoy doing more of it.

Let me know if you want some references for YouTube videos; I have some favorites.

Best regards,
LuAnn   Posted: 09/08/2023 14:51:51

Thanks LuAnn. This was a quick shot, but I do want to work on still lifes. Always willing to spend some time on YouTube, send the links. I've attached a picture of the inside of the fig. These are brown turkey figs which grow better in our area. Not as common as the black mission figs.   Posted: 09/08/2023 16:38:30

Robert, fresh figs are one of my favorite fruits. Before moving to our current home, I had a tree of the variety called Nordland. The figs grew so large that one would fill the palm of my hand. They tasted like honey. I took a cutting and now have a large tree but alas the difference in micro climate from our old house to the new one is such that they don't ripen well.

As far as a discussion about your image, there is nothing more I can add that LuAnn hasn't already said. She is a master when it comes to still life composition and lighting. I would love to see you do another fig composition following some of LuAnn's suggestions. Keep at it and most importantly, have fun!   Posted: 09/09/2023 19:43:21

Robert, I'm jealous that you have a tree producing such luscious fruit in your yard. Your image is sharp and features good lighting. After seeing the inside of the fruit, I can imagine you have the subject matter for a whole series of still life photos. A combination of a whole fruit with a cut one could be quite interesting. Trying different backgrounds, plates or fabrics, and a variety of lighting could be fun. LuAnn has included some wonderful suggestions. Enjoy your exploring, Robert!   Posted: 09/14/2023 11:38:59

Robert, what luscious looking figs....made my mouth water when I saw your image. The way you have presented them is what I just recently learned as "high key" where the background is light/white enhancing the dark subject matter. All is in focus and shows the fruit nicely. As Michael and Ruth commented, LuAnn is quite talented in still life photography! You can see some of her work in prior months in this group. Have fun with it and enjoy the fruits of your wife's labor! I had to chuckle when I read that she is the gardener...in my home, my husband is the gardener!   Posted: 09/16/2023 17:51:10

Hi Robert,
The figs look fresh but I think the white serving dish does not make the fruits stand out. I like the version you presented in 09/17 more because the background and the plate complement the color of the fruit. Best of all, I can see both the outside and inside of the fig. You should be happy of your progress in still life images this month!   Posted: 09/22/2023 10:44:55

Robert, We have a big fig tree with the Brown Turkish figs, as well, We are enjoying them. I had two for breakfast. Love them.
As for the ccomposition, it is a bit static. I would play with the figs a lot to get something more interesting. easy to do. Also I would try to get a stronger shadow on them. The almost straight on shot doesn't give a sense of three dimensionality that might help. All I can say, is if you've got more figs still, try something a little more off center both in layout and in the number of figs in the still life. Still lives are very difficult to do well, so do not despair.
Just think of all those luscious figs to eat.   Posted: 09/25/2023 13:38:29