This practical one-day workshop invites you to explore and expand your still life photography in relation to Tate Britain and its collection displays. We will draw inspiration from how artists and photographers from the Tate Collection have approached the genre of still life. We will introduce the technical aspects of still life photography before you apply these insights and techniques to your own work.
Over the course of the session, you will build up the introductory skills needed to fine-tune or get you started with still life photography.
This session is for people aged 16 and over. It is suitable for photographers at all levels, including beginners. Participants must bring their own digital camera or camera phone. A digital SLR camera is recommended, but not essential.
Introduction: 15 minutes
An introduction to Tate and the workshop, including a very brief introduction to the genre of still life photography.
Technical aspects of still life photography: 45 mins
Including lighting, composition and focus (aperture and depth of field). Followed by a presentation and discussion of selected works from the Tate Collection demonstrating the breath and diversity of both technical and conceptual approaches to still life.
Collective activities in the studio and galleries: 45 minutes
Practice and experiment with the techniques learnt and draw further inspiration from works on display.
Photographing still lives in the studio and galleries: 60 minutes
Individually or in small groups as preferred amongst the group. Support, individual tips and answers to any questions that you might have will be available during this time.
Tea Break: 30 min
Includes uploading of all group members' work for sharing.
Presentation: 30 minutes
Sharing and discussion of the photographs produced.
Marianne Holm Hansen is an artist and lecturer working across media, including photography, drawing, text and moving-image. Marianne studied at the International Center of Photography (New York), and Goldsmiths, University of London. She has worked internationally as an editorial photographer, photography lecturer and educator, and with institutions such as Tate and the Royal Institute of British Architects (London) to deliver workshops and projects that invite participants to engage critically and creatively across media and themes.
