At first glance, the photo below looks simple: three plain white vases placed side by side. No flowers, no dramatic props — just shapes and shadows against a dark background.
But look closer, and you’ll notice how much story they carry. Each vase has a different form — tall and elegant, strong and steady, round and playful. Together, they suggest contrast and harmony, individuality and connection. The soft side-lighting adds depth, making them feel almost like characters in a quiet conversation.
This is the power of still life photography: turning ordinary objects into visual storytellers. And the good news? You don’t need a studio or fancy props to create images like this. With a thoughtful eye and simple techniques, you can make everyday objects — from vases to books to coffee cups — speak volumes.
Table of Contents
Introduction What is Storytelling in Still Life?
Start With a Simple Idea
Choose Meaningful Objects
Composition Tips Made Simple
- Use the Rule of Thirds
- Leave Space
- Think in Layers
Use Natural Light to Create Mood
Think About Colors
Keep Your Edits Natural
Practice With These Simple Prompts
Learn by Looking
Final Thoughts.
What is Storytelling in Still Life?
Still life photography is more than just arranging pretty objects. It’s about creating emotion or meaning through the things you choose to show — and how you show them.
Think back to the three vases above. Alone, each is just a simple object. But placed together, they form relationships: contrast in their shapes, balance in their spacing, and unity in their shared color. Suddenly, they’re no longer just vases — they’re a quiet story about difference and togetherness.
That’s storytelling.
Or picture a half-drunk cup of coffee, an open book, and soft morning light. It might remind you of a slow Sunday, a peaceful moment, or even a bit of loneliness.
The objects don’t have to move or speak. With the right setup, they’ll speak for themselves.
Start With a Simple Idea
Before you grab your camera, ask yourself:
What feeling or message do I want this photo to share?
The vases work because they focus on a single theme: simplicity and balance. By limiting the setup to just three objects, the photographer lets their forms and light tell the story.
Here are a few other beginner-friendly ideas:
“Calm morning” → candle, tea, blanket
“Messy desk” → notebook, glasses, pens scattered
“Childhood memories” → old toy, photo frame, crayons
Pick 1 emotion or theme. Don’t overthink it — the simpler the better.
Choose Meaningful Objects
You don’t need to go out and buy props. The best still life setups often come from things you already own — and that’s what makes your photos unique.
Notice how the vases are ordinary household items, but chosen for their differences in shape. They aren’t valuable antiques or dramatic centerpieces — they’re everyday objects elevated through arrangement and light.
Choose items that:
Reflect the theme you picked
Have personal or visual meaning
Work well together in terms of color or shape
Example: A vintage watch, a handwritten letter, and a faded rose might tell a story of nostalgia or lost time.
Composition Tips Made Simple
How you arrange objects is just as important as what you choose.
Look at the vase photo again:
The tallest vase is placed slightly left, the medium one in the middle, and the rounder vase to the right. This staggered arrangement creates balance without symmetry.
The space between them gives each object “room to breathe,” making the composition feel calm and uncluttered.
The background acts as a simple stage, allowing the vases’ shapes and shadows to stand out.
Here are 3 beginner tips:
Use the Rule of Thirds
Instead of placing your subject in the center, divide the frame into 9 equal parts. Notice how the vases are not crammed into the center — their placement naturally feels aligned to these invisible lines.Leave Space
The gaps between the vases create rhythm. Without them, the photo would feel heavy and crowded.Think in Layers
The dark background (back layer), the vases (middle layer), and the table surface (front layer) create depth. Even with just three objects, the image feels dimensional.
Use Natural Light to Create Mood
Light is everything in photography — especially in still life.
The vases are lit from the side, which creates gentle shadows and gives each curve definition. This side lighting transforms plain white ceramic into something sculptural and expressive.
As a beginner, use natural window light:
Side light (like in the vase photo) adds shadows and mood.
Front light gives a clean, even look but less depth.
Tip: Shoot near a window at different times of day and see how the mood changes.
Think About Colors Colors
Colors can tell a story too.
The vase photo uses a neutral palette: white objects against a brown backdrop. This simplicity keeps the focus on shape and light rather than color distractions.
Warm backgrounds (like brown, wood, or beige) feel cozy and timeless.
Cool backgrounds (like blue or gray) feel calm or distant.
Pro tip: Start with 1–2 colors, just like in the vase setup. Neutral tones let form and lighting shine.
Keep Your Edits Natural
Editing helps bring your story to life — but don’t overdo it.
In the vase example, editing was likely subtle: a touch of contrast, controlled brightness, and preserved natural shadows. Nothing flashy, just adjustments that let the objects and light speak for themselves.
Try free editing apps like:
Snapseed (iOS & Android)
Lightroom Mobile
Start with small adjustments:
Brightness (lighten up dark images)
Contrast (add depth)
Warmth (make the photo feel cozier or cooler).
Practice With These Simple Prompts
One of the best ways to grow your still life skills is to practice small setups. The three vases are a perfect example: just a few objects arranged with intention, photographed with simple light.
Here are some prompts you can try at home:
“Morning Routine” – toothbrush, mug, journal
(Capture the quiet rhythm of starting your day.)“Cozy Corner” – book, blanket, candle
(Use soft light and warm colors to invite calmness.)“Creative Mess” – sketchbook, paintbrush, scattered tools
(Show energy and spontaneity through arrangement.)“Nature Inside” – leaves, shells, glass jars
(Play with texture and organic forms, like the vases’ curves.)
When you try these, remember: keep it simple, leave space, and let light shape the mood — just like in the vase photo.
Learn by Looking
Another powerful way to improve is by studying what other photographers do. The vase photo works beautifully because it follows classic still life principles: simplicity, balance, side lighting, and harmony of shapes. You can train your eye to notice these same patterns in other people’s work.
Here’s how to learn by looking:
Browse Pinterest or Instagram for #stilllifephotography.
Pay attention to how objects are grouped, how light is used, and how color palettes are chosen.
Try to recreate a setup you admire using your own objects — then compare the results.
Just like learning music by covering a favorite song, copying setups helps you understand structure and rhythm. Over time, you’ll develop your own style.
Final Thoughts
The presence of three simple vases serves as a valuable reminder: compelling still life photography does not require a fully equipped studio, expensive props, or decades of experience. What truly matters is intention, observation, and a willingness to explore with curiosity.
Creativity is not bound by resources—it is defined by perspective. Everyday objects, whether a modest vase, a piece of fruit, or even an empty shelf, hold the potential to communicate meaning when viewed thoughtfully. The artistry lies in recognizing the story already embedded in these familiar forms and translating it through light, composition, and detail.
The key learning here is straightforward: start with what is available. Experiment with arrangements, observe how natural light interacts with your subject, and continuously ask yourself, “If this image could speak, what would it say?”
By approaching photography with this mindset, the ordinary becomes extraordinary, and each frame gains the capacity to tell a story that resonates.
Happy shooting—and happy discovering stories in the everyday.
– Elmer F.