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The Art of Stillness

The Art of Stillness — Conceptual Still Life Photography Workshop Series

Photography goes beyond capturing objects; it tells stories through light, texture, and form. That is why The Art of Stillness was created — a series of workshops designed to guide photographers from essential foundations to advanced professional skills and finally into the world of luxury and conceptual imagery. In this way, participants learn not only techniques but also how to build a creative vision that transforms ordinary objects into extraordinary visuals.

To begin, the Foundations of Still Life Photography workshop at Shari Academy introduces the basics of lighting, styling, and composition. It is ideal for beginners and enthusiasts who wish to build confidence with simple yet effective techniques. After that, the Advanced Still Life Photography Workshop provides deeper training with professional setups for product, food, and jewellery photography. Furthermore, the Masterclass in Conceptual & Luxury Still Lifechallenges participants to explore high-end styling, creative direction, and industry-level presentation.

Each session has been carefully structured at Shari Academy Mumbai to balance theory with hands-on practice. As a result, participants gain practical skills, industry knowledge, and efficient workflows. Moreover, they learn to meet client expectations while developing a portfolio that stands out.

Today, brands increasingly demand photographers who can combine creativity with precision. According to a report on commercial photography trends, the demand for high-quality still life imagery continues to grow across advertising and luxury markets. Therefore, joining these workshops not only enhances your craft but also gives you a clear competitive edge.

Ultimately, The Art of Stillness helps you evolve into a storyteller whose images inspire clients and captivate audiences.

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The Art of Stillness — Foundations of Still Life Photography

Level: Beginner to Intermediate
Duration: 2 Days

Day 1 — Understanding the Basics

  • Introduction to Still Life Photography
  • History & styles: From painting traditions to modern editorial
  • Composing with purpose: Rule of thirds, symmetry, balance
  • Equipment essentials: Cameras, lenses, tripods, tethering
  • Introduction to natural light & simple artificial setups
  • Hands-on: Photographing simple objects with single light source

Day 2 — Exploring Light & Composition

  • Working with textures, shapes, and colors
  • Depth of field & focusing for clarity
  • Using reflectors and diffusers for control
  • Basics of food and product styling
  • Guided shoot: Everyday objects in a storytelling frame
  • Review & constructive feedback session
Outcome: Participants gain the ability to confidently create clean, balanced still-life images using accessible setups.

The Art of Stillness — Advanced Still Life Photography

Mastering Light, Form, and Storytelling in Product, Food, and Jewellery Photography

Day 1 — Building the Foundations

Theme: Laying the Groundwork for Precision and Creativity

  • Welcome & Introduction

    • Workshop overview and goals

    • The language of still-life: From objects to stories

  • Understanding Client Needs

    • Translating client briefs into creative visual concepts

    • 3D objects into compelling 2D visuals

  • Theory of Light

    • Principles of texture, highlights, and dimensionality

    • Camera and lens choices for professional results

  • Studio Setup Essentials

    • Core lighting tools: umbrellas, softboxes, snoots, reflectors, honeycombs

    • Rule of thirds and composition essentials

  • Hands-On Practice

    • Demonstrations and guided exercises

Day 2 — Precision Lighting & Practical Techniques

Theme: From Fundamentals to Photographic Control

  • Lighting for Form & Shape

    • Strategies for square, round, and cylindrical objects

    • Demonstration + participant shooting

  • Shadowless Product Photography

    • Clean, commercial-ready techniques

  • Specialized Jewellery Photography

    • Capturing brilliance, sparkle, and fine detail

    • Live demo + participant shoot

Day 3 — Advanced Mastery & Professional Practice

Theme: Creating Impactful, Market-Ready Images

  • Challenging Surfaces

    • Advanced lighting for transparent and reflective objects

    • Glass and metal photography on multiple backgrounds

  • Professional Practices & Industry Standards

    • Workflow, layouts, and efficiency tips

    • Troubleshooting common challenges

  • Open Forum & Final Showcase

    • Participant Q&A

    • Review of individual work

  • Certificate Presentation & Closing

    • Celebrating achievements and creative growth

The Art of Stillness — Masterclass in Conceptual & Luxury Still Life

An Intensive 2-Day Shoot to Create a High-End Portfolio

About the Masterclass

This 2-day masterclass is designed for photographers who want to elevate their still life photography into the realm of luxury and conceptual artistry. Unlike traditional workshops, this program focuses on creating four high-quality images that students can directly add to their professional portfolios. Through guided shoots, advanced lighting setups, and creative styling, participants learn how to produce striking visuals that meet industry standards for advertising and editorial work.


Day 1 — Concept & Creative Execution

  • Introduction & Inspiration
    • Understanding the visual language of luxury and conceptual still life
    • Reviewing mood boards and styling references
  • Planning the Portfolio Series
    • Selecting 2 concepts for Day 1
    • Choosing props, textures, and backgrounds
  • Hands-On Shooting (First 2 Images)
    • Guided styling and lighting for premium product
    • Instructor feedback and real-time corrections

Day 2 — Advanced Styling & Portfolio Finalization

  • Creative Direction & Execution
    • Selecting 2 new concepts for Day 2
  • Hands-On Shooting (Next 2 Images)
    • Luxury product, or conceptual themes
    • Professional lighting for luxury finish
  • Portfolio Presentation
    • Reviewing all 4 images
    • Post-shoot discussion on editing approaches and industry use
  • Closing & Certificates
    • Final feedback and presentation of certificates

Outcome

By the end of this masterclass, each participant will have 4 finished, portfolio-ready images, along with advanced knowledge of luxury styling, creative direction, and lighting techniques.

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