Still Life Photography Workshop

Saturday, February 21, 2026

Portsmouth NH

1:30-4:30

Limited to 6 participants per instructor for personalized instruction

Skill Level: Intermediate Photographers with DSLR or Mirrorless Cameras.

Create Images That Tell a Story Through Light, Shape, and Simplicity

Still life photography is one of the most meditative and creatively liberating genres. It teaches you how to slow down, study light, arrange objects with intention, and build images that feel timeless and expressive. Whether you want to improve your technical skills or expand your artistic voice, this workshop offers a hands-on, supportive environment to practice and explore.

Perfect for intermediate and beginners who want to deepen their craft and learn how to make everyday objects look extraordinary.

Who This Workshop Is For

• Beginner and intermediate photographers

• Anyone interested in composition, lighting, and creative storytelling

• Artists looking to build a portfolio of thoughtful, expressive images

• Photographers wanting to improve their eye for detail and design

What You Will Learn

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to:

• Understand the foundations of still life composition and visual design

• Use natural or artificial light to sculpt dimension and mood

• Choose backgrounds, props, and textures that enhance the story

• Arrange objects intentionally for balance, tension, and visual flow

• Control exposure, focus, and depth of field for crisp, intentional images

• Edit images to reveal color, contrast, and subtle tonal detail

• Develop a repeatable creative process for still life photography

Workshop Outline

1. The Language of Still Life

Explore the core elements that give still life images their emotional and visual impact:

• Balance and asymmetry

• Color harmony

• Texture and shape

• Visual hierarchy

• Negative space

See examples from classical and contemporary still life photographers for inspiration.

2. Lighting for Mood and Depth

Learn how to use lighting as the primary storytelling tool:

• Soft window light vs. directional side light

• Using reflectors and flags to shape shadows

• Creating depth with highlight edges and subtle contrast

• Working with continuous lights for precision and control

Live demonstrations show how small adjustments make dramatic differences.

3. Styling, Backgrounds, and Object Selection

Develop the skills to build a scene with intention:

• Choosing props that support and never compete with the subject

• Using textured backgrounds like linen, wood, stone, or paper

• Creating minimalist vs. narrative setups

• Understanding when “less” creates more impact

4. Composition & Visual Flow

Hands-on exercises covering:

• Rule of thirds, leading lines, and triangular compositions

• Working with symmetry and purposeful imbalance

• Managing depth of field to isolate or reveal

• Designing images that quietly guide the viewer’s eye

5. Shooting Stations & Creative Flow

Participants rotate through multiple styled setups such as:

• Classic still life with fruit, flowers, and textured objects

• Minimalist modern still life with strong shapes

• Moody chiaroscuro lighting inspired by painting traditions

• Abstract and experimental setups focused on color and form

Each station includes:

• Backgrounds

• Props

• Lighting tools

• Composition prompts

You’ll create finished images throughout this session.

6. Editing for Tone, Mood & Detail

Learn how to elevate your images in post-processing:

• Adjusting exposure and contrast

• Refining color temperature and tones

• Enhancing texture without overprocessing

• Cropping for stronger visual impact

A live demo walks through a still life edit from start to finish.

What to Bring

• Your camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or high-end compact)

• A tripod (recommended for precision)

• Any personal objects or props you’d like to incorporate

• Charged batteries and memory cards

All backgrounds, lights, reflectors, and props are provided by SPS.

You Will Leave With

• A small portfolio of refined still life images

• A deeper understanding of light, composition, and visual balance

• Practical techniques you can use at home with simple setups

• A repeatable creative workflow for exploring still life photography

Instructor:

David Mazur is a photographer, educator, and creative director whose work blends technical precision with the quiet poetry of everyday objects. As the founder of Seacoast Photography School, David has built a reputation for teaching photographers how to see before they shoot, helping students transform ordinary scenes into compelling visual stories.

With over 20 years of professional experience, David brings a unique blend of artistic sensibility, commercial awareness, and mindful observation to his still life instruction. His approach is rooted in simplicity: slow down, study the light, and uncover the character within the frame. Whether working with natural window light, controlled studio setups, or improvised home environments, David teaches participants how to shape mood, texture, and depth with intention.

His workshops are known for being hands-on, inspiring, and accessible. Students walk away with a deeper understanding of composition, lighting, styling, and camera control—along with the confidence to create gallery-worthy still life images using whatever tools they have.

David’s philosophy is simple: the story is already there; the photographer learns to reveal it. His guidance helps photographers train their eye, refine their craft, and tap into the joy of creating images that feel both timeless and personal.

Slow Down. Observe. Create Something Beautiful.

Join us for a workshop that blends technical skill with creative exploration and teaches you how to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.

Pricing:

• $125 per person

How to Register:

• Sign up now to reserve your spot. Spaces are limited to ensure one-on-one guidance.

Slow Down. Observe. Create Something Beautiful.

Join us for a workshop that blends technical skill with creative exploration and teaches you how to see the extraordinary in the ordinary.