How I got the Photo: Florals and Port Wine
Florals and Port Wine: Crafting a Moody Still Life
Still life photography has always been about telling stories through objects, textures, and light. My latest creation, Florals and Port Wine, is a perfect example of how a few carefully chosen elements can weave a narrative steeped in mystery, beauty, and a touch of the macabre.
The Inspiration
This piece was inspired by the evocative still life paintings of the Dutch Golden Age — dark, dramatic, and layered with symbolism. I wanted to explore themes of beauty, mortality, and indulgence; the way flowers bloom and fade, the richness of wine, and the inevitability of time, all set within a gothic frame of reference.
The title came to me as I arranged the scene: the vibrant red florals symbolizing fleeting life and passion, contrasted with the dark bottle of port wine — a nod to decadence and reflection — all overseen by the silent presence of a skull, a classic memento mori motif reminding us of mortality.
The Elements
The Frame: An ornate vintage frame adds depth and creates a window into another world — almost like a stage set for the drama to unfold.
Florals: The red roses and poppies were chosen for their richness and symbolism of love, blood, and remembrance. They reach through the frame as if escaping their confines, hinting at the way life refuses to be contained.
Port Wine: The dark, elegant bottle of Kings of Prohibition port wine anchors the composition, representing both luxury and a moment of pause — an indulgence before the inevitable.
The Skull and Book: These elements tie it all together with their traditional symbolism of knowledge, mortality, and the passage of time. The aged book, with its frayed pages, suggests stories long told and wisdom gained.
The Process
Lighting was key to achieving the moody atmosphere — soft natural light was used to create dramatic shadows and highlights, evoking the feeling of candlelight. The dark background and rich tones allowed the reds and whites to pop without losing the overall somber elegance of the scene. I also used the 5-1 reflector (silver side) from K&FCONCEPT to bounce a little light back onto my scene.
I spent time adjusting the flowers to look as though they were growing into and out of the frame, adding a dynamic and surreal quality. The objects were arranged to guide the eye from one element to the next, letting the viewer discover layers of meaning.
My Setup
Camera: Sony A7R5 mirrorless
Lens: Sony 50mm F/1.4GM
Settings: ISO100, f/2, 1/15 sec (on a tripod)
Tripod: Peak Design Travel Tripod
5-1 Reflector: K&FCONCEPT 100x150cm Oval Folder reflector
Lighting: Natural light only, with some bounce and ambient shadows
Final Thoughts
Florals and Port Wine is more than just a still life — it’s a quiet story about life, love, indulgence, and the inevitable end. It reminds me why I love creating these tableaus: every detail carries weight, and every shadow tells its own tale.
What stories do you see in this scene? Let me know in the comments — I’d love to hear your interpretations!
