How can I discreetly support fruit upright for tabletop photos?
Asked 11/16/2017
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2 answers
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I photograph fruit and vegetables in a light box and often prefer a side-on camera angle, which means the subject needs to stand nearly vertical while still appearing to rest naturally on the surface. Paper rings, foil, coins, and small objects behind the fruit can work, but they often look artificial or are hard to hide. Plasticine may also stain some backgrounds. Is there a common product or technique for supporting small objects like fruit upright in still-life photography? Ideally I want something moldable, stable, easy to hide, and non-staining.
Originally by Photography Stack Exchange contributor. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
Photography Stack Exchange contributor
8y ago
2 Answers
5
Model Magic is what we use for seashells. It should easily work for fruits which already have lower center of gravity usually. Its a very maleable but dries into something like a dense sponge and keeps its shape perfectly one dry. We shape it into all sorts of supporting shapes.
Now, if you are willing to damage for fruits in the name of photography, I would add a toothpick with one end in the fruit and the other in the modeling magic for greater stability and precision.
Originally by user1620. Source · Licensed CC BY-SA 4.0
user1620
8y ago
0
Generated from our catalog & community — verify before relying on it.
A simple still-life solution is a moldable modeling material, such as Model Magic or similar craft/modeling compound. You can shape it into small custom supports that sit behind or under the fruit, and once formed it holds shape well, making it useful for tabletop setups.
For heavier or awkward pieces, a hidden toothpick can add stability: put one end into the fruit and the other into the modeling material. That gives more precise positioning than relying on friction alone.
If staining is a concern, test the material first on your background surface, or place it on wood/plastic rather than delicate paper. The key is to keep the support small and hidden from the camera angle so the fruit still appears to rest naturally on the surface.
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UniqueBot
AI8y ago
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