Still Life yearly plan (2025)

I was not quite happy with what I achieved in my last still life project and I know why. Besides all the usual excuses like not having enough time, being tired, etc., there was the main reason – I was not focused enough. I had no planned assignments and the free style – to shoot whatever I come up with at the moment – obviously did not work. I kept postponing the photo sessions…

The realisation led me to creating a more specific plan for 2025.

To make it easier and more interesting, I asked AI – Claude and GPT – to give me some prompts for each month on the condition that I want to take the photos at home using available objects. Together I got four prompts for each month from which I always chose one that resonated with me most and refined them to get what I wanted.

So here is the plan with the monthly assignments I would like to complete in the coming year:

January: “Winter Warmth”
Think of
   – hot beverages with mugs, thermoses, or teapots
   – blankets, gloves, hats and scarves
   – steam or frost effects

February: “Shapes and Shadows”
Think of
   – everyday items with interesting silhouettes
   – strong directional light to create dramatic shadows
   – minimalist compositions with monochromatic tones

March: “Kitchen Stories”
Think of
   – cooking ingredients, cutting boards, knives, bowls, and utensils
   – measuring spoons with flour and sugar, or weathered wooden spoons with herbs
   – incorporating action by including flour dust or dripping honey

April: “Tools of the Trade”
Think of
   – tools related to a hobby or craft
   – patterns or groupings of similar shapes and materials
   – highlighting textures like wood, metal, or bristles

May: “Windows and Reflections”
Think of
   – objects placed near windows
   – incorporating reflections in mirrors, glass, or metallic surfaces

June: “Everyday Geometry”
Think of
   – objects arranged into geometric patterns
   – circular, triangular, or rectangular shapes in daily items
   – using symmetry and repetition for satisfying compositions
   – adding splashes of color to emphasize patterns

July: “Seasonal Fruits and Refreshments”
Think of
   – summer fruits, ice cubes, glasses, or pitchers
   – vibrant, refreshing colors like greens, reds, and yellows
   – including condensation on glasses, water splashes or melting ice

August: “Music and Sound”
Think of
   – music sheets, instruments, wind chimes
   – headphones, speakers, records

September: “Artist’s Desktop”
Think of
   – art supplies, brushes, pencils, or paint tubes
   – capturing the creative process through objects

October: “Objects in Motion”
Think of
   – water splashes, falling objects, or spinning items
   – including interactive elements like rolling dice or dripping paint
   – using high shutter speeds to freeze motion or long exposure for creative blurs
   – dynamic compositions that suggest action

November: “Monochrome Stories”
Think of
   – items of similar shades: blue stationery, red fruits, or white ceramics
   – including gradients or small splashes of contrast
   – playing with tone, texture, and saturation within the color palette

December: “Festive Cheer”
Think of
   – ornaments, wrapping paper, candles, fairy lights, or traditional holiday items
   – bokeh effects from lights
   – festive colors like reds, greens, golds, and silvers

All the posts related to this project will be found under the tag still-life photo project 2025.

And when I have the photos posted, here you will find the overview of the individual posts.