Still-Life Photography: Create Dark and Moody Images
A course by Daniela ConstantiniPhotographer
A course by Daniela Constantini, Photographer
Learn to compose dramatic still-life photos inspired by classic chiaroscuro paintings, from the setup and shoot to the final editing
“My still life photography is heavily inspired by the great painting masters of the 17th to the 19th century. I aim to evoke a feeling of nostalgia and reminiscing about past times.”
Daniela Costantini is a renowned Mexican photographer whose work was selected among the 50 best in Switzerland, her current place of residence. She’s won numerous accolades, and has been featured in exhibitions across the globe. Daniela is here to teach you her dramatic and moody photography techniques, which have earned her critical acclaim.
In this online course, learn to arrange, shoot, and edit dramatic still-life photos inspired by classical paintings. Explore lighting, contrast, and composition to create striking images that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Draw inspiration from the past to craft striking still-life images.
What will you learn in this online course?
14 lessons & 16 downloads
An Inspired Still Life Photograph
5 minutes, 57 seconds
The Composition
3 minutes, 51 seconds
Color Theory
3 minutes, 43 seconds
Creating a Mood Board
3 minutes, 41 seconds
The Materials
8 minutes, 17 seconds
The Styling
13 minutes, 57 seconds
What's included in this course?
Start by getting to know Daniela, a photographer, and your teacher for this course. She describes how her journey shaped her work as a visual storyteller and reveals her creative influences from the field of art and photography.
Look at the basics of still life by exploring classic paintings from the 17th through the 19th century. Go over the rules of composition and color theory before creating a mood board.
After styling and framing your scene, arrange the lighting to achieve a dark and moody atmosphere. Then it’s time to shoot your still life, exploring different angles for variety.
With your images ready, select your favorites and retouch them in Lightroom. Later preparing them for web or print in Photoshop. Daniela wraps up by explaining the importance of sequencing your work.
What is this course's project?
Create a moody still-life photo, from the setup and shoot to the final editing.
Projects by course students
Who is this online course for?
All photography enthusiasts interested in exploring still life.
Requirements and materials
Basic knowledge of photography is required.
As for materials, you need a full-frame camera, lenses, a tripod, any light sources you have access to, and props for your scene, as well as a computer with Photoshop and Lightroom.
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Reviews
- 4 months ago
So good! I love this course. Fantastic teacher.
- davidbb888PLUS5 months ago
Great and informative course! Daniela is a thorough and detailed instructor, breaking things down in very tangible ways, and her voice is incredible, she should narrate everything.
I was very impressed with how she instinctively placed items that lined up with the dynamic symmetry grid. This is a fascinating compositional tool that she could create an entire course on.
- 11 months ago
Well paced course that takes you through the entire planning and execution process for a still life. As I'm terrible at planning being taken through those steps was valuable.
- 1 year ago
muy inspirador me encanto
- 1 year ago
Uno de los mejores Cursos que he hecho en Domestika. Daniela Constantini es una gran artista y es un lujo poder aprender de ella! Lo recomiendo 100%
Since graduation, she has been working as a freelance photographer focusing on Portraiture, Still Life, and Lifestyle. She has also been the Creative Director, Stylist, and Photographer on projects with brands like Villars Maître Chocolatier, L'Occitane, Mövenpick, Ojo de Café, in Switzerland, and for Pyne & Smith Clothiers based in California, USA, among others. She has exhibited work in New York, Mexico City, Olten (Switzerland) Paris, Arles, Berlin, and Amsterdam.
Content
- U1
Introduction
- About Me
- Influences
- U2
Understanding a Still Life
- An Inspired Still Life Photograph
- The Composition
- Color Theory
- Creating a Mood Board
- U3
Setting the Scene
- The Materials
- The Styling
- Framing and Camera Angles
- The Lighting
- Photoshoot of a Still Life
- U4
The Final Touches
- Selection and Lightroom Adjustments
- Photoshop and Exporting
- Publishing, Editing, and Sequencing Your Work
- FP
Final project
- Still-Life Photography: Create Dark and Moody Images
What to expect from a Domestika course
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Enjoy learning from home without a set schedule and with an easy-to-follow method. You set your own pace.
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Learn valuable methods and techniques explained by top experts in the creative sector.
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Certificates
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FAQs
Yes, this course is designed for intermediate photographers who want to deepen their understanding of still life, portraiture, and visual storytelling techniques.
You’ll need a camera (DSLR, mirrorless, or medium format), access to natural or studio lighting, and basic props such as fruits, flowers, and objects for arranging still life compositions.
You’ll learn composition rules, color theory, styling techniques, storytelling through images, the use of dynamic symmetry, lighting setups, and post-production skills for still life and portrait photography.
Yes, the course includes modules on food photography, styling breakfasts for Instagram, and creating compelling lifestyle compositions.
The course teaches you how to select meaningful objects and integrate them into your still life and portrait images to create personal and culturally rich narratives.
Yes, you’ll gain practical skills in applying dynamic symmetry, pyramidal composition, and grid overlays to organize and balance your photographic compositions.
Yes, you’ll explore black and white street and portrait photography, focusing on achieving strong contrast and visual impact.