The latest fashion trend any business can use

Getty Images

May 1, 2016 | 4 min read

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As Fashion Week approaches, the excitement builds to see the latest innovative, fun and sometimes wacky styles strutting down the runway.

This year, one trend in particular is catching our eye – and it’s something any brand or small business can tap into to keep their look up-to-date.

Still-life imagery is a dynamic and compelling way to portray everything from clothing and accessories to nuts and bolts. A quick scroll through Instagram makes it clear, its simplicity makes it the style of choice for fashion bloggers and brands alike.

Below, Getty Images Senior Designer Shital Patel explains how to choose a great still-life image and what to look for when using them in your own projects.

Composition

When it comes to still life imagery, composition is key. Everything should be arranged with the same precision and thought you would put into setting up a shot with people. It’s important to strike a balance between orienting items so they have enough breathing room to stand out, and making sure they complement the other objects around them. One technique that is trending in imagery is called knolling, which is the process of lining up similar items in parallel or ninety degree angles, and shooting the items from above. Popular especially amongst bloggers and Instagrammers, this arrangement allows viewers to easily see individual objects, as well as take in the entire image as a whole.

Negative space

While attention is typically placed on the objects themselves, the negative space surrounding them also plays a huge role in the impact of a still life. Empty space adds interest by framing and emphasizing the items and as a result, creates a dynamic composition that draws the eyes across the page. Having ample negative space is also a great way to allow for text to be incorporated without competing with the image.

Tell a story

Because of the level of detail you can include in a still life, they are an especially comprehensive way to tell a visual story and can even provide a sensory experience for viewers showcasing the texture and detail of items. Also consider the tone you are trying to set. Are you looking to create a controlled, organized atmosphere or an ambiance that is vibrant and frenzied? Think about the message you want to convey and the audience you are striving to connect with.