Still Life Photography in Melbourne — and Why It Matters to Me
By Hannah Caldwell – Still Life Photographer Melbourne
There’s a quiet power in objects—subtle shapes, shifting shadows, textures that reveal themselves only when the light is just right. As a still life photographer based in Melbourne, I’m endlessly drawn to this space where product meets poetry. Still life is, for me, the art of paying attention: to the details most people overlook, and to the stories held in materials, surfaces, and form.
Whether I’m photographing sculptural florals, artisanal tableware, elevated ingredients, or minimalist skincare, my aim remains the same: to create images that feel intentional, refined, and deeply evocative.
My Approach to Still Life Photography
With a fine art background and more than twenty years working in commercial photography, my style is grounded in visual clarity and an instinctive sense of mood. I work across both studio and natural lighting—choosing the approach that best serves the object and the emotion it needs to convey.
Some scenes call for soft, diffused light; others need sharp control and architectural shadows. I let the object lead, allowing composition and lighting to evolve around it. Textural contrast, negative space, and tonal depth are signature elements in my work—details that elevate even the simplest subjects into something sculptural and expressive.
I’m deliberate, but never rigid. I don’t believe in over-styling; I believe in revealing what already exists.
Who I Work With
I collaborate with design studios, art directors, agencies, and brands who value thoughtful, design-driven imagery. My still life photography portfolio spans:
-
Skincare & wellness campaigns – Purely Byron, Endota, Tilley Soaps
-
Food & beverage stills – Fonterra, Brown Brothers Wines
-
Product photography for packaging, e-commerce, and social content
-
Editorial object studies and fine-art personal series, including award-winning projects Transience and Formation
Across every project, I bring a calm, detail-focused approach backed by technical precision, creative intuition, and a genuine love of objects.
Why Still Life?
Still life photography sits in a unique space—where commercial purpose and creative exploration meet. It allows me to work slowly and intentionally, shaping light, shadow, and form into images that feel timeless and quietly powerful. In a landscape full of fast, fleeting content, still life invites the viewer to pause, to notice, to feel something.
If you’re looking for a still life photographer in Melbourne who understands the balance between artistry and commercial impact, I’d love to collaborate.
Get in touch to discuss your next project.







