Candlelit Winter Still Life
A cozy seasonal photography study
OVERVIEW
It was all inspired by a bag of oranges.
This still-life series captures the quiet warmth of a winter afternoon at home. Built around a freshly baked blood orange cake, the images evoke a calm, intimate moment, with candlelight glowing, citrus sliced on a plate, and soft shadows falling across the scene.
Unlike the baking-table case study, this set focuses on the finished moment: the treat is ready, the candles are lit, and the house feels peaceful. A bottle of citrus liqueur sits subtly among the brass candlesticks, whilst teh cake takes the scene as a hero element.
OBJECTIVES
For this piece, I wanted to:
Create a refined, quiet seasonal still life with warm, candlelit tones.
Explore mood and atmosphere rather than the process of baking.
Showcase my approach to prop styling using simple, beautiful objects.
Experiment with green ceramics, brass accents, beeswax candles, and citrus to build a cohesive colour palette that suggests Christmas without employing seasonal-specific elements
CREATIVE DIRECTION
Mood & Colour Palette
Beeswax candle glow
Soft shadows and winter warmth
Dramatic, impactful imagery
Green elements such as plates, tea towel, candlestick holder
Warm brass & rich wood tones
Blood orange reds and burnt sienna
Black backdrop to enhance the contrast
Props & Composition
Brass candleholders & beeswax candles
Sliced oranges
Tea towel
Vintage knife & cake server
Ceramic plates in earthy tones, predominantly green
The finished cake as the focal point
A discreet bottle of orange liqueur nestled between candlesticks
The bottle is not emphasised; it simply enriches the story with a seasonal touch.
Styled on a rustic table with an antique bentwood chair
Process
I styled the table with intention, balancing simplicity and richness. The candles add height and warmth, the citrus adds colour, and the cake anchors the scene.
Working solo, I used a tripod for precise composition and controlled lighting to maintain cozy, low-contrast softness. Editing focused on enhancing the candle glow and bringing out the deep, wintery palette.
OUTCOME
The final images offer:
A refined still-life series perfect for seasonal editorial or lifestyle campaigns
A versatile set that showcases mood, composition, and visual storytelling
Explore more images from this set ↓
Let’s work together
If your brand needs atmospheric still-life photography that feels warm, cozy, and thoughtfully styled, I’d love to help bring your vision to life. Whether you’re a homeware brand, lifestyle company, or food business, I can create seasonal visuals that resonate.
Send me an e-mail at hello@carmina-andra.com or fill in the form bellow & I’ll be in touch as soon as possible.