Totes jelly: a playful still life experiment in color and light
Sometimes you just have to try something new. As a San Francisco still life photographer, I wanted to create something fun, colorful, and a little dreamy. Something like a memory you can’t quite place, but you know it sparkled. That is how I ended up photographing dozens of jelly cups.
Why jelly cups?
Bright, translucent, and a little wobbly, these treats were exactly what I was after creatively: bold colors, soft edges, and a sense of play. I wanted the images to feel almost surreal, like stepping into a sugar-fueled dream.
Playing with composition and background
I arranged the jelly cups on a vibrant blue backdrop, letting the neon greens, hot pinks, and sunny yellows pop against the cool tones. I played with layering, reflections, and filters to create a kaleidoscopic effect—something alive and dizzying, like spinning on a playground in the middle of summer.
Lighting the series
Lighting was key. I leaned into bright, directional light to bring out the jelly’s shine and translucency, catching highlights and creating a glow from within.
Exploring different styles
I went broad with my approach. Some frames feel clean and orderly. Others explode into colorful chaos. Some are close-ups that turn the jelly cups into strange, glittering artifacts.
The joy of playful experimentation
This series reminded me why I love experimenting. When you give yourself permission to play, you end up somewhere unexpected, and often more joyful.
Where do you find joy in experimenting creatively? For more playful still life experiments, explore my Creative tools, contact me for campaign inquiries, or follow me on Instagram @sara.anderson.photo