Julia Sent is a still life photographer. She works with produce, objects, and artifacts. Her photographs may seem like these random pieces put together but they each tell a different story. Objects are part of our everyday lives, some hold memories or experiences. We usually develop attachments to objects that hold some sentimental value, and I think it’s beautiful that Julia illuminates those ideals in her photography.

Julia’s photographs are very simple, very well composed and shot low key/eye level. They each fit the frame quite nicely with a good amount of negative space. The lighting helps to bring forward the little details on each object. In most of her photos, there seems to be a key light used and a fill light used. The key light is on the right side of the objects. Each object doesn’t overpower each other, they are combined well that each object holds its own. In the photos, each set up is set on a flat surface, usually with some dark, textured fabric. The backdrop is black, the darkness highlights the different naturally vibrant colors of some of these objects, especially the produce. My two favorite are the Scalped Pomegranates and the Lychee. In the one with the pomegranates, you can see the detailed clusters of those gem-like seeds. The rich, berry red/burgundy color contrasting against the dark background really stands out.

The lychee one is interesting because not many people know what lychee is or let alone what it actually looks like. I like that she only had 3 of them peeled/de-shelled. I like the comparison between what it looks like peeled and what it looks like not peeled. On the outside, you have this brownish red color with a rough looking texture and on the inside, you have this white, plump, smooth deliciousness. Your eye is immediately drawn to the peeled ones because it is white and it stands out from the darkness. It kind of has this idea that you can’t judge a book by its cover. You wouldn’t have thought this would be what it looked like on the inside if you’ve never had it.