Flowers and Plants: Still Life vs APN

I keep seeing images of flowers and plants within the APN (Animals, Plants & Nature) category, that actually belong in Still Life, and vice versa.
What is the difference you may wonder? Well, let's find out!

Gallery Info

Photography > Still Life > Cut Flower and Plant Arrangements
Photographs taken with a film or a digital camera featuring a minimal amount of colour and exposure adjustment. Still life showcases studio-style photography that features inanimate objects. Arrangements of cut flowers and plants displayed for the purpose of being photographed.

Photography > Animals, Plants & Nature > Flowers & Plants
Photographs taken with a film or a digital camera featuring a minimal amount of colour and exposure adjustment. Photographs of animals, plants and nature including wild life, insects, domesticated animals, landscapes, flowers and plants. Photographs featuring plants, trees, flowers, mushrooms and so on.


The main difference is that APN shots are taken in nature, flowers and plants are in their natural habitat, be it a forest, a field or your mom's garden bed.
While still life shots may also be taken outside, in most cases these pictures are taken inside, at times even in a studio. Flowers and plants are being arranged before taking the picture. This can include flowers in a vase, laying on the ground, etc.

Examples