What is still life: still life is traditionally a collection of  inanimate objects arranged as the subject of the photo. Where does still life come from still life derives from the Dutch word stilleven. It was used for a panting in the 17th century not a photo however we use the word for photos and paintings that have still life in them like fruit, flowers, cups, etc. 

The painting generally considered to be the first still life is a work by the Italian painter Jacopo de Barbari painted 1504. The “golden age” of still life painting occurred in the Lowlands during the 17th century. (here it is vvv)

Paulette Tavormina is a famous still life photographer she takes the some of the best still life images.