Shadows in Photography

Shadows in PhotographyMany photographers spend a lot of

time trying to get rid of shadows with proper lighting but when used

right, shadows make for interesting photographs!

Why do you think would photographers try to get rid

of shadows?

What do you think of shadows in photographs?

Why We Use Shadows in Photographs

Why use shadows?Contrast and drama:Shadows make for contrast that can

produce dramatic effects

Why use shadows?Focus and directing the eye:

Shadows can be used to focus viewer’s attention. They can remove less important details or create

lines that lead to important details.

Why use shadows?Revealing form and texture:

Any irregularities in the shape of the subject or terrain will be magnified so the viewer can see the

form of what the shadow is cast onto.

Light and ShadowsWhen you think about

shadows, you must think about light. Lighting is

extremely important to shadows and how your

shadow will look depends on lightening.

Types of LightingNatural Light:This is light from the sun. Usually this will be seen outdoors, but it can also come inside through windows to make interesting shadows.

Types of LightingArtificial Light:This is light that comes from anything other than the sun. There are many types of artificial lighting and many ways to light, but think about where you source of light comes from.

Lighting• Think about where your light source is coming

from. The light source can come from the front, back, sides, top, or below the subject.

• When using natural light, think about what time of day you will have the best light and the worst.

• If shooting at night, you should use a tripod or photos may turn out blurry. You do not want blurry photos!

Ways to Enhance a Photo with Shadows

Take a shot where the

shadow is very obviously the object of the

picture.

Ways to Enhance a Photo with Shadows

Distort the shadow by manipulating how it is seen.

Ways to Enhance a Photo with Shadows

Use the shadow to reflect or 'speak' with your subject.

Ways to Enhance a Photo with Shadows

Cast your shadow on different types of surfaces that have

patterns or textures.

AssignmentYou need at least one of each light types (artificial and natural) in your shadow photos! You need 10 photos choosing from the list below. You can shoot the same type of shadow up to 2 times:•Shadow with lines•Shadow of silhouette(s)•Shadow of yourself (try to keep the camera from being seen!)•Shadows of two people interacting•Shadow that makes the person or object look giant or really small•Shadow that’s cast on another object•Shadow that’s cast on a moving object•Distort your shadow with an uneven surface•Distort your shadow to change how it is seen•Shadow with patterns•Shadow that’s used in a funny way•Shadow over someone’s face or body