Playing with Shadows
BONUS PHOTO CHALLENGE | Be intentional about creating an image with shadows as a competing element, or the primary focus, of your photos.
The shape of a shadow changes based on its relationship with its light source. The distance, angle, and size of the source work together to determine the intensity, form, and scale of the shadow. While this may seem to be an overtly obvious explanation, a shadow's role in photography is often unclear.
Silhouettes and reflections can be mistaken for shadows. Like shadows, silhouettes are formed by restricted light. Similarly, reflections materialize as projections on a surface formed by an object. Though conceptually similar and equally effective, both are independent subjects.
Shadows are not meant to be the focal point of an image. Instead, they strengthen the photo by adding a sense of balance, contrast, or dimension to the composition. That is not to say that shadows cannot be the subject, however, there is simply more creativity and challenge necessary to allow it to take on a life of its own.
Similarly, photographers also often deliberately experiment with the effect of shadows on subject matter. By casting shadows directly onto their subjects (see photo 2), they are able to alter their appearance and experiment with texture, pattern, and even emotion. In such cases, the shadow's role is obvious, deliberate, and can add a level of interest to an otherwise unassuming photo.
How can I expertly capture shadows?
To master the art of shadow photography, there are a few things to have in mind as you go out to shoot:
Decide how you aim to use the shadows. Do you want them to subtly accentuate a subject? Or do you wish to highlight their effect on it? Maybe you want to create a composition entirely focused on them?
Consider the positioning and quality of your light source. If it's far away and faint, the shadow will be softer and less defined than a closer, stronger illumination. Similarly, the direction of the light directly affects the shape of a shadow. If an object is front-lit, the shadow will be difficult to capture on camera, as it will fall behind the subject. Contrarily, if the object is backlit, it will cast a shadow toward the front of the subject. The best approach, then, is to position or capture the light at an angle so that the shadow forms to the object's left or right. In this case, the object is then side lit.
Pay attention to placement. Be aware of both the object that will create the shadow and the surface it will be cast upon. Like the positioning of the light source, this can drastically alter your composition and the photo’s interest. Move around and practice with various angles to see what you like best.
Be creative—especially with color! Black and white photos can emphasize the contrast of shadows, while color images capture the unique tones that comprise a shadow.
Looking for shadows in photography is not always that obvious to spot, unless of course, it is the most obvious thing. It’s also not common for photographers to specialize in shadow-based imagery. I have, however, found a few photographers that stand out in a variety of genres that use natural light and create complex and beautiful images based on light and shadow play.
Anja Burgar | A food photographer in Slovenia, Anja takes impossibly beautiful photos of seasonal foods mostly in her home. She uses natural light with a balance of light and dark in her scenes. Fun fact, she is a great example of a photographer who excels exceptionally at their preferred genre and not nearly at the same level with others.
Magda Nalecz | Is a very contemporary and creative Polish photographer who is one of few who does intentionally use shadows and colors in her the majority of her photos. She does a great job at making the viewer linger over what her images are and what they’re trying to convey.
Poppy Barach | I’ve followed Poppy for years and years, I never tire of her fabulous flower styled images. Local to the PNW, she plays with shadows in a way that is very subtle, but with intense contrast. Don’t mistake contrast for a lack of shadow though, she just has a unique approach (mainly in the indoor styled photos she shares).