Playing With Shadows

NOTE: Most of these shots were captured at the Boardwalk on Okaloosa Island, Fort Walton Beach, Florida. Thanks to Amber Smith and Olga Boistean for modeling for the other two.

Some say photography is all about light. It is also all about shadows. I wanted a picture of the pattern of shadows made by this railing, and I picked this spot because the one missing shadow in the pattern added interest.

Some say the best time of day for shooting pictures is early morning or late afternoon, because of the softness of the light, meaning the shadows are not so harsh. They are right.

It is also because of the length and drama of the shadows, though.

Shadows can definitely add drama to a scene. Which is more dramatic? This?

Or this?

Shadows can be used to highlight architectural features. These stairs are more interesting with the shadows cast by the setting sun.

Some architectural features are nicer than others, of course.

Shadows can add depth. Here, the shadows from the railing add depth to the image, and the shadows from the footprints in the sand add texture.

And shadows can add interest by emphasizing the lines and perspective of an image. Here both the shadows cast by the railing, and the shadows on the back side of the railing itself add to the image. The interplay between the lines and the shadows on… — And shadows can add interest by emphasizing the lines and perspective of an image. Here both the shadows cast by the railing, and the shadows on the back side of the railing itself add to the image. The interplay between the lines and the shadows on the deck is what attracted me to this scene.

Shadows can add texture. For example, the side lighting here produces deep shadows that highlight the texture of the boards. The hardest thing about this shot was managing not to be in either the reflections from the windows, or the shadows on the f… — Shadows can add texture. For example, the side lighting here produces deep shadows that highlight the texture of the boards. The hardest thing about this shot was managing not to be in either the reflections from the windows, or the shadows on the floor. I hid behind a pillar and reached the camera around it for the shot.

And shadows can be used to highlight highlights. For example, on this shot I wanted to highlight the highlights of the setting sun shining on the sea oats, so I deepened the shadows in Photoshop to make those highlights stand out more.

Bottom Line: Shadows can enhance photography in many ways, and while it is often good to soften them, especially in portrait, glamour or real estate photography, they should not be completely eliminated. In fact, sometimes, they are the subject of the image. The shadow knows...