Page 13 - Cape-Camera-September-2023

September 2023 Cape Camera

Set subject: November - Shadows

The shadow provides the flavour. “Dirk en Dirkie” by Elna Geringer from SAVAS club. Sidewalk art by Sam.

Ideas for Shadow Photography

by Trudi du Toit

Shadow photography is the intentional, creative, use of shadows. While
light is the key ingredient for photography, the absence of light, shadows,
provide the flavour.

Shadows add depth, shape, and texture to our image- lighter background. A shadow creates a shadowy dupli-
ry — not to mention, contrast and balance. In some in- cate of the object.
stances, shadows can even become the focus or subject
of an image. Role of shadows in photography
Shadows appear when an object blocks the light from A shadow adds a three-dimensional element to a
reaching a surface. It is therefore the absence of light. two-dimensional photo by simulating depth — without
a shadow, composites can look like magazine cut-outs.
Highlight and shadow together reveal form, shape and
depth, wrote the authors of the manual Light – Science & Shadows add depth and dimension by emphasizing dis-
Magic. In every photo we create, we capture some com- tance. The closer your light source is to the surface, the
bination of light and shadows and a shadow is only as longer the shadow will be – for example, the different
effective as its relationship with the highlights. shadows cast early and late in the day. Another example
is the shadows created with fork photography.
Shadows are different from silhouettes, where the sub-
ject blocks the light to become a dark shape against a Shadows create shapes and patterns that can be used

“Shadow of Nadal” by Nicol du Toit of CTPS. “Spiral” by Kim Stevens illustrates shadows in architecture.

13 Cape Town Photographic Society