A while ago I wrote an article about: 5 Tips for Using Shadows to Create Dramatic Images. So I thought I’d find and share some images that exemplify how to use them.
Just as a quick review, in order to see light you must learn to see shadows. Images devoid of them often feel flat and two dimensional, versus ones with strong shadows and dark tones that have depth, contrast, and a 3D quality. You feel like you can step right into the scene it feels so rich and real.
Let’s see how these photographers used shadows to make dramatic images. Look at each and see if you can tell:
- What direction the light is coming from?
- The time of day it was shot; morning, midday, late in the evening?
- Is it hard or soft light?
- Does the lighting add to the mood of the image, if so, how?
- Do the shadows enhance the texture of the subject?
Use this as a learning exercise to practice reviewing images, and pick up tips from good ones that you can apply in your own photography.
Begin and enjoy
Note: in the process of finding these images I’ve added two new things to my bucket list. The abandoned villages of Kolmanskop in Namibia, and Belchite in Spain. What’s on your bucket list, are they photography related?
Cheers,
