There are times when taking your average run-of-the-mill photo just isn’t enough. We feel the need to go to the next level in an attempt to take something a little more dramatic and inspiring. This could be to do with our increased confidence in our overall photography skills or just to try something a little bit different from what we have done before. One such way to achieve this is by using shadows in our photos as they enable us to add creativity, depth, contrast and even an element of mystery.
Tips and tricks about using shadow photography
Shadow photography is all about using shadows to enhance the subject of our photo. The ideal time to take these types of photos is in the early morning or the late afternoon during what is often referred to as the golden hour. These are the times when natural light is at its most striking and vibrant which can bring long and soft shadows that can help capture dramatic shots. In a similar way, harsh sunlight, which can usually be seen at around midday, can help to create bold and defined shadows which is what you need if you are hoping to create high-contrast dynamic images.
It is worth experimenting with different conditions such as different lighting, angles, subject matters, temperatures and wind speeds, and environments, especially if you are new to this form of photography. By playing around you will soon see what works well and what doesn’t work so well. This is something that I always see as being fun rather than a chore as I like to laugh at some of my less impressive attempts and take immense pride when taking that so-called perfect shot. I very much believe in the saying that if at first you don’t succeed try and try and again. This was a phrase popularised by William Edward Hickson in his children’s rhyme, The Singing Master.
It’s also worth taking note and considering how shadows interact with different subject matters and different surroundings. For example, in street photography shadows can help capture the vibe of an area, such as how busy it is with people, buildings, animals, and transport.
Experimenting with artificial lighting such as in the form of flashlights and lamps can add a whole new depth to the end result and can lead to capturing some incredible shots.
By going to different areas and by trying different angles can help lead to seeing a variety of shadows with different lengths and shapes.
As you can no doubt see this is the same as learning anything new. There is a lot of trial and error to see what works best in your location and weather conditions. The more we practice, the better our photos are likely to become and before we know it, we will have a set of awesome shots to show our friends and family. It’s then a case of deciding which one or even ones are worthy enough to have printed and framed.