In photography, shadows are some of the most interesting features, as without them most definition is lost and drama is greatly reduced. So when I saw the WordPress Daily Post’s Weekly Photo Challenge of Shadow, you can imagine that I might get a little excited 🙂
In most of my photography, you’ll see that I tend to shy away from the standard approach of keeping the sun in your back and you’ll be safe… As a matter of fact, I love shooting into the sun and adjusting exposure to get the subject in there just right.
This image is one where I had the luxury of getting multiple shadow sources to work for me and a bit of assistance from years of water nourishing plant life…
Out of the Shadows
Some may find this image a tad disturbing, as vacuous eyes look out toward the viewer, not revealing intent of any kind. She really is a beautiful water feature at Tower Hill Botanic Garden in Boylston, Massachusetts.
How do you use shadows in your photography?
Technical Details
This image was taken with a Canon EOS 5D MkII using an EF 24-105mm f/4L lens. Exposure settings were at 1/50 second at f/13 and 200 ISO.
A Fresh Perspective
Photography is more than just a vehicle for capturing the world around me; it provides me with a palette and a set of brushes, with which I paint not only what I see, but also look to express the emotions that are evoked by the scene in front of me in that moment.
Growing up in the Netherlands exposed me to a wide cross-section of visual arts that laid the foundation of my photographic view of all that surrounds me. Early influences were the Dutch Masters of the 17th century, to whom I was introduced by my grandfather during museum explorations; favorites among them are the scenes of quotidian life depicted by Jan Steen and Frans Hals and the vivid landscapes of Jacob van Ruisdael.
My classical high school education was supplemented by the Boijmans Van Beuningen museum, where I spent many a lunch hour exploring its great collection. Here I was introduced to surrealism with a particular love for the approach taken by Salvador Dali; Dali also rekindled my appreciation for the work of Hieronymus Bosch, who often showed the folly of us mortals.
Universal Connections
My approach to any photographic subject is to look for understanding first; in this I look to establish either a connection between the viewer and the subject or capture the connection of the subject with its surroundings. The captured image then aims to portray this connection from a perspective that is part of my personal interpretation.
This interpretation is often a form of externalized introspection, which may alternately display the connection of isolated beings and items with their environment or highlight the whimsy of the profound world, in which we find ourselves. The universe is full of connections, many of which are waiting to be discovered; part of my journey as a photographer is to document these connections.
Any assignment, be it an event, a product shoot or a portrait session is always approached through communication with the client; this is where the first connection is established. Ideas are exchanged and a collaborative plan of action forms, ultimately resulting in a set of images that aim to exceed the expectations of each client.
And, lest we forget, it is important to have fun while practicing the serious business of photography!
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Yes, initially it looks spooky. Once I got used to it, I then find interesting to look at the detail and studies what made the shadow on the forehead, and part of the face. Was it from leaves?
Very striking!
Thank you!
Love this! Great thoughts of using light adversely compared to the norm!!!
Thank you! Experimenting with light is a key part of photography that makes it fun for me.
I’ve not really thought too much into it before, but it’s something I’m definitely going to try out more!
Looking forward to seeing the results!
Beautifully captured Frank but really, it’s scary!
Thank you so much, Christina! I need to catch up on your blog!
Reblogged this on Jerri Perri.
Thank you kindly!
Nice one!
I appreciate it!
Yes, initially it looks spooky. Once I got used to it, I then find interesting to look at the detail and studies what made the shadow on the forehead, and part of the face. Was it from leaves?
The forehead shadow is from leaves above the statue. Glad you enjoyed it.
Yes, I did. Thank you!