Observing Light and Shadow

Many times I hear and read about the way a photographer or artist lights their subject. What happens when we reverse this idea and ask “How do we shadow or darken our scene?”

Sometimes, it is the parts of the image that are hidden and left in the dark which feed our imagination and create a stronger appeal and emotion. Darkness in an image leaves a question behind. What is beyond that darkened doorway? Does the smile on his lips reflect in his unseen eyes?

Reverse the process by which you see your subject. Add shadow to a fully lit scene, rather than lighting one that starts in darkness. Observe what is added in the impact when we take away what is known, rather than revealing those things that were hidden.


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