Light and shadows in photography

1. LIGHT &
SHADOWS IN
PHOTOGRAPHY

3. SHADOWS
A shadow is a dark area where
light form a light source is
blocked by an opaque object.

4. TYPES OF SHADOWS

5. If the light
emanates from
a punctual light
source, the
object casts only
1 type of shadow:
an umbra.

6. If the light source is not punctual but has
a larger surface area, a 2nd type of shadow
appears around the object's umbra:
the penumbra

7. If the diameter of the light
source is larger than the
diameter of the object, a
3rd type of shadow
appears where the V-
shaped umbra ends: the
antumbra.

8. WHY USE
SHADOWS?

9. Contrast
and drama:
Shadows
make for
contrast that
can produce
dramatic
effects

10. Focus and directing the eye:
Shadows can be used to focus viewer’s
attention. They can remove less important
details or create lines that lead to important
details.

11. Revealing form and texture:
Any irregularities in the shape of the subject or
terrain will be magnified so the viewer can see
the form of what the shadow is cast onto.

12. Ways to enhance
a photo with light
& shadows

13. Take a shot where the shadow is
very obviously the object of the
picture.

14. Distort the shadow by manipulating
how it is seen.

15. Use the shadow to reflect or 'speak'
with your subject.

16. Cast your shadow on different types
of surfaces that have patterns or
textures.