Photographers talk a lot about light. In fact, many of us are boarder-line obsessed with it. (Guilty.) We analyze it; we study it's characteristics like hue, direction or softness. But there is, quite literally, a darker side of light that is almost more important, and that is shadow. In order to really understand light we need to also understand it's darker half, shadow.
When a photographer talks about beautiful light, they are really speaking, whether they realize it or not, about the interplay between light and shadow - interesting lighting creates interesting shadows. A good photographer will use both light and shadow to create an emotional connection with the viewer much in the same way a writer will pit a hero against a villain. So, the next time you see a picture that you love, take a look at the shadows. You might be surprised at what you find.
When a photographer talks about beautiful light, they are really speaking, whether they realize it or not, about the interplay between light and shadow - interesting lighting creates interesting shadows. A good photographer will use both light and shadow to create an emotional connection with the viewer much in the same way a writer will pit a hero against a villain. So, the next time you see a picture that you love, take a look at the shadows. You might be surprised at what you find.
