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The importance of shadows -

What do shadows create in a photograph that is so important? Why should you be focusing on them?

(Photo by Jan Gottweiss)

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Focus -

Shadow helps to direct the viewer's gaze. It ensures that they are paying attention to the part of the photo that you want.

(Photo by John Forson)

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Contrast -

Much of photography focuses on light. However, if there are no shadows, light doesn’t have quite the same impact.

(Photo by Shangyou Shi)

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Depth -

Objects that are solely bathed in light may be beautiful, but they lack depth. Shadows give the viewer a different dimension to digest.

(Photo by Taisiia Stupak)

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Mystery -

An image can become all the more mysterious through the use of carefully placed shadows.

(Photo by Nikita Belov)

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Texture -

Shadow creates texture in a way that light cannot. It can not only give the viewer a better idea of what the subject looks like, but what it feels like as well.

(Photo by Donald Giannatti)

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How to use shadows -

Now that you have an appreciation for the importance of shadows in your photos, it’s time to learn how to use them in your photography.

(Photo by Twitter: @jankolario)

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Golden hour -

Golden hour is just a little bit before sunrise or sunset, and is so named because it casts everything in a golden glow. While it’s a great time for light, it’s also a great time for shadows. Since the sun is so low, you can photograph long shadows.

(Photo by Léonard Cotte)

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Architecture -

Photograph architecture when the sun is high in order to get high-contrast shadows. It will showcase all of the beautiful details.

(Photo by Alora Griffiths)

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Silhouette -

You can’t photograph silhouettes without shadow! Use the sun or artificial light to create unique outlines of people or objects, so you’re focusing on the form and not the little details.

(Photo by Anton Darius)

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Black and white -

When there’s no color to create contrast and interest, you have to use shadows. They will give your picture the texture and intricacy it needs. 

(Photo by Ricardo Gomez Angel)

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Landscape -

If you’re photographing an expansive landscape, use shadows to emphasize the area that you want to draw attention to.

(Photo by Brylee Hawkins)

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Portrait -

Use shadows to portray details and depth in a face that would otherwise be flat if you only used light.

(Photo by Willy Dade)

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Add color -

While many think of shadows as black, they don’t have to be. Use semi-transparent objects such as balloons, umbrellas, and stained glass to create colorful shadows.

(Photo by Joshua Eckstein)

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Use hard light -

Hard light is when there is a harsh distinction between the light and the shadows. If you want to create more contrast, this is the way to go.

(Photo by Liao Je Wei)

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Use soft light -

If the edges are blurred between light and shadow, that’s referred to as soft light. If you want more of a blending effect in your photos, experiment with soft light.

(Photo by Twitter: @jankolario)

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Experiment with neon -

Using colored lights can create an interesting distinction between light and dark. You can get them as close or as far away as you want, to create more or less contrast.

(Photo by Jack Gibson)

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Street lights are your friend -

Don’t have access to neon lights? No problem! Use street lights instead. Use the overhead lights along a road or use the shadows cast by your neighbor's porch lamp.

(Photo by Adam Dore)

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Get edgy -

Try composing an image where the majority of the photo is made up of shadow. This will create an edgier and more dramatic flair.

(Photo by Rendiansyah Nugroho)

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Photograph the shadow itself -

While shadows can emphasize an object, they can also be the subject themselves. You can try photographing intriguing shadows to get a feel for it.

(Photo by Morvanic Lee)

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Create a combo -

Use the shadow in a unique capacity to create an even more compelling image.

(Photo by Hessam Hojati)

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Inspiration -

Get inspired by these beautiful photographs that take advantage of the contrast between light and dark.

(Photo by Xan Griffin)

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Plants -

The shadows in this photo crank up the drama factor, adding both depth and more detail.

(Photo by Robert Katzki)

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Ferris wheel -

The shadows give both context and texture to the photo, making it more interesting.

(Photo by Yux Xiang)

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Window to the world -

The photographer uses shadows in most of the photo to highlight the window as the focus in the center. Your eye is automatically drawn to the light.

(Photo by Jon Eric Marababol)

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Ski lift -

A great example of combining an object (skis) with a shadow to create a more interesting effect.

(Photo by Elena Baran)

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Blue eyes -

The shadows on this woman's face create drama in the photo, and the little bit of blue peeking out becomes piercing.

(Photo by Blake Cheek)

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Purple -

A great example of using light, dark, and color to make a photo dynamic.

(Photo by Lode Lagrainge)

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Trees -

Here the shadows of the trees create more dimension in the photo, and add a natural element to an urban scene.

(Photo by Ryoji Iwata)

See also: 30 photography tips for beginners

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