Photo Tip: A Quick Warning about Shadows and Reflections

HOW TO (AND HOW NOT TO) USE SHADOWS AND REFLECTIONS

While shadows are an excellent creative tool in photography, they can also be a nuisance. Take, for instance, these two pictures submitted for this month’s photo challenge….

Do you see the shadow of the photographer in the first picture? And I think that’s a bystander in the second.

Anyway, while both of these photos are good interpretations of this month’s challenge theme — Planes, Trains, and Automobiles — their impact is lost because of the unwanted shadows.

So unless you are creatively intending for your shadow to be in the shot, you will have to adjust your shooting position to eliminate it.

Now, that’s not to say that all shadows are bad. In fact, quite the contrary. Shadows can actually add interest to your image by providing depth and dimension, like they do in this photo here…

I use them in my product stock photography too. Again, they can add depth and dimension…

They can even be the subject of your photograph if you want …

You just need to be aware of them and work with them to achieve the desired results.

Along the same vein as shadows are reflections. When you are working around reflective subjects you can inadvertently show up in the shot yourself.

That said, reflections can be used in wonderful ways to enhance your shots. Take a look at these shots, also submitted this month, which are primarily reflection-based and are quite interesting…

Note how the reflection of this man on the water actually adds interest and dimension to the image, breaking up what would otherwise simply be dark water.

As you advance in your photography, you will become more and more aware of both shadows and reflections and learn to use both to your advantage.

ENTER TO WIN!
We have had a big response to this month’s photo challenge — maybe our largest to date — with over 100 images submitted so far. We definitely have some winners, but there’s still time, and you can make the final decision even tougher. You have until next Monday, June 25, to get your shot in.

Log on to our website at: http://www.thephotographerslife.com and register to win. Submit your photos by 8:00 a.m. EST, Monday, June 25.

If you’re a first-time user, you’ll need to register first on the “register” link on the right side bar. Once you have a username and password, click “Enter to Win” to upload your photo. Only one photo per applicant will be considered.

[Editor’s Note: Learn more about opportunities to profit from your travels (and even from your own home) in our free online newsletter The Right Way to Travel.]