Let’s Look at How Shadows Create Stronger Compositions

Where there is light there will be shadows and we should not dismiss them from our photographs. Why? Because they add drama, depth and emotion to name just three reasons.

When we view a photograph we see a flat two dimensional image and that’s because our eyes see in three dimension, to make a more interesting and powerful image we should make use of shadows, especially the ones formed when the sun is low in the sky.

These shadows will be long and soft creating a sense of stillness and tranquillity.

Yes light is important when it comes to photography, but shadows as well as other factors play their part too in creating a well composed image. So how can we implement them in to our images? What uses do they have? Well let’s find out.

Shadows make for great leading lines directing the viewer’s eye straight to the main point of interest. This can be achieved by using the shadow of a tree trunk starting at the bottom of the frame leading us to the tree itself, perhaps we choose to use the shadow of railings leading us straight to the main subject in the frame. I'm sure that you can think of numerous other examples of leading lines.

Shadows are a great way of introducing tonal contrast to the image helping to create layers, depth and perspective. This in turn adds the illusion of a three dimensional image.

Shadows invoke an emotion, drama and mystery which help to hold the viewers’ attention and hopefully make them ask questions about the image, even if only in their mind.

When using shadows in close ups or macro the shadows help to imply the form of a shape, such as adding a shadow to the side of a white cue ball will help portray the roundness of the ball, the same effect can be applied to the side of a jug to suggest the shape.

Simply photograph the shadow itself to create interest and drama, if the subject is not in the frame we know that it’s to the side due to the shadow and we become intrigued and want to know more, what is it? What colour is it? Or how large is it? You have just created a mystery for the viewer and a compelling image too.

Next time you’re out with the camera perhaps expose for the shadows to help keep some detail in the shaded areas, show the texture or form of a subject, add drama, mystery and intrigue.

Use shadows to provide tonal contrast, depth and perspective to your images, just don't ignore them!

Soft shadows created when the sun is low in the sky produce a feeling of calm and tranquillity whilst shadows formed when the sun is high in the sky tension, how you use them is up to you.

I have only scratched the surface regarding the use of shadows in composition, but I genuinely hope that this short post acts as an aid the next time you venture out with your camera.

Please let me know your thoughts or even show your images!