Shadows are cast by light falling on an obstacle and these shadows depending on the time of day and intensity of light, can lead to stunning and dramatic images. Shadows and light in combination can also add depth to a photo and shadows if used creatively can be a wonderful tool for composing compelling photographs.
Here are a bunch of articles, that will show you how shadows are helpful for better photography, along with some stunning photography that will show you how shadows can be used creatively in your day-to-day photography.
5 Ways to Use Shadows in Your Composition for Better Images

A lot of the time, photographers try to avoid shadows in their photography in fear of losing details in the shadow areas and also thinking it may ruin the image. Without shadows, a photo can lack depth and can look almost flat. This article discusses how shadows can be used to compose interesting photographs.
How to Get Amazing Images from Shadows (15 Awesome Examples)

Shadows can be used in a variety of ways in photography. As discussed already, the direction of light, the quality of light and how shadows are captured can make an image look different. Shadows can be the subjects themselves or can be used to give a boost to the subject. Either way, this article discusses several ways in which shadows can be interestingly used in photography, along with examples.
How To Get Low-Key Lighting And Exposure Right Every Time

Low key lighting is all about embracing shadows and as the name indicates, the lighting is kept low key, just enough to illuminate the subject and reveal the necessary details. The rest of the frame is mostly in darkness. This gives a very dramatic atmosphere and look to the photograph. Check out this article on how to set up and capture low key photographs for incredible results.
The Secrets Of Film Noir Photography

Film noir is another photography genre that makes use of incredible light and shadow play. The dark aesthetic is what makes film noir photography effective and the photographer needs to take care of the lighting conditions and perfect subject for photography. This article provides ideas, tips and setups for film noir photography.
Cool Selfie Ideas Using Shadows You’ll Just Love

Besides using shadows to photograph other subjects creatively, you can capture your own shadows interestingly. Photographer Bruce Lovelace has written this interesting article where you can capture shadow selfies, which is quite different from the usual selfies taken around the world. You may get a few ideas for an interesting selfie the next time you are looking to capture one.
These 7 Tutorials Will Inspire You To Embrace Shadows In Photography

Shadows are elements that will draw a viewer's attention in a photograph, depending on how it is used. It also lends a certain mood depending on the intensity and the scene it is used in. In order to use shadows effectively in photography, the right amount of light from the right direction needs to be used. This article has a bunch of tutorials from external sites, that will help you to improve your light and shadow photography.
25 Black And White Photos That Evoke Emotions

Black and white photos work great in terms of bringing out the contrast between light and shadows in a photograph. It is also a great way to avoid the distractions from colour and focus on the light, textures, forms and other features in a photograph. Making use of effective light and shadows can help to capture some emotional black and white photographs and this article has some very good examples of stunning black and white photos that have made use of interesting light and shadows.
Further Reading
- 15 Stunning Photos That Will Make You Appreciate The Visual Appeal of Shadows in Photography
- Want To Use Sunlight Creatively In Your Photography – Check Out These Resources
- Types of Lighting in Photography and How to Shoot in Them
- A Short Introduction To Low Level Landscape Lighting
- Dealing With The 5 Most Difficult Lighting Situations Without Flashes




