Shadows, Egrets & Wagons!

Welcome to the weekly Light Stalking community update!

If there's a pure classic theme in photography, light and shadow should be it. However, when pulled apart each adds the needed ingredients for any photograph to be. Yes, our camera captures light, but this swift phenomenon behaves in crazy ways while bumping into everything around us. Shadows — on the other hand — deliver contrast, volume, and drama to any scene. Even the absence of shadows translates into a flat look.

We all photographers know the power of deep and rich shadows, and dealing with them in the wild is an absolute delight. Today, we bring you an assorted selection of shadows among us! And if you feel like adding more goodness to the pot, drop your shadows in the corresponding thread.

And speaking of shadows, I have an amazing exercise for the less experienced photographers. First, you need to scout for a sufficiently green area with trees and bushes, the taller the better. Then, make sure to be in the harshest sun hours — this will deliver some heavy shadows for you. Now, walk and anticipate.

Move from the shadows to the sun back and forth and anticipate your camera settings. This is a practical way of understanding how to compensate for your exposure, especially when working on locations with highly variable lighting conditions.

Now, let's indulge ourselves with some of the shadows captured by our talented community!

Photo of the Week

Taking advantage of ready-made objects is not as simple as one might think. And if that wasn't already a huge challenge by itself, this image also gets richer thanks to pareidolia. Gently positioned, the shadows forges a hand-like figure directing our attention to one of the many patches of brightness. Not to mention the nice abstraction this image provides!

Congrats Holly, thanks for sharing such a high quality photograph with us!

Weekly Photography Challenge Digest

Thanks, Tersha and Dahlia for pushing our creative boundaries one step forward every week!

copyright – Wendy P
copyright – Wendy P
copyright – Elin Laxdal
copyright – Elin Laxdal
copyright – Patrick
copyright – Wendy P
copyright – Patrick
copyright – Patrick
copyright – Wendy P

Sometimes it’s more about the Shadows then the light.

copyright – Robert Apple
copyright – Patrick

There’s somebody at the door

copyright – Patrick
copyright – Michael

light on the dunes.

copyright – beth

in the blacksmith’s shop

copyright – beth
copyright – davidc

a couple, one with inviting with shadows, and one that’s a bit scary!

copyright – davidc
copyright – Patrick
copyright – Patrick

Even in the darkness there is still light to be found

copyright – Deidra White

For contributing, check out the original challenge post!

A Highlight on the Latest Activity at our Community

beth shared a stunning vertical landscape shot from Waterton NP. “there was some really nice light after the winds passed”:

copyright – beth

Light and Shadow shared a soothing frame depicting egrets on marsh:

copyright – Light and Shadow

Also, beth stumbled with some pretty old wagons in Alberta, Canada:

copyright – beth

And Jean brought the spooky vibes with this day photo converted to stormy night:

copyright – Jean T

Don't forget to check the photo contest winners for ephemeral moments; and remember, this month's photo contest is now open for entries. The theme is “The Unseen Perspective“. Submit your photos for a chance to win $250 and please don't forget voting as well.

If you want to make out the most of your LightStalking user account, make sure to check the latest posts. Also, don't forget to swim the Mobile Monday Challenge! Last but not least, Check out the current reading throwdown, it has some nice insights and recommendations!

We'd Love To Hear Your Thoughts

Our Feedback Forum is a fine place for all those people wanting to grow fast as photographers. Here, you'll get your work reviewed by well-intended photographers, but you'll also have the chance to comment on the work of others. We believe in the power of feedback, and here are the latest shots shared in the pool:

The Shark Tank is a great place to learn and to discuss, but please read the instructions in order to get a better experience. Share your comments, opinions and doubts on any or all of the images above. We also will be delighted to see some of your own images. Remember all comments are given to the photographs; not the photographers. Also, don't forget to participate in our upcoming challenge!!!

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About Author

Federico has a decade of experience in documentary photography, and is a University Professor in photography and research methodology. He's a scientist studying the social uses of photography in contemporary culture who writes about photography and develops documentary projects. Other activities Federico is involved in photography are curation, critique, education, mentoring, outreach and reviews. Get to know him better here.

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