Assignment: "Shadows" Sept. 16 - Sept. 30

[Saralonde]

This week's assignment "Shadows" relates to our last one, Contrast. Usually when we are taking our shots, we try to eliminate shadows caused by uneven lighting. This week I want you to consider Shadows as an element in your composition. Look for the direction of the sun or use artificial light to create patterns and bring out details. Watch for the interplay of light and dark to give your shot some drama or use shadows to create a mood. If you are outside, think about what time of day would give you some deep and interesting shadows. If you are doing a portrait, how could you light a face to create shadows to create definition without harshness? There is only one shadow shot I DON"T want you to do: a picture of your shadow on the ground. That's too easy! But shadows on you, like my avatar, are a possibility.

Some interesting reading:

5 Tips for Using Shadows

Using Shadows

Proper use of shadows and lightings





As always, rules:
Please note the change in closing time.

Just a note to new posters: DO NOT start a new thread for your post. Please just hit the reply button at the bottom of any current post and put your image there.

1. Your original image you submit should be taken between the 16th of September and the 30th of September. Each week as an assignment closes on the Wednesday, it will be AUTOMATICALLY deemed *CLOSED* after 8am GMT ( 3am EST) and any posts after that time will not be eligible for the assignment competition. Don't wait until the last minute to post!

2. Your post must include "Assignment: Shadows" (to show your permission to count it for the contest) and the date the picture was taken (to show that it is a valid entry).

3. EXIF data should be intact. It helps if you can include the main points (including camera, lens, date taken, ISO, shutter speed and aperture) in the text of your message.

4. Only one entry per member (if you can't restrain yourself until the end of the first week you can post two or three separate pictures but your entry should be in a separate post and the only marked with the text above). It must be an original image taken by you.

5. Remember the cross-site image size limit (800px on the longest side).

6. If the image does not exist in post at the end of the contest, it is disqualified. If you modify anything on flickr and re-save the image then the link is broken and the message needs edited to link the picture again before it will be included in the contest.
For everyone, please do not repeat other people's photos by quoting them until the contest is over. If you want to comment on or discuss an entry you can use a link to it (or just delete the picture from the quoted text).

7. If you are looking for the winners of the mini-contest, please check the front page of the DPS blog Saturday late afternoon (EST) and here.

Our upcoming assignment? Collections. Most of us have something we collect: seashells, coins, antique what-cha-macallits, etc. Find a way to display and shoot them in a way that makes them interesting. Keep in mind what you have learned about lighting, shooting from different angles, depth of field. Does your collection look better in color or black and white? Would adding a human element make it more compelling? Perhaps an unusual environment will make it stand out. See if you can infuse some personality into your grouping.

I'm looking forward to seeing some great collections!

[i speak in math]

I love the way the shadows underneath this sieve contrasts with the silver of the metal.

Sep 17, 2009
Model: PENTAX K20D
ISO: 400
Exposure: 1/50 sec
Aperture: n/a --> I think it was f/2.8 (using smc-k lens -- no auto aperture = no exif)
Focal Length: 50mm
Flash Used: No

[samhail]

Took this last year at an annual regatta in CT.



Camera: Pentax K100D
Date: 09/21/2008
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Flash: Did not fire

[elkidogz]

Camera: Nikon D60
Exposure: 0.002 sec (1/500)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 200 mm
Focal Length: 201.6 mm
ISO Speed: 500
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
This is a picture from outside the time requirements, but I thought it showed the shadows pretty well, the boats in the foreground the fountain of fireworks spilling off the bridge deck, and the smokes shadows from my vantage point. Does this make a good example?

[Ali QJo]

The Invisible Man.....kind of.



Date: September 21, 2009
Camera: Canon EOS 40D
Exposure: 0.033 sec (1/30)
Aperture: f/2.5
Focal Length: 50 mm
Exposure: +0.05
ISO Speed: 400
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire

[sdhondatuner]

Shadows help form and define details and contours in classic cars, especially in chrome.



Taken: 09-18-2009
Camera: Nikon D90
Lens: Nikkor 18-55 mm
Exposure: 0.008 sec (1/125)
Aperture: f/5.6
Focal Length: 18 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: No Flash

[Wietske]

I posted this one in Contrast as well but post it here too since it fits


an early morning by ~Trough-my-eyes on deviantART

Make: NIKON CORPORATION
Model: NIKON D60
Shutter Speed: 10/1250 second
Aperture: F/5.6
Focal Length: 55 mm
ISO Speed: 100
Date Taken: Sep 20, 2009, 8:11:54 AM

I'll post a new one when I have one

[LDCox]

Self Portrait (09/23) [1/15 ; f4 ; ISO 400 ; 24mm]

Advice, idea, any constructive feedback much appreciated.

Enjoy.

[WildRain]

Limbo Shadowplay



Canon A1000-IS, iso200, f/2.7 @ 1/250s, 6.2mm focal length, spot metering. Taken 9/20/9

[tj6106]

As soon as I heard about this assignment this is the shot that came into my head.



Camera: Canon EOS 450D
Exposure: 0.02 sec (1/50)
Aperture: f/4.0
Focal Length: 23 mm
ISO Speed: 200
Exposure Bias: 0 EV
Flash: Off, Did not fire
Date and Time (Original): 2009:09:22 18:06:58

Strobist:
Bare Floorstanding Floodlight knee hight camera left