As twilight’s gentle fall descends, where shadows and wind play hide and seek, as day surrenders, the mountains whisper tales.
– David Passarelli
This week, John wants us to consider how shadows shape our photos. ”You can take a literal approach and photograph an actual shadow, or lean into contrast and mood—shapes, silhouettes, or scenes where darkness adds depth and character to your subject.” Please visit John’s site for brilliant examples.
All my pictures in this post are from Zimbabwe (Victoria Falls Hotel, the Zambesi River and a small village without name) and South Africa.
Well, shadow is the first thing I seek when it is hot – just like these beautiful kudus did. But I suspect they were hiding from predators as well.
There are two primary types of shadows: form shadows and cast shadows. Form shadows are the darker, shadowed side of a three-dimensional object itself (not receiving direct light), while cast shadows are the shapes projected onto another surface by an object blocking the light source.
For this challenge I will stick to John’s examples. In these two pictures I tried to show shadows looking from the outside of a house and in, and the reverse. In the third one, below, there are both ways.
Find beauty not only in the thing itself but in the pattern of the shadows, the light and dark which that thing provides.
– Junichiro Tanizaki
Find the light of beauty even in the shadows of darkness.
– Christina Casinom
All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow.
– Leo Tolstoy
All shadows whisper of the sun.
– Emanuel Carnevali
Now, time to go to bed after a thorough help with the details…
Many thanks to Patti, Ritva and Beth for the last weeks’ inspiration. Unfortunately I could not participate due to travels in the wilderness without wifi – but now I am back on track. March is here, and next Saturday it’s my turn to host the challenge – hope to see you then!
To participate, simply create your own post responding to this week’s theme and include a link to the original post by John. Be sure to add the Lens‑Artists tag so your post appears in the WordPress Reader.
Leya 
Amazing images!
Thank you, Anne!
Beautiful photos!
Thank you!
Beautiful, wonderful collection from your travels! My favourite is the sun shining over the shadows of the trees, looking at it, I could feel the warmth of the sun rays.
Thank you, Pam – so glad you liked them!
Wonderful, Ann-Christine, I can see you enjoyed your travels and that we will all enjoy your photos from your time there. Looking forward to it!
Thank you, Sofia – it was…different. An adventure.
Amazing Ann-Christine, I like that while they show all the shadows for the theme, they don’t lose their identity, if that makes sense, they sill look like Zimbabwe.
♥ Thank you, Leanne! Then I am happy.
Absolutely wonderful shadowed examples from Zimbabwe! I especially like the photo of the children, and the first one. The quotes are beautiful too.
Thank you, Anita! The children were so precious!
Beautiful examples!
Thank you, Nora!
Wonderful! Thanks for explaining the terms form shadow and cast shadow with the examples 🙂.
Thank you, PR, I only learned that from my painting!
Wonderful photos, A-C, and happy memories of Zimbabwe.
♥
That cloudscape is very striking and I love the photo of the two children! I gather you stayed in the Victoria Falls Hotel? We did, and loved it 😀 Hope you had a good trip – welcome home!
Thank you, Sarah – yes, a lovely hotel with lovely people and food too!
Ann-Christine, these are so beautiful. My favorites are the kudus in the shade and the two children.
Thank you – my favourites too!
Your views of Zimbabwe remind me of our journey to Africa only 15 months ago. You taught me the difference between form and cast shadows, something I hadn’t thought of. Beautiful gallery of your stay, and I’ll look forward to more.
Thank you, John – an adventure for me.
I was going to say the second one my favorite, but in the end its the two children playing and the dove in in window. That takes nothing away from the other wonderful shots
♥
What wonderful and intriguing shots. Looking forward to more from Africa.
Thank you, Margaret! I am glad i finally got there – so much to take in.
Your post reflects the warmth and beauty of Africa in your own special way xx
Thank you, Jo – a special place and special people.
Excellent series Ann-Christine, love those house shots. Well done 🙂
Thank you so much!
I am very much looking forward to seeing more of your African images Ann-Christine – you’ve teased us with these!! All are perfect for the challenge – the two at play is my favorite for today. Welcome back!
Thank you, Tina! I loved those children too. The little boy is trying to play like his sister. So sweet.
Beautiful examples for the challenge, and very enlightening on the difference between form shadow and cast shadow.
Thank you, Nes – glad you liked them.
Ann-Christine, your architecture images are stunning. I also liked the nature examples and that precious children’s photo you shared here. This gallery is beautiful.
Thank you, Egidio! Loved those children.