Lance Lewin  


Shadow Study-1 by Lance Lewin

May 2021 - Shadow Study-1

May 2021 - Lance Lewin

Original

About the Image(s)

Featured: Well, this is part of some early photography studies on Finding Art within shadows: here, captured with my Android cell phone at home. For some time I have been fascinated by the amazing variety of geometric lines and other shapes created by shadows within my home, this example dark black lines are drawn across the floor, a construct of sunlight interacting with the dinning room chairs.

Lamp: here another cell phone capture in my bedroom, again these shadows created by morning sunlight streaming through the window.

Personally, I feel sunlight reveals the best type of shadows: more emotional and with plenty of variety as sunlight is (dynamic); changing and constructing new lines and shapes as it moves across the sky and through windows or outside as it changes position in the sky and as it moves behind buildings or trees, for example.


This round’s discussion is now closed!
13 comments posted




Cindy Smith   Cindy Smith
The image of the lamp immediately makes me think of the old black and white movies like "The Maltese Falcon." It is so interesting.   Posted: 05/03/2021 09:56:28
Lance Lewin   Lance Lewin
Cindy...or perhaps a scene from Orson Welles movies....   Posted: 05/03/2021 17:26:57



Cindy Smith   Cindy Smith
  Posted: 05/03/2021 09:56:30



Steven Jungerwirth   Steven Jungerwirth
Lance - Makes sense that the sun streaming in creates interesting images. Interesting that a b&w image can "feel" warm . . . .

I tend to prefer the lamp image . . . more that interests me and details that I can easily understand (I'm not big on abstract images that force my brain to work). What made you choose the narrow crop? As opposed to including the whole lamp (both the lamp itself and the shadow)?   Posted: 05/03/2021 16:44:04
Lance Lewin   Lance Lewin
Hi Steve...and a good question: first, as you do not like abstracts, I can see where hiding the lamp aggravates your visuality: but in this case, I want to submerge the viewer "partially: in this way the lamp becomes less of a focus and instead directs the gaze to the shadows on the wall. Could I have at least included the Stand? Yes. Perhaps another take on this exact scene is due.

Indeed, "warmth" can seemingly emanate from BW photographs: in an abstract way, indeed. Always appreciate your feedback. Thank you, Steve.   Posted: 05/03/2021 17:38:34



Chan Garrett   Chan Garrett
Lance: Both images were illustrate what you are looking for in this exercise. My image had already been submitted before you made this suggestion. I look forward to participating next month. Both of your images are interesting. However, I agree with Cindy and Steve in liking the lamp shadow the most. I like the narrow crop. As you mentioned to Steve, the narrow crop places the shadow as the subject. I do love the B&W for this exercise.   Posted: 05/04/2021 10:43:04
Lance Lewin   Lance Lewin
....appreciate your feedback, Chan. And yes, look forward to seeing you and others participate. : )   Posted: 05/04/2021 13:01:01



Dale Yates   Dale Yates
Hi Lance...thanks for submitting this image. I agree with the others that the lamp image best represents the shadows and I also agree that the sunlight provides the best shadows.

I always learn from your images...they make me think, which I truly appreciate. I am currently attempting to learn the proper use of shadows and the difference between harsh shadows and soft shadows and the benefits of each. I understand that shadows create depth and dimension, however when and how to use is the question for me. Thank you for this exercise and the learning opportunity. I missed this exercise with my submittal this month, but look forward to participating next month.   Posted: 05/09/2021 19:19:45
Lance Lewin   Lance Lewin
Dale...I really appreciate your encouraging words....thank you!

"Seeing" shadows, or maybe better stated, "looking within shadows" or looking within, the shadow.. in finding artistic beauty or novelties is a learned act: as we have become accustomed to "seeing", searching and visualizing primarily within the light.

Looking forward to your contributions in June!   Posted: 05/10/2021 09:57:17



Stephen Levitas   Stephen Levitas
(Group 32)
Diagonal shadows against rectilinear objects--a sure winner, and well-done in these two examples.
I would consider another shot of the shadow of the lamp, entirely without the lamp. While you are at it, see if you can squeeze in the shadow of a murderous assault, a la Hitchcock. No, just kidding about this last.   Posted: 05/15/2021 16:20:38
Lance Lewin   Lance Lewin
Hi Stephen! You and Cindy both point to well known films and their use of shadows to project mystery and intrigue. But, yes, I will refrain from committing a sin in the sake of fine art.... LOL!!!!

"Points to Ponder"
Watching Movie Films is another wonderful way to "see" how Directors and their Director of Photography visualize and shot a scene - nowadays, "Directors of Photography" incorporate a lot of "Art", as long as it relates to the . "The Handmaid's Tale" a Hulu & MGM production, is a great example of this.   Posted: 05/16/2021 06:32:36



Jennifer Marano   Jennifer Marano
Hi Lance,

Although I love the quality of the light and shadow on the wood floor, I lean toward the lamp image. Maybe familiar objects like lamps hold more interest for me than abstract shadows. I like the softness of the shadows in the lamp image - it makes the image more mysterious, and like a peek into someone's life/home. I feel more emotion and story in that image.   Posted: 05/15/2021 17:42:32
Lance Lewin   Lance Lewin
Hello Jennifer! These are valid points you share with us...indeed, the soft tones associated with the bedroom scene does indeed have the ability to evoke a strong emotion from the viewer: a good example of a less contrast (or harder dramatic blacks and whites) promoting the narrative. Key points I always discuss and practice with students of photography.

I especially like your reference to the personal connection you suggest feeling in someone else's life....as a result of looking at photographs like this...thank you for your comments!   Posted: 05/16/2021 06:40:01