As a filmmaker, I’m intrigued by the uses of light and shadow. Objects and faces appear flat when flooded with light. Adding shadows models them, bringing out depth and dimensionality. People and places, seem more real when they’re shown in both light and shadows–perhaps because we know that what’s inside of us is a mix of light and shadows. Still, they can distort, as well. A wash of light may hide hard-earned wrinkles, flattering the subject while rendering them unrecognizable. A shadow can make a smile seem sinister, or a child’s nursery frightening. Me must choose carefully how we use light and shadows. Just as we choose how we use our words.
Click on any image to enlarge it, or to begin slideshow.
“Light and shadow are opposite sides of the same coin. We can illuminate our paths or darken our way. It is a matter of choice.” ~Maya Angelou
“Sometimes the moon is light and sometimes it’s in shadow, but you should always remember it’s the same moon.” ~Terry Pratchett
“The brightest flame casts the darkest shadow.” ~George R.R. Martin
“All of the masterpieces of art contain both light and shadow. A happy life is not one filled with only sunshine, but one which uses both light and shadow to produce beauty.” ~Billy Graham
“In faith there is enough light for those who want to believe and enough shadows to blind those who don’t.” ~Blaise Pascal
“Be transparent, so you no longer cast a shadow but instead let the light pass through you.” ~Kamand Kojouri
Beautiful 🌹
Reblogged this on Blue Dragon Journal.
Interesting read and BEAUTIFUL photography. It’s amazing shadows really bring people’s faces to life.
so much emotion laid bare
each picture had its own tug
The photos are stunning!
Wow! You always give us the most amazing collections of images. Thanks for the beauty, but also for the teaching value of this post.
My pleasure (truly), Russ. I enjoy putting together these Friday photoblogs.
Hide and shadow play huge factors in many horror stories too. I like them for invoking fear, anxiety, but also can’t help to solve the mystery what or who is it
Yep! And likewise, a distinctive style of mystery-thrillers called film noir.
So many serene and so many powerful images. Thanks you for gathering them together and posting them. Be safe Mitch!
Thank you. You too!
My favorite light and shadow is watching the shadows of tree leaves moving against my bedroom wall.
They’re calling you to come out and play with them.
I have been known to climb a tree or two in my time! 🙂
Beautiful 💚 the pics and your message
Thank you, K.L.
You’re welcome 😊
These are great times to get B-roll.
Exactly.
There is just something about the light from a window falling across a face I love.
Me too.