Shadows often simply define the dark unlit areas of a photo that create contrast.
They can also have have a major influential impact on the composition. As individual elements that are used creatively, shadows can even become a focal point of the composition as well.
A deep exploration or how different shadows can be created and how they can be used to impact a composition is the key to success in this quest.
Your skill at balancing your exposure will also be tested as higher contrast images
Internet Examples of Shadows in Photography
Assignment Requirements
- Visual research and evidence documentation (Sketchbook and Project Page)
- Document your full design process according to our design stages below
- research the type of shadows that can create effective composition
- research different ways to create or locate shadows of interest or desire
- Considerations when shooting:
- Shoot at least one roll of 36 exposure film
- explore the use of light sources that are very directional creating dramatic shadow
- Maintain focus on elements in a way that emphasizes the use of shadow
- Project requirements:
- Develop at least one roll of film
- create at least one darkroom Proofsheet
- Develop two different 8 x 10″ B&W darkroom prints
- additional option: recreate one of the composition by scanning the negative for digital development
OBJECTIVE
- experience manual exposure and development of 35mm processing
- understand the essence of light control required in the create of photographic imagery
- Use creative problem solving for a inspired and original solution
- Demonstrate how you used problem solving skills
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS & INSTRUCTION
Design Process STAGE 1: Understand The Problem
Consider what your goal and the challenge of this project is.
- record the project requirements
- record what you believe will be some of the challenges you will encounter with the project
Design Process STAGE 2: Research and Investigate
Always record every resource either as a cited source or a linked resource with documentation on your project page.
Research significant project topics thoroughly
- Shadows?
- How will you light source impact the contrast of values in this image? What will that do to some of the details in your composition?
- How to create them?
- Are there different kinds of shadows used in compositions?
- What photographers have used shadows in their photography and HOW?
Design Process STAGE 3: Generate Possible Solutions
Samples of Student Shadows Work
Brainstorm ideas for visual imagery
- subject matter
- environments
- Light sources
- concepts (what your design is trying to show, say, or communicate)
- style, techniques, or even a medium you will use to create the design
- Sketching possible composition ideas.
Design Process STAGE 4: Select and Develop Best Solution
Select the best solution
- How will you create it?
- How are you making the shadows significant enough to impact the composition
- Plan it all out: Time, Place, Subjects, Models, Lighting,
- What is the IT factor that will make this piece standout?
Design Process STAGE 5: Model and Prototype (Create)
Begin production of your design
- Develop your film and proofsheet to evaluate images
- a consideration of shooting additional rolls is always an option
- Develop two final darkroom prints using test strips
Design Process STAGE 6: Test and Evaluate
Reflect of the success of you darkroom compositions.
What would you differently. Are you able to digitally scan one of your negatives to get a better result as a digitally developed image than your darkroom version. What do you think about the image quality differences and process for the final darkroom product versus the digital correction we do in a computer?
Design Process STAGE 7: Produce
Turn in the final Prints with all documented exposure information used in the darkroom for the printing.
Photograph or scan your final prints to post on your behance page. images MUST BE QUALITY images representing your final work. include all preocess work from your skertchbooks in a photo grid below final imagery.
Publish completed final Behance Page for evaluation.
Fill out and turn in evaluation for to Coulson when project is completed and posted.