For decades I’ve been interested in shadows. The first photo below was taken about ten years ago. The next one, in the 70’s.
Wikipedia says a shadow is an area where light from a light source is obstructed by an object. I’ve always perceived shadows as objects themselves – the traces left by objects being as important as the original objects.
Shadows on window shades from the 70’s:
What trace does the leaf leave? A muddled one, bent by the contours of another shape, or maybe a crisply delineated form, true to the original. Lacking the leaf’s color and texture, the shadow allows my gaze to rest in the leaf’s basic form.
Below, shadows on the Experience Music Project building in Seattle, from a few years ago. Shadows of the tree’s branches and leaves wave across the building’s undulating forms.
Palm tree shadows on a building in Wilmington, North Carolina, about 5 years ago. Repeating forms are in the fan-shaped fronds with their spear leaves and the building elements – the steps, banisters – and the shadows among them.
Leaf upon leaf: which is more real?
Shadow shapes and metal shapes – an interplay:
No imperfect or faint representation, the shadow often carries as much visual interest – for me – as the thing itself.
Each can be apprehended without reference to the other, immediately.
The shadow though, carries a bit of mystery along with it, the slight obscuring of form that allows a dream…
Love shadows myself! But I don’t often get a strong image. I particularly like that first one of yours, there could be a story there….
Thanks Sue – yes, that was taken during a crazy time…
Maybe bump up the contrast in processing and the image will be stronger.
Great Pictures! There’s a smile in my face, when I found them. There are often only a few moments to see (and click for) such shadows…. Greetings from Hamburg!
How nice! Greetings from far away! I will visit (only your blog, though!) soon!
A super collection. I like these a lot. Well seen and well captured, Lynn.
Thanks Louis – they have a common denominator but there’s a lot of variety. I never settle down much! 🙂
You ask of the leaf upon leaf which is real? Your brilliant shadows reflect so beautifully the detail and mystery of the games light plays, and what a stunner in your brilliant final shot!
The secret about the last shot is that my partner suggested upending it! 🙂 Thanks!
Another wonderful collection of photos, Lynn. I love the leaf upon leaf and the palm tree shadows. And that second photo is so evocative of … something mysterious. 🙂
Glad you like the leaf on leaf one – I like it when it gets complex like that, with a lot going on, but it can be hard to get it right because it can just look busy!
I love toying with the idea of shadows… These are beautiful photos Blue. I esp. like the shadow leafs.
Thanks my friend! Very wet and leafy up here! 🙂
I can understand your fascination Lynn. These are lovely photographs!
Thank you – you are gracious as always –
It is said very often: The light makes a good photo. But it’s not only the light, the shadow nails the right moment, makes the most interesting subject and is never the same. Great set!
What a great comment – greetings across miles of land and water to you!
Great use/perspective of shadows ~ really beautiful shots, the fern leaf is mesmerizing.
Thank you…I wasn’t sure about this post all together…maybe I will do some more “theme” posts.
Every so often you find gems like this across the Internet. Looking forward to continued posts.
I’m glad you enjoyed the shadow photos – I’ll get over to your blog in just a minute!
These are all so good, phenomenal light and shadow!
🙂 🙂 thanks!
Absolutely wonderful shadow images…. I love photos of both shadows and reflections…. good job!
So transitory … another world can encroach upon us with beauty or menace … your lovely shadow play photos are intriguing Lynne !
You can read a lot into them, if you want to…
I love photographying shadows but has never been as perfect as your shots! They are inspiring.
Such a great series, Lynn! Shadow dances are a wonderful subject.
Best wishes for the new year, may it be full of more of your fantastic creativity!