dragonfly's shadow
Terri Webster Schrandt

Sunday Stills: What Do the #Shadows Have to Say?

Shadows. This was a theme I had been considering from my long list for Sunday Stills, then realized I instinctively chose it for Groundhog Day. This seems to be an East Coast tradition, as Punxsutawney Phil, the long-lived groundhog, makes his annual weather prediction of when we can expect spring to unofficially begin.

Although we basked in the light in January with Becky B’s square photo challenge, this week Sunday Stills will explore the absence of light, the shadows.

The eye is always caught by light, but shadows have more to say.

Gregory Maguire

Let the shadows in your images be the subject. Different than a silhouette or a reflection, a shadow is a dark area or shape produced by an object coming between rays of light and a surface.

Shadows produce depth and interest to an image. Although most photographers prefer well-lit images, even a shadow created by a setting sun can steal the show.

fire in the window

Shadows play in front of and behind these fall leaves.

Red Fall Leaf in Shadow

For landscape shots, the winter’s lengthening afternoon shadows create a vivid contrast in the image.

Cave Creek, Arizona
Cave Creek area, near Phoenix, AZ

This semi-transparent windsurf window hanger casts an orange shadow on a wall … or is it a reflection? Hmmm.

My hubby mugs for a photo at Valley of Fire State Park. Note the three shadowed figures with their phones.

shadow selfie

This dying dragonfly rests in our trailer, but casts a shadow full of life!

dragonfly's shadow

Got shadows? Share your shadowy images this week! I’m looking forward to not only your fab images, but your poems, music, stories and quotes!

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76 comments

  13. Hi Terri, you’ve given some great tips and insights here about shadows. I actually had to stop and think about the difference between reflections and shadows. I like the dragonfly shot and hadn’t noticed the three shadows of photographers with your husband!! Great shots 🙂 . I took a different tack with my post but ended with some fun shadows https://debs-world.com/2020/02/02/coming-out-of-the-shadows-sunday-stills/ Thanks Terri you got me thinking this week!

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  21. The dragonfly is my favorite – but oh so sad! Interesting that the windsurfer would produce an orange shadow. Huh? You have me stumped here as well, whether it’s a shadow or a reflection? Or a clone? 🙂 Happy to learn that it will be an early spring!

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  22. I’m in the ‘shadows are dark’ camp since they’re formed by the blocking of light. So the windsurfer hanging is a reflection or even a projection, but the dragonfly is a shadow for sure. I also like the phone user shadows. I like how you don’t see the people themselves, but can form an impression of them from the shadows. It’s good storytelling.
    My offering, as you know, is https://grahamsisland.com/2020/02/02/shadow-makers/.

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  24. For me, shadows are always dark, whereas reflections are bright and are a vision into another world, Terri. Although shadows are dark, they can also be amusing (as you’ve shown in the photo of hubby). He was courageous, putting his hand in that hole of shadows.

    Here’s an image of a shadow that was trying to get out of its world.

    Thankfully, the sun went in just at the right moment, so it never made it out.

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  33. I am so sorry Terri. I inadvertently hit the wrong button and accidentally unfollowed when I meant to open this post on my WordPress reader. Following again immediately. So if you get a notice from WordPress I am following, that is what happened….lol.

    How cool is that. The theme “shadows” on groundhog day. I am not much of a photography. I do really love all the photos you have taken. Each one is so amazing! Thank you for sharing!

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  35. Teri, I am constantly battling shadows in my photos and often times lighten the dark areas on purpose, especially when faces are involved. Purposeful shadows are another thing entirely and I love your presentation this week. That dragonfly is just beautiful and I can almost feel the temperature and time of day when you took that leaf pic.

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  37. Teri, I am mesmerized looking at everyone’s photos for “Sunday Stills.” I am especially caught up in this theme of shadows. The windsurf window hanger is a puzzle. The dying dragonfly is a beautiful, yet poignant photo. My four year old granddaughter received a book and a flashlight for her birthday. When you shine the flashlight on each page, it creates a shadow on the wall. This is the first time I have heard about a book like this. I may play with it next time I see her. A great theme! You have given me lots to think about and reflect on.

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  44. I feel sad for the dragonfly. But what a beautiful way to honor his life. Her life?
    I was worried about this prompt. Wanted something clever. Hadn’t thought of shadows. My favorite is probably the leaf photo. What vibrant color. And such an interesting photo with the shadow of the leaf from behind.
    Finally think I have come up with something. Stay tuned.

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