*******************
The Right Way to Travel, Weekly Photo Tip
June 20, 2007
*******************

How and How Not to Use Shadows and Reflections in Photos

By Shelly Perry in Portland, OR

While shadows are an excellent creative tool in photography, they can also be a nuisance.  Take, for instance, these two pictures submitted for this month's photo challenge....  

Do you see the shadows in these photos; the photographer in the first picture and I think that's a bystander in the second.

Anyway, while both of these are good interpretations of this month's challenge theme -- Planes, Trains, and Automobiles -- their impact is lost because of the unwanted shadows in the photos.
 
So unless you are creatively intending for your shadow to be in the shot, you will have to adjust your shooting position to eliminate it.

Now, that's not to say that all shadows are bad.  In fact, quite the contrary.  Shadows can actually add interest to your image by providing depth and dimension, like they do in this photo here...
 


I use them in my product stock photography too.  Again, they can add depth and dimension...
 


They can even be the subject of your photograph if you want ...


 
You just need to be aware of them and work with them to achieve the desired results.

Along the same vein as shadows are reflections in photos. When you are working around reflective subjects you can...

(continued below...)

********************

*Highly Recommended*

It's not that often you can marry a hobby with income. But when it comes to photography, you can. And you don't need to be an amateur Ansel Adams to do it, either.

Even if the only pictures you've ever taken are family photos or vacation snapshots... you can learn to take salable photos in no time.

In fact, we'll show you how to get started in 15 minutes or less.

For 33 easy, practical, and highly effective tips, tools, and techniques designed to have you snapping income-earning photos today -- go here:

www.thephotographerslife.com/mmp/website

********************

inadvertently show up in the shot yourself.

That said, reflections in photos can be used in wonderful ways to enhance your shots. Take a look at these shots, also submitted this month, which are primarily reflection-based and are quite interesting...



 

 
Note how the reflection of this man on the water actually adds interest and dimension to the image, breaking up what would otherwise simply be dark water.

As you advance in your photography, you will become more and more aware of both shadows and reflections in photos and learn to use both to your advantage.

ENTER TO WIN!

We have had a big response to this month's photo challenge -- maybe our largest to date -- with over 100 images submitted so far. We definitely have some winners, but there's still time, and you can make the final decision even tougher. You have until next Monday, June 25,  to get your shot in.

Log on to our website at: www.thephotographerslife.com and register to win.  Submit your photos by 8:00 a.m. EST, Monday, June 25.

If you're a first-time user, you'll need to register first on the "register" link on the right side bar. Once you have a username and password, click "Enter to Win" to upload your photo. Only one photo per applicant will be considered.

[EDITOR'S NOTE: Shelly Perry from Portland, Oregon, specializes in people photography, what she calls documentary or lifestyle portraits. She is known especially for her imaging of children. Shelly's concern for people is reflected both in her sense of purpose and the images she produces.  Her images have been seen all over the globe on music CD covers, books, magazines, catalogues, web sites, ad campaigns and even on TV. Her work has also appeared in several local exhibits and gallery shows.
To learn more about how you can turn your pictures into cash, visit: www.thephotographerslife.com/ph2/website]

*******************************

The Right Way to Travel is a FREE newsletter from the American Writers & Artists Inc., available to AWAI members and friends.

(c) 2007 American Writers & Artists Inc.
245 NE 4th Ave., Ste 102
Delray Beach, FL 33483
Phone (561) 278-5557
Fax (561) 278-5929
memberservices@awaionline.com

To LEARN MORE, visit:
http://www.thetravelwriterslife.com
http://www.thephotographerslife.com