Shadow Controversy

[connellj]

When I include a shadow across the face of my subject, many comment that the shot would be better without a shadow. Others think the shadow makes the shot. Here is another shadow controversy.

[joemags]

I think in this case, the shadows add to the photo. I do however think the overall exposure is a little dark, at least to my monitor. Just a bit though. Very nicely done. It really conveys a "mood".
Thanks for posting it.

[gahspidy]

When I include a shadow across the face of my subject, many comment that the shot would be better without a shadow. Others think the shadow makes the shot. Here is another shadow controversy.

Well, I guess the controversy will start again. I like shadows and the shots you took of the post office I like the shadows against the structure. But in this shot I have to say that I wish the shadows were not there because I like the warm tones and texture of the wood siding and they are already somewhat shadowed and highlighted by the sun.I also really like the slighltly opened door in the second building. Getting a glimpse inside the darkness behind the door is excellent, but I feel that I am competing against the trees shadows to view all these interesting things. The shadows shooting across is getting a busy somewhat disrupting feel. I like it as it is but I feel in this case I would like to just see the subject with its highlights and warm tones without the shadow play. Keep them coming, I like what you have posted thus far

[bingo pajama]

ok, here's my 2 cents: i think one of the reasons for the 'controversy' is something gary hit on- shadows sometimes have a tendancy to make things too busy. and yet, sometimes, they add just enough to a photo to keep things interesting. i think you have both of these qualities happening in the same photo here. the structure in the background has vertical lines closer together due to perspective. this isn't a bad thing, but when you add the shadows, it comes across as a little busy. the structure in the foreground has vertical lines spaced further apart, and the addition of the shadows is more pleasing- adding just a little bit of interest.

[Chunk]

When I include a shadow across the face of my subject, many comment that the shot would be better without a shadow. Others think the shadow makes the shot. Here is another shadow controversy.

I vote for shadows. 8^)

[Old Timer]

I agree with bingo on this one. While I feel that shadows often add a great deal to a photograph this is not one of those cases. In this image the shadow are in conflict with the natural symetry of the photograph and work in opposition to the flow of lines within the frame. Beautiful subject nice overall image, but lose the shadow on this one.

[PuckJunkey]

The trick is to notice the texture of the object(s) that the shadow is falling onto. In this photo you actually have an example of what works and what doesn't. The shack to the left looks muddled due to the shadows playing off the vertical planks (because the shadows run more or less vertical). OTOH, it works on the right side shack because the wooden planks are horizontal and provide a contrast point to the shadows.