We have all heard of the Golden Hour, aka the Magic Hour… that hour or so after sunrise and before sunset. During that time the sun is low in the sky and produces a softer, more flattering light.
Absolutely, it is the best time to make photographs. But, when traveling, we don’t have the luxury of shooting just early morning and late afternoon. We are on the move and shooting all day long, trying to capture the best images we can, and knowing we are not likely to return when lighting is better.
A 1200-year-old step well on the road from Jaipur to Agra
Shadow is the obstruction of light. Shadows appear to me to be of supreme importance in perspective, because, without them opaque and solid bodies will be ill defined; that which is contained within their outlines and their boundaries themselves will be ill-understood unless they are shown against a background of a different tone from themselves.
Leonardo DaVinci
Old Delhi, India
How to deal with that harsh midday sun and resulting strong shadows? Â Traveling through Rajasthan and northern India recently, I did battle with that brutal contrasty light. But finally, an epiphany: “Shadows are your friend.” Therefore, use the shadows as part of your composition. That made for some interesting shooting.
Light illuminates texture and color – shadows define form.
Howard Pyle
I started wandering narrow alleyways looking for shadows. Dark, geometric shapes, cast from nearby buildings, add drama to an image and can totally change the mood.
Soft, flattering light is almost always best for portraits, but if a face has deep wrinkles and a lot of character, harsher shadows can be an advantage.
Editor’s note: “Shadow Play” was first published in May 2014. It is one of my all time favorites and I hope you will like seeing it again.
Nomad of Woods
19 May 2014This is an amazing post!
fotograffer
19 May 2014Thank you so much. I am happy you liked it.
Tuxedo Sophisticated Cat
19 May 2014Gorgeous images.
fotograffer
19 May 2014Thank you and thanks for visiting.
The Wanderlust Gene
19 May 2014It’s a terrific collection Ron – hope you were happy with your experiments with the shadows – high drama to my eyes 🙂
fotograffer
20 May 2014As I mentioned, when I looked to include the shadows into the composition my options improved greatly. Thanks for you comments Meredith.
Tish Farrell
19 May 2014Moments of spot-lit intimacy captured by a passing stranger – what an interesting paradox – like the play of light and shade. Wonderful photos.
fotograffer
20 May 2014I such an eloquent thought. I just remember it being hot and crowded. 🙂 thanks Trish and thank you for visiting
Tish Farrell
20 May 2014In that case I think your inner eye just got down to the heart of things, while you were busy being hot 🙂
fotograffer
20 May 2014I’ll accept that explanation. 🙂
snaps22
19 May 2014What a great set of images – I love them all.
fotograffer
20 May 2014Thank you Jean. It is a fascinating part of the world.
t smith knowles
19 May 2014fascinating light…rhythm…and wonder…………….
fotograffer
20 May 2014Thank you Smith. It was an interesting project
lynnsarda
19 May 2014Love it!
fotograffer
20 May 2014Thanks lynn.
Dalo 2013
19 May 2014Wow, another incredible series of photos Ron ~ truly art. The 4th and 5th shot mesmerize with the angles and perspective, but the man in the window would have to be my favorite…something powerful in the shot. And as you said, you used the shadows very well. Cheers!
fotograffer
20 May 2014When I stopped fighting the contrasts light I started trying to incorporate it into the compositions, it was liberating. The guy selling water in the little cubicle did make for an interesting image. Randall, thanks for you generous comment.
Dalo 2013
28 May 2014There is something about finding the right contrasts and being able to use light & shadow within a scene. Sometimes it clicks for me, and it is great fun (of course, there are many times it does not!). The shots you have here are a good example of when it all comes together.
fotograffer
29 May 2014As you say, when it works, it is an asset to the image and when it doesn’t… Thank you Randall.
Gigi Galore
20 May 2014Beautiful! 🙂
fotograffer
20 May 2014Thanks Gigi.
Jayanta Kumar Mitra
20 May 2014Date: Mon, 19 May 2014 09:13:17 +0000 To: janaji@outlook.com
Pinetree Photo Nature Discovery
21 May 2014Fascinating post! Definitely sheds new light on the subject of shadows.
fotograffer
29 May 2014Ha! Too funny.
catbirdinamerica
25 May 2014I love this post, Ron. It’s inspiring. I often put aside my photos with too many shadows, thinking they’re ruined. But now I think I will look at them with a fresh eye, and try to decide whether the shadows make the composition more interesting. It is frustrating when traveling. If we are lucky enough to be at a place in those magic hours, it’s great, but too often, we’re out seeing the sights in the middle of the day, when the sun is too bright. These photos are great, and the shadows really do make the composition more interesting. 🙂
Madhu
27 May 2014An amazing gallery Ron! Those shadows certainly add depth to every one of these images.
fotograffer
29 May 2014Thank you Madhu. We really enjoyed our adventure.
Maya
15 Jun 2014Beautiful, beautiful images! The 1200 yr old steps remind me of an Esther print.
fotograffer
16 Jun 2014Thanks Maya. You are so right about being Esther-like
Nurul Lubis
12 Feb 2017Wonderful gallery with full of stunning images. Thanks for sharing with us..
fotograffer
20 Feb 2017My pleasure. Thank you for your comment and for stopping by.
Bill Jones, Jr.
12 Feb 2017These are wonderful photos. I think it was NY Times’ great photo editor (and Magnum member), John Morris, who said, “If you want to make something look interesting, don’t light all of it.” These, especially the man in the dumbwaiter or whatever that box it, perfectly illustrate that.
fotograffer
20 Feb 2017Thanks, Bill for your comment. So interesting you mentioned John Morris. I met him in Paris a few years ago. He was in his mid 90″s and sharp as a tack. A real honor. People talk about shooting during the golden hour, blue hour, etc. and they are absolutely right. But harsh light adds drama. I say shoot with whatever light is at hand. Again, thanks.
Colline
12 Feb 2017These are stunning shots.
fotograffer
20 Feb 2017Thank you, Colline
restlessjo
12 Feb 2017So many lovely shots, Ron, but the opener stopped me in my tracks. It’s like a film set! 🙂
Love to your other half!
fotograffer
20 Feb 2017Thanks, Jo. So good to hear from you. Lynne sends her regards.
jmacindoe
13 Feb 2017Awesome collection of shots!
fotograffer
20 Feb 2017Thank you very much and thanks for visiting.
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fotograffer
20 Feb 2017🙂
Evangelina07
13 Feb 2017I have been to India as well but didn’t go to Varanasi. It’s a place I really want to go too. I really loved India, so I very much enjoyed your photographs. They are excellent.
Thanks for sharing.
fotograffer
20 Feb 2017Thanks for your kind remarks. Varanasi is a very special place. I hope you will find your way there.
Akshay joshi
21 May 2017Wow incredible pictures đź‘Ś .
It is a very good post keep posting.
fotograffer
5 Jun 2017Thanks for you kind words.
thelikesofmylife
22 May 2017You have captured the essence of Indian culture and lifestyle well. Good work 🙂
fotograffer
5 Jun 2017Thank you so much.
lifeintrips
8 Jun 2017Great shots… u have been to nice places… next time when u visit try north east…
fotograffer
10 Jun 2017🙂
Vikas Acharya
9 Jun 2017Reblogged this on Journal Edge and commented:
Article & images source: ronmayhewphotography.wordpress.com
fotograffer
10 Jun 2017Thank You!
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