Thoughts are the shadows of our feelings — always darker, emptier and simpler.

― Friedrich Nietzsche

All the variety, all the charm, all the beauty of life is made up of light and shadow.
― Leo Tolstoy, Anna Karenina

This week’s photo challenge is “shadowed“, in which we are told:

Experimenting with shadows can be a fun and rewarding way to push yourself to try something new with your camera, your subject, and your surroundings. Shadows can also add depth and drama to an otherwise ordinary image.

Self-Portrait Using the Topaz Adjust “Pop” Filter

I love shadows.  I love sunlight too, but shadows bring other things.  Mystery, for one, and on a hot day, respite.

They can also bring beauty to a picture, giving it depth and variety.  I simply like the interplay of the dark and light, the patterns it makes, and the challenge of capturing what I see so that I can show it to everyone else later.

What I liked about the picture above was the beauty of the sunlight from the windows, the shadow of the window cross hatch on the wall, and the light reflecting up and down the wall behind me.  Although some of the other effects were interesting, none caught that light flare as well as a simple processing did.  While it’s not black and white, it did turn out nearly monochromatic, which brings its own beauty and highlights the sun on the wall.

Topaz Black and White “Wenge Dynamic”

Topaz Impression “Painter Photo 3”

Original Photo – see the red fire detector, thermostat, diaper deck and doorway?

Other photos that used shadows are:

Working a Day Job – Part 1

Naming My Emotions

Time for Tea