Use candle-lit shadows as a focal point to create some
simple but effective still-life shots
Find the right
object to create your shadows and they can wake a really interesting focal
point to an image
What you’ll need…
Digital camera
Candles
We used…
Olympus PEN E-PM1
Tea lights with candle holders
You could try…
Any digital camera
Camera phone
What you’ll learn…
How to shoot shadows creatively
Finding the right
object to capture is key to the success of this project. These candle holders
didn’t work because they didn’t create enough shadow to shoot
Photography is essentially capturing the light in front of
you, and where is light, there are shadows. For many subjects and styles of
photography, shadows can be a photographer’s worst nightmare. However, they can
also be used to creative effect, in turn producing an excellent image.
Silhouettes are perhaps in photography. They can make for
very striking images, by placing your subject in front of a large light source and
then exposing for that light. Getting an effective image then fully relies on
the silhouette shape you create.
However, as well as capturing shadows within your photos
alongside your main subject, you can even try and compose your shot so that the
shadow is the main focus of the image, which can make for a very interesting
and abstract photographs.
The sun’s natural light will undoubtedly create the most
dramatic and therefore interesting shadows. However, as well as utilising the
light available, it is possible to create some effective shadows using other
light sources. Simply using illumination such as candles, you can set up a
simple still life creating your own shadows as the main subject in your shot.
When used in the right way, shadows can make very unique
photo compositions, away from what some photographers may usually consider when
planning a shot. Here we’ll show you how shadows don’t have to spoil an image,
but can turn an ordinary shot into something very creative.
3 of the best ways to use shadows creatively
Silhouettes
Placing your subject against a strong light and metering for
the light will produce a simple outlined silhouette. This works very well for
an interesting photograph.
Silhouettes
As a subject
Intentionally include a strong imposing shadow in to your
shot to make it a focal point of the scene. This can also create atmosphere and
enhance the mood of a shot.
As a subject
Portraits
Harsh shadows can often ruin portraits, but when used
effectively they can highlight the different features of a person’s face and
add a different edge to your portrait shots.
Portraits
Photograph shadows – get creative with candles
Step 1 - Set up your shot
Using some simple candles and patterned holders, arrange
them on a suitable surface ready to light. Once the candles are lit you may
want to tweak your composition depending on the shadows, so be prepared to
adjust their positioning.
Step 1
Step 2 – switch to Shutter Priority
As we are shooting in dark conditions, your camera will
automatically want to use certain settings. Switching over to Shutter Priority
gives us control of how long the shot is taken for. Use a speed of a least
1/40sec to ensure there is no camera shake
Step 2
Step 3 – set a high ISO
To ensure the sensor captures enough light, set a high ISO
of around 800. This may need to be adjusted depending on the outcome of the
show, but will allow you to use a fast-enough shutter speed to avoid getting
blurry images from camera shake.
Step 3
Step 4 – turn the flash off
Due to the dark scene your camera will automatically try and
fire the flash. The flash power will light the entire scene, in turn
overpowering the shadows and making for a bad shot. Ensure the flash is set to
off to avoid running your photo.
Step 4
Step 5 – select the focus point
Once you are happy with your settings, you will need to set
your focus point. The candle flame is where the eyes will naturally look, so
focusing on it will ensure it is sharp as well as allow the camera to meter
correctly for the brightest part of the shot.
Step 5
