Shadows

February 1

I am thankful for shadows. As a photographer, I depend on both light and dark, on lit areas and on shadows. Without any shadows, a photo would be boring and have no contrast. Sometimes that may work, but normally not. I like the Rembrandt style of lighting in which half of the face is enveloped in shadow. This creates an exciting and mysterious effect. Conversely, if a photo consists of all shadows, it is entirely black, and no detail can be seen. I've made many photos like that accidentally and can attest to the fact that they are pretty worthless. It is the perfect combination of light and shadows that make photographs special.

Shadows can also represent the dark side, the absence of light. We are all human, therefore, there is no way for us to be perfect. I like to think of shadows as little character flaws that actually give us our uniqueness and character. They make us who we are. Recently my wife told me I was unusual but said that's what makes me who I am. I guess that was a compliment?

This photo was taken at Highland Road Park in Baton Rouge, with me holding my camera at chest level. That is my shadow among the tree shadows. Another good thing about shadows is that, at the right time of day, they can make us look taller! Especially good for a short guy like me! Just look at those long legs in the photo! 

my shadow II

my shadow walks the ground

my shadow walks in front of me

as i continue past the light

it disappears out of sight

but as i go on

another light looms ahead

as i pass that one by

what do i see?

another shadow in front of me.

© rt tulley

You might be wondering why that is called "my shadow II."  It's because I wrote the original "my shadow" many years ago, probably when I was in high school or college. My entire philosophy and outlook on life has become much less pessimistic and much less dark as I have aged. That will be the subject of another Photo of the Day, I think. But if you're interested, I am almost embarrassed to reproduce this, but here it is:

my shadow

a lonely night

the calmness is all around

i gently float along

my shadow walks the ground

it goes ahead of me

it goes only where i see

and yet it disappears

as another light nears

the stillness is astounding

as a tear hits my eye

i stare into the darkness

continually wondering why

and the shadow walks on

but the man only limps

there's a care to catch it and touch it

there's a want for even a glimpse

i'm blinded in the night

my eyes cannot see right

the shadow walks on ahead

the corpse follows the street,

dead.

© rt tulley