Dealing with Shadows

MikhailN · 3rd May 2009

Hi Everyone

I'm seeking some advice. I find that when I shoot on the streets in Singapore, there's a lot of trees, buildings and other stuff casting unwanted shadows over my subjects. I sometimes use flash to patch up the shadows but sometimes, like in landscapes, flash just doesn't cut it. One example is here:

I was thinking of shooting the path but the shot didn't turn out well because of the shadows falling across it. Any advice from the pros on how to deal with these shadows? And why did my photo turn out so small again?

gymak90 · 3rd May 2009

Are you using camera in-built flash? If yes, you can try using attached flashes as they are much more powerful.

If flash still can't brighten up the place, then it is probably wise not to shoot there. Since you can't do photography without good lighting.

J-Chan · 3rd May 2009

not even an external hotshoe flash can cut it for filling shadows in landscapes.. best you could do if you really don't want shadows, wait for a cloudy day..

foxtwo · 3rd May 2009

As you process the RAW file, increase the value of 'Fill Light'. It's not pitch black so I'm sure some areas can be recovered.

Kit · 3rd May 2009

If you find the shadows undesirable, there comes the fun in waiting for the right light to take your photos.

attap seed · 3rd May 2009

maybe one day, you will find that shadows give depth to your photos.

3rd May 2009	#1
MikhailN New Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Posts: 12	Dealing with Shadows Hi Everyone I'm seeking some advice. I find that when I shoot on the streets in Singapore, there's a lot of trees, buildings and other stuff casting unwanted shadows over my subjects. I sometimes use flash to patch up the shadows but sometimes, like in landscapes, flash just doesn't cut it. One example is here: I was thinking of shooting the path but the shot didn't turn out well because of the shadows falling across it. Any advice from the pros on how to deal with these shadows? And why did my photo turn out so small again?

3rd May 2009	#2
gymak90 Member Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: The Far North Posts: 737	Re: Dealing with Shadows Are you using camera in-built flash? If yes, you can try using attached flashes as they are much more powerful. If flash still can't brighten up the place, then it is probably wise not to shoot there. Since you can't do photography without good lighting. __________________ The best things in life are free.

3rd May 2009	#3
J-Chan Member Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Hougang Posts: 1,597	Re: Dealing with Shadows not even an external hotshoe flash can cut it for filling shadows in landscapes.. best you could do if you really don't want shadows, wait for a cloudy day.. __________________ My Flickr

3rd May 2009	#4
foxtwo Senior Member Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: singapore Posts: 1,707	Re: Dealing with Shadows As you process the RAW file, increase the value of 'Fill Light'. It's not pitch black so I'm sure some areas can be recovered.

3rd May 2009	#5
Kit Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Bukit Timah / Melbourne CBD Posts: 6,023	Re: Dealing with Shadows If you find the shadows undesirable, there comes the fun in waiting for the right light to take your photos. __________________ arkitectural photography http://arkitecturalphoto.1x.com/

3rd May 2009	#6
attap seed Member Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 541	Re: Dealing with Shadows maybe one day, you will find that shadows give depth to your photos.