Light & Shadows

Andrew Kertesz

In this project you are going to explore the differences between light and shadow and/or reflections. I want you to focus on strong contrasted light and the resulting deep shadows that are produced. Use the natural effects of light and shadow to remove the actual object that is creating the shadow to bring us out of context. These images should be interesting in composition and even slightly abstract in their final printed version. Because we must have a sunny day to create the contrasted light for light and shadow you may also focus on reflections. Think about interesting reflections—like the way the light reflects in the window, or your reflection in a spoon or shiny metal object. You can use a mirror if you feel it will work but try to think about the reflection as a compositional element instead of a regular or expected reflection.

Artists to consider: Man Ray, Maholy Nagy, Alfred Stieglitz, Ansel Adams

Assignment:
You must photograph 50 exposures that focus on light and shadow and reflections. Think about how to make your compositions interesting using only strong light or reflected imagery. You can photography people, objects, or even just the design that is created by shadows. Take multiple images of different designs of light, shadow, or reflection. Use your imagination and think about how the final print will look.

Steps:

• Think about making an ordinary scene look different with the way you photograph it.
  
• When you want the shadow to be dark you should meter for the light part of the image. When you want the light part to blow out you should meter for the dark (or shadow) part of the image.
  
• When photographing reflections be sure that you can see what you want in the frame of the camera.

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