Digital Speed Challenge #865: Shadows

[slpollett]

Digital Speed Challenge #865- Shadows
when first learning portrait photography, I was taught to eliminate shadows for a "perfect" portrait, but I've since learned that creative use of shadows can be really cool. This doesn't need to be a portrait, but any interesting or cool shadows would work.

This challenge begins when posted and ends at midnight GMT on Monday June 23th 2025. The winner will be announced shortly thereafter.

The Challenge Rules:

1. Camera: Any DIGITAL CAMERA is allowed.
2. Time: Any on-topic photo taken at any time is eligible, although photos that have won other competitions should NOT be entered.
3. Size: Maximum image size is 1600px on the long end. Minimum size is 800px.
4. Post Processing: Do whatever you like, and the host will decide if it works.
5. Posting: ONE PHOTO per photographer per challenge. List camera model & lens used. Post brief EXIF data: ISO, shutter speed and aperture.
6. Commenting: No commenting and Likes during challenge. After the challenge is closed discussion is encouraged.
7. Keep it clean, and both family and work safe.
8. Have lots of FUN.
9. This text is availabe in a sticky. Copy the text and paste it in the new thread.

>> THE WINNER ALWAYS SETS THE THEME FOR THE NEXT CHALLENGE, POSTS IT AND JUDGES IT - BE PREPARED <<

 

[great grandma Rosalie]

Shadow Selfie

 

[Dilopix54]

The Reaper Awaits

 

[OldCrow]

Shadow art - a fret work casting a shadow upon a white plastic bag.

 

[chuckie365]

Reach into the Sea

 

[RDWP]

A Rake's Progress (as the sun gets closer to the horizon)

 

[great grandma Rosalie]

This isn't a voting challenge, but I know who I which one I would pick

 

[slpollett]

Thanks everyone for the entries. There weren't very many, but I like something about every single one. It is a hard choice and I've been thinking about it for a few days now.

great grandma Rosalie - I love your selfie on the beach. The shadow is the main element in your image.
Dilopix - I really love the spooky vibe in your pic. It took me a hot minute to see the reaper, but then I got it. Very creative.
Old Crow - this is a really cool pic of a shadow. I would have never known it was a shadow, so that makes it cooler to me.
Chuckie - Wowza. I really LOVE your beautiful image. The black & white treatment here is perfection. Wall-worthy for sure. My only nit is that the shadows are a secondary element. They are present and contribute to the image to make it stellar, but still the afterthought.
RDWP - a simple rake in black & white, but you made it interesting and creative.

Like I said, a difficult choice. I obviously like Chuckie's image so much, but I have been struggling with choosing a winner for a "Shadows" theme when the main element isn't the shadows. I really have been back & forth on this one. Ultimately, I decided that the shadows are still an integral part of making this image special.

So, this week's winner is @chuckie365. Congratulations (and shame on you for making me think so hard!!)

Runner-up: Dilopix

 

[OldCrow]

Congratulations chuckie365, well done.

 

[chuckie365]

Awesome. Thanks for the first place vote @slpollett . I have no issue starting a new speed challenge but what can we do to get more participation in these?

 

[slpollett]

Awesome. Thanks for the first place vote @slpollett . I have no issue starting a new speed challenge but what can we do to get more participation in these?

I think a lot of people are just so busy during the summer with vacations and family things. Some weeks get more participation than others. I don't have any real ideas for getting more participation. Just remind folks maybe when you post in other threads? Like a "PS: go check out this weekly challenge" kind of thing??

 

[great grandma Rosalie]

Awesome. Thanks for the first place vote @slpollett . I have no issue starting a new speed challenge but what can we do to get more participation in these?

You could put a link to the new one here.

 

[Dilopix54]

Here ya go!

Digital Speed Challenge #866- Zoo animals

Digital Speed Challenge #866- Zoo animals We all love going to the zoo and capturing various animals as we venture around. Let's see your best capture of an animal at the zoo! This challenge begins when posted and ends at midnight GMT on Wednesday July 2nd 2025. The winner will be announced...

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