Weekly Photo Challenge: Shadowed

This weeks photo challenge on The Daily Post asked us to consider the theme Shadowed.  I love photographing shadows or subjects in shadow.  It is a challenging medium from a photographic perspective but it gives you an opportunity to explore a common subject in a different light.

Delving way back in my travel photography archives this was from February 2002 on a week away in Noosa Heads, Queensland. This great shot of the local lifesavers preparing for their morning swim. Little bit of cloud brought the colour. Ah the days of shooting Film.

I loved this shot taken in Noosa Heads, Queensland.  Way back in 2002 when I was just starting out in Photography and still shooting Film on my little Nikon F65.  Getting up early in the morning often pays dividends to the travel photographer, morning light is usually bathed in warm yellow and red tones.

The classic skyline of London. Given the strength of the afternoon sun I chose to shoot the famous Elizabeth Tower in Silhouette. I think it gives a powerful image and a different interpretation of a common tourist “snap”

In travel photography the common message is to always avoid taking the cliché image.  To avoid shooting the “normal” tourist snapshots.  I say that is bunk – take images that you like, take an image that will help you remember a destination.  Absolutely look for different angles and different perspectives – something as simple as crouching down low can offer you a new perspective.  I loved this shot from London, my first time to the city – the afternoon light just worked for me in this image and it provides me with a nice interpretation of the classic London “icon”.

The historic old town of Dubrovnik, walking the quiet city streets at first light in the morning – bathed in the shadows walking between historic buildings some dating back to the 14th century.

There is something humbling about walking along the historic streets of an old city – streets that have stood since long before I was born and will stand long after I have gone.  I think it reminds you that we are but a small blip in the history of this planet and we need to make the most of our time here.

Walking the old town of Dubrovnik in the morning is a beautiful experience, before the hordes of tourists with their selfie-poles and tour groups you can virtually have the town to yourself basking in the shadowy morning light.  Dubrovnik has been a strategic trading port since as early as the 12th century.  As comfortable as your hotel bed may be – set that alarm and get out of bed early, no better start to your day then a short stroll through a classic city.

One of the most photographed scenes from Rome, Italy. Vatican city bathed in the afternoon sunlight, brings the historic St. Peter’s Square in a different light.

Back in 2005, my first ever trip outside of Australia.  The first time I experienced Rome I was speechless.  I couldn’t describe the emotion I felt, seeing these places I had only ever read about – literally seeing history come alive! I know Rome is a tourist-mecca I know it has its crime problems; but for me on my first ever holiday it was awe-inspiring.

Late in the afternoon after a day of sightseeing we rounded the corner and saw St. Peter’s Square and the Basilica bathed in the afternoon sunlight.  Exposing for the sky I wanted to get the square and the statues in shade.

This weeks photo challenge really resonated with me – shadows allow you to hide, they also provide an opportunity to evoke emotion and memories even among the most common of subjects.