91. Evening Shadows
Shadows are like clouds
Over the past few weeks, southern New Zealand has experienced many cool, overcast, and rainy days. So, when the clouds parted today, revealing a clear blue sky, I felt the urge to take photographs. It was evening by the time I managed to get into town with my camera. The sun was getting low, and the shadows were stretched across the walls of buildings like cats on a carpet, basking in the sunshine.
I headed for Stafford Street, which has buildings that face the evening sun. I positioned myself across the street from the elongated shadow of a power pole making its way across a red brick wall. As I framed a composition, someone entered the scene from the left, and I managed to get a shot as he exited to the right. It’s best to capture a subject entering the frame rather than leaving, but sometimes, you have to take what you can get.
I turned the corner and saw another possibility — a power pole and electrical transformer that cast an interesting shadow. It was dinner time, and shops were closed, so very few people were around this part of town. As I waited for a pedestrian, I had to keep changing my position as the shadow slid across the wall, altering the composition. Shadows are like clouds — the more you study them, the faster they move. Eventually, a woman passed by, and I caught her as she walked into the scene, positioned just where I had hoped.
What’s next?
I prefer strong colour and sharp lines, so I need sunshine for the photographs I like to take. Unfortunately, the weather forecast looks pretty mixed for the next week. I’ll have to take what I can get.
What do you think?
I invite you to leave a comment below.