Top 10 WeeklyFstop Photos: Shadows

Some of the strongest photographs utilize shadows to enhance the mood of a photo as well as sculpt the light. Mastering the art of seeing shadows and learning how to capture them in an interesting way can greatly improve your photography.

Some people don't like to venture out with their camera in the harsh midday sun. This can be a great time to see and practice photographing some very stark black shadows. Playing with patterns, positive and negative space, and exposure levels is a great way to learn new techniques to use in your photography.

A popular subject for people first getting into photography is a sunset. While shooting the fleeting light in the sky can produce pleasing shots with great color and depth, sometimes you tend to miss all the long shadows produced by the low light source.

None of our readers had any trouble finding some awesome shadow shots to share this week. I hope you enjoy. If you have a different favorite than my choice, be sure to say so in the comments. Taste is always subjective.

10. Afonso Pereira

9. MJ Vilardi

8. Spechtgold and Stephen Holst (tie)

7. Evan F Smith

6. Nico

5. Dominic

4. Ryan Wilson

3. Jowell Protasio

2. Steve Conroy

1. Fuji Traveller

This shot has me instantly lost in thought along with Señor Juan. Photos full of emotion and minute details like this one are not easy to pull off. The fall off into the shadows really highlights and isolates the face and hat very well. Great shot, Fuji Traveller.

What Is This Week's Theme and How Do I Enter?

There is something exciting and cool about something that is new. But something that is old has more of a story to it. In your own way, share a shot with us that depicts something old and full of character.

Old

To enter, simply use the hashtag #weeklyFstopOld on any public Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, or Flickr post between now and our next weeklyFstop article. Please keep it to one entry per week to keep it fair and less cluttered.

Here are the previous week's results for anyone who may have missed them:

1. Leading Lines
2. Bold
3. Color
4. Yours
5. Simplicity
6. Monochrome
7. Music
8. Light
9. Action
10. Thankful
11. Bokeh
12. Toys
13. Snow
14. Frozen
15. Warmth
16. Sunrise
17. Landscape
18. Favorite
19. Gathering
20. Green
21. Pink
22. Gold
23. Happiness
24. Macro
25. Street
26. Long Exposure
27. Circle
28. Outdoors

Remember, there is no guarantee posting a photo will result in it being featured. If you happened to submit but fell short, please don't be discouraged. Keep shooting and try to gain techniques or ideas from the photos that are selected. If anyone has any suggestions or ideas, feel free to contribute in the comments. I'm always open to future theme suggestions. I hope you are all enjoying the theme as much as I am. Keep up the good work.