There are 5 different elements to lighting shadows these are as follows:
Contrast & Drama- Interplay of light and shadows that create contrast.
Focus- The shadows help focus the viewers attention by removing detail from less important areas of the image.
Directing the attention- When a shaped shadow points to the centre of interest in a photo, the shadow will direct the viewers attention to the centre of interest.
Revealing form- This often involves, the sun at a low angle to the horizon, casting long shadows across the terrain.
Revealing texture- This is similar to revealing form the main difference is that the photographer moves in close to emphasise the texture of the object rather than the form.
R.Coates & WA
EDPhotography3L 