The next two images show what organic shadows. Notice the difference in how these shadows add richness and depth, but there is no simple geometry. The shadows on the doors of the shed play more like texture than they do angled lines. They drape over the surface, they do not cut it up or divide it. The richness matches that of the light coming through the trees.
Even this last shadow, while more geometric shows the difference between a perfect line cut by a straight line and a jagged bumpy one cut by the line of the tree.
So why is this important? Why should we care? Because the way we create and embrace shadows as lighting designers is just as important has how we carve out light. Darkness and shadow are natural phenomena and how we use that shadow builds interest and adds depth to our compositions. Think about that the next time you're adding a sky light or flood lighting a deck...or lighting a piece of Shakespeare. How we create shadow is just as important as how we create light.
Something I've been trying to observe lately is the difference between angular man made shadows and organic softer shadows. In the first image you can see the deep angular shadows that roofline of the building casts into the courtyard. These shadows add drama and depth to the courtyard walls as the ... http://jpblighting.posterous.com/the-difference-between-organic-and-angular-sh]]>
