Using Shadows Creatively: Composition and Mood in Photography

Posted by Jörgen Broström

In photography, light often gets all the attention – but shadows are just as powerful. Shadows add depth, contrast, and mystery, transforming an ordinary scene into something dramatic or emotionally charged. When used intentionally, shadows can be as important as the light itself, guiding the viewer’s eye and shaping the story within the frame.

1. Shadows as Compositional Tools

Shadows can frame your subject, lead the eye, or create balance in your composition:

  • Leading lines formed by shadows can direct attention to a focal point.

  • Patterns and textures in shadows – like those from blinds, fences, or trees – add graphic interest and rhythm.

  • Negative space created by deep shadows can isolate your subject, making it stand out more clearly.

Think of shadows not as a lack of light, but as an active part of the composition.

2. Creating Mood with Shadows

Shadows can dramatically alter the emotional tone of an image:

  • Harsh, angular shadows create tension or a sense of unease – great for street photography or conceptual portraits.

  • Soft, diffused shadows add subtlety and calmness, especially in natural light portraits.

  • High-contrast lighting, like chiaroscuro (strong light/dark contrast), brings a cinematic, moody atmosphere.

Use shadows to enhance the emotion you want your image to convey.

3. Techniques to Experiment With

  • Backlighting your subject can cast long, dramatic shadows.

  • Side lighting, such as from a window, reveals form and texture through soft, stretched shadows.

  • Silhouettes are created by placing your subject between the light source and the camera, emphasizing shape over detail.

Try underexposing slightly to preserve the depth of shadows and avoid over-bright highlights.

4. Enhancing Shadows in Post

  • Increase contrast or clarity to deepen shadows and add impact.

  • Use local adjustments to selectively darken or emphasize specific areas.

  • Convert to black and white to highlight light-shadow interplay without color distractions.

Shadows aren’t just supporting actors – they can steal the scene. Learn to see and shape them, and your photography will take on new layers of meaning and visual intrigue.

“Do. Or Do Not. There Is No Try.” – What Yoda Can Teach You About Photography

Posted by Jörgen Broström

There’s a moment every photographer faces, whether they’re holding a brand new camera or reviewing a gallery of missed shots: hesitation. Doubt. That inner voice whispering, “I’ll try… maybe next time.”

But as Master Yoda so wisely said, “Do. Or do not. There is no try.”

And yes, he may have been training Jedi, but this bit of wisdom applies perfectly to photography.

Stop Waiting for Perfect Conditions

Too many photographers (especially beginners) wait.
Wait for better gear.
Wait for better light.
Wait until they’ve “learned enough.”

But photography is not about trying to be ready. It’s about doing – heading out in imperfect light, experimenting with what you have, and embracing mistakes as part of the learning process. The world isn’t waiting for you to be ready – it’s already glowing with moments worth capturing.

Shoot With Intention

“Trying” often sounds like halfway effort. “I’ll try to get a good shot,” or “I’ll try to go shoot this weekend.”
No. Decide. Do it.

When you go out to shoot, be present. Don’t “try” to take a decent photo – make one. Compose carefully. Experiment boldly. Move your feet. Change your perspective. Treat every shot like you meant to take it. That mindset alone elevates your work.

Accept Failure – But Don’t Hide Behind It

Yoda isn’t saying you won’t mess up. You will. We all do.
What he’s saying is: don’t give yourself an out before you even begin.

In photography, as in life, growth comes through bold, repeated doing. Each “bad” photo is a stepping stone. Each blurry image teaches you something. If you frame it as “I’m doing photography,” rather than “I’m trying to learn photography,” you’ll own your journey – and your progress will reflect that.

Final Thought

There’s no such thing as “trying” to become a photographer. Either you’re doing it – taking photos, improving, sharing – or you’re not. And the truth is, you don’t need permission, experience, or a perfect plan. You just need a camera, a curious eye, and the willingness to get out there.

So next time you feel hesitation creeping in, remember Yoda.
Do. Or do not. There is no try.
And then go take the shot.

Creative Lens Flares: Using Light Leaks as Artistic Elements

Posted by Jörgen Broström

Lens flare, often seen as a flaw, can be transformed into a powerful creative tool when used with intention. These streaks or bursts of light – caused when bright light hits your lens directly – can add atmosphere, emotion, and a sense of spontaneity to your photos. Whether you’re shooting portraits, landscapes, or street scenes, learning to harness lens flares opens up new artistic possibilities.

1. What Causes Lens Flare?

Lens flare occurs when non-image-forming light scatters inside your lens, creating visible artifacts. This usually happens:

  • When shooting directly into a light source, like the sun or headlights.

  • With wide-angle lenses, which have a broader field of view.

  • If your lens is uncoated or has multiple elements that increase internal reflection.

2. When to Embrace Flare

Rather than avoiding it, consider flare as an expressive element:

  • Add warmth and glow in backlit portraits, especially during golden hour.

  • Create a sense of dreaminess or nostalgia in lifestyle or travel photography.

  • Introduce movement and spontaneity in dynamic scenes.

Lens flare can help convey mood and enhance storytelling when carefully composed.

3. Tips for Creating Artistic Flares

  • Remove your lens hood to allow more light in.

  • Partially block the light source with a subject (like a tree or face) to create subtle, controlled flare.

  • Tilt or shift your angle slightly – small changes can dramatically alter the flare’s appearance.

  • Use prime lenses or vintage lenses for more organic, unpredictable flare patterns.

4. Post-Processing Enhancements

  • Use editing software to enhance or add artificial lens flares for a cinematic look.

  • Adjust warmth and highlights to intensify the glow naturally created in-camera.

  • Be mindful not to overdo it – subtlety often creates the most striking results.

With practice, lens flare can move from an accident to an intentional and beautiful part of your visual style. Embrace the imperfection – it might just be the creative touch your image needs.

Mastering Black and White Photography: Contrast, Texture, and Tonal Range

Posted by Jörgen Broström

Black and white photography strips an image down to its essentials – light, shadow, texture, and form. Without the distraction of color, every compositional element must work harder to hold the viewer’s attention. To create compelling monochrome images, mastering contrast, texture, and tonal range is key.

1. The Importance of Contrast

In black and white photography, contrast defines visual impact. It refers to the difference between light and dark areas:

  • High contrast images have bold blacks and bright whites, often creating dramatic, graphic results.

  • Low contrast images have a narrower range of tones and feel more subtle or moody.

Experiment with lighting and exposure to find the right level of contrast for your subject and style.

2. Using Texture to Add Depth

Without color, texture becomes a powerful storytelling tool:

  • Look for subjects with strong surfaces – weathered wood, wrinkled skin, rough stone, or flowing fabric.

  • Side lighting is especially effective for revealing texture, as it casts shadows that emphasize surface detail.

Texture adds dimension and invites the viewer to “feel” the image.

3. Mastering Tonal Range

Tonal range refers to the gradation from deep black through midtones to bright white. A well-balanced black and white image uses this range to guide the viewer’s eye:

  • Expose properly to preserve detail in both shadows and highlights.

  • In post-processing, dodge and burn selectively to enhance tonal balance and draw attention to focal points.

  • Use curves or contrast sliders to fine-tune the image without crushing blacks or blowing out highlights.

4. When to Go Monochrome

Not every image works in black and white. Look for:

  • Strong shapes and lines

  • Dramatic lighting

  • Emotive subjects or timeless scenes

Black and white photography challenges you to think differently. By focusing on contrast, texture, and tone, you can craft images that are both classic and deeply expressive.

Balancing Natural and Artificial Light in Mixed Lighting Situations

Posted by Jörgen Broström

Mixed lighting situations – where natural light meets artificial sources – can be tricky to manage, but they also offer creative opportunities. Whether you’re photographing indoors near a window or capturing a nighttime portrait lit by a streetlamp and flash, understanding how to blend these light sources is key to achieving a natural, balanced result.

1. Understand the Color Temperatures

Every light source has a color temperature, measured in Kelvin (K):

  • Daylight: Around 5500K – cool, neutral light.

  • Incandescent bulbs: Around 2800–3200K – warm, yellow/orange tones.

  • Fluorescent lights: Vary widely – often greenish or blue.

Mixing warm and cool lights can cause unwanted color casts unless carefully managed.

2. Set Your White Balance Manually

Auto white balance often struggles in mixed lighting. Instead:

  • Use custom white balance or presets like “Tungsten” or “Daylight” to match your dominant light source.

  • Shoot in RAW format to easily correct color temperature in post-processing.

3. Control the Light Sources

You can influence the balance of light by:

  • Turning off competing lights that clash with your main source.

  • Modifying artificial lights with gels to match the color of natural light.

  • Using curtains or reflectors to control natural light spill.

4. Use Flash Wisely

When adding artificial light to natural settings:

  • Diffuse your flash to make it less harsh and more natural-looking.

  • Adjust flash power to subtly fill shadows instead of overpowering ambient light.

  • Position the flash to mimic the direction of the natural light source.

5. Post-Processing Tips

  • Use white balance sliders to fine-tune color harmony.

  • Mask and adjust different areas of the image separately if needed.

  • Correct unnatural skin tones or shadows introduced by clashing light sources.

Mastering mixed lighting allows you to adapt to complex scenes and still create cohesive, beautiful images. With practice, you’ll learn to use these challenges to your creative advantage.

Using Negative Space for Impactful Compositions

Posted by Jörgen Broström

In photography, what you leave out of the frame can be just as powerful as what you include. Negative space – the empty or unoccupied area around your subject – plays a vital role in composition. When used thoughtfully, it creates balance, draws focus, and amplifies the emotional tone of an image.

1. What Is Negative Space?

Negative space refers to the area around and between the subject(s) of an image. It’s not simply “blank” – it helps define the subject and gives it room to breathe. Skies, walls, open fields, water, and shadows often serve as negative space in photography.

2. Why It Works

Negative space emphasizes your subject by providing contrast and simplicity. It:

  • Draws Attention: With fewer distractions, viewers are naturally pulled toward the main element.

  • Creates Mood: Expansive negative space can evoke feelings of solitude, peace, or even tension.

  • Strengthens Composition: It helps establish a clean, modern aesthetic and can balance out visual weight.

3. Tips for Using Negative Space Effectively

  • Simplify the Scene: Choose backgrounds that are clean and uncluttered. A single color or texture can act as powerful negative space.

  • Play with Placement: Try placing your subject off-center to make the empty space more prominent – breaking the rule of thirds can work here.

  • Use Depth: Negative space isn’t always flat. Soft backgrounds (achieved through shallow depth of field) can create a dreamy, layered look.

  • Highlight Emotion: Pairing a lone subject with lots of space can convey isolation, freedom, or contemplation, depending on your intent.

4. Examples of Negative Space in Action

  • A lone tree against a wide, cloudy sky.

  • A person standing in a large open field, surrounded by soft green.

  • A bird in flight, dwarfed by a vast blue sky.

Negative space invites viewers to pause and breathe within the frame. It’s not empty – it’s intentional. Mastering this subtle tool can elevate your compositions and give your images a powerful, minimalist edge.

Choosing the Best Computer for Photo Editing: Power vs. Budget

Posted by Jörgen Broström

Photo editing demands a computer that can handle large image files, complex adjustments, and color-accurate displays. Whether you’re a professional photographer or a passionate hobbyist, having the right machine can significantly boost your workflow and creative output. In this post, we’ll break down what to look for in a photo editing computer and recommend both a high-end “best” setup and a capable budget-friendly option.

Key Components to Consider

Before diving into specific recommendations, here are the most important specs to focus on:

  • Processor (CPU): A fast, multi-core CPU is essential for smooth editing, especially when using programs like Adobe Lightroom and Photoshop. Look for at least a quad-core processor, ideally an Intel i7/i9 or AMD Ryzen 7/9.

  • RAM: Photo editing applications are memory-hungry. 16GB of RAM is the minimum, but 32GB or more is preferable for professionals working with high-resolution files or batch editing.

  • Storage: SSDs (Solid State Drives) provide fast read/write speeds, crucial for loading large RAW files quickly. Aim for at least a 500GB SSD, with optional secondary storage for archiving.

  • Graphics Card (GPU): While not as critical as for video editing or gaming, a dedicated GPU like an NVIDIA GeForce GTX/RTX or AMD Radeon can help with certain Photoshop features and speed up performance.

  • Display: A high-resolution, color-accurate monitor with 100% sRGB or AdobeRGB coverage and at least IPS technology is vital for precise editing.

Best Option: High-End Photo Editing Setup

If you’re looking for top-tier performance and future-proofing:

Apple Mac Studio (M2 Max or M2 Ultra) or Custom PC Build

  • CPU: Apple M2 Max chip (or AMD Ryzen 9 7950X for PC)

  • RAM: 32GB–64GB

  • Storage: 1TB SSD

  • GPU: Built-in (M2 Max/Ultra) or NVIDIA RTX 4070+

  • Monitor: Eizo ColorEdge or BenQ PhotoVue series for color accuracy

This kind of setup delivers blazing-fast performance, silent operation, and exceptional color precision. Ideal for professionals or serious enthusiasts who want the best tools without compromise.

Budget Option: Powerful on a Tight Budget

You don’t need to break the bank to get started:

Apple Mac Mini (M2 base) or PC with AMD Ryzen 5 / Intel i5

  • CPU: M2 (Apple) or AMD Ryzen 5 5600 / Intel Core i5-12600K

  • RAM: 16GB

  • Storage: 512GB SSD

  • GPU: Integrated (Mac) or NVIDIA GTX 1660 (PC)

  • Monitor: Dell UltraSharp U2723QE (affordable and color-accurate)

This configuration can easily handle RAW editing, layer-based work, and moderate batch processing. It’s a fantastic option for beginners or semi-professionals who prioritize value without sacrificing quality.

Photo Editing Computer Comparison Chart

Component Best Option Budget Option
CPU Apple M2 Max / Ultra OR AMD Ryzen 9 / Intel i9 Apple M2 (base) OR AMD Ryzen 5 / Intel i5
RAM 32GB – 64GB 16GB
Storage 1TB SSD 512GB SSD
GPU Apple Integrated (M2 Max) OR NVIDIA RTX 4070+ Integrated GPU OR NVIDIA GTX 1660
Monitor Eizo ColorEdge / BenQ PhotoVue (100% AdobeRGB) Dell UltraSharp U2723QE (99% sRGB)
Color Accuracy Professional-grade color calibration High accuracy for the price
Best For Professionals working with large files or printing Enthusiasts, hobbyists, and light commercial work
Approx. Price $2,500 – $4,500+ $800 – $1,500

Final Thoughts

The “best” computer depends on your editing volume, software, and budget. A high-end machine offers long-term value and peak performance, but modern mid-range systems are surprisingly capable. Whether you go with Apple or Windows, ensure your setup includes a fast SSD, enough RAM, and a monitor that reflects your edits accurately. Investing in the right hardware helps you spend less time waiting and more time creating.

The Art of Storytelling: Creating Narrative Through Photo Series

Posted by Jörgen Broström

Photography isn’t just about capturing single, beautiful images – it’s also a powerful medium for storytelling. A well-crafted photo series can communicate emotion, document an event, or convey a theme in a way that one image alone may not. By arranging photos with intention and cohesion, you invite viewers on a visual journey.

1. Start with a Clear Theme or Concept

The foundation of any photo series is a strong idea. It doesn’t have to be complex – it could be a day in the life, a cultural tradition, urban decay, or even the color yellow. What matters is that every image in the series serves the central narrative or concept.

2. Plan Your Visual Story Arc

Like writing a short story, a photo series benefits from a beginning, middle, and end:

  • Introduction: Set the scene or introduce the subject.

  • Development: Show progression, interaction, or emotional depth.

  • Conclusion: Leave viewers with a final impression or resolution.

Even abstract series can have a rhythm or flow that guides the viewer through the experience.

3. Focus on Consistency

To keep your series cohesive:

  • Use a Similar Editing Style: Consistent color tones or contrast help tie images together.

  • Stick to a Format: Consider keeping all images horizontal or vertical for visual harmony.

  • Repeat Elements: Look for repeating motifs, textures, or lighting that reinforce your theme.

4. Tell Through Details

Don’t rely solely on wide shots. Mix in close-ups or detail shots that add emotional or contextual layers. Sometimes a worn hand, a faded sign, or a cracked window can say more than a full scene.

5. Present With Purpose

Curate your final images thoughtfully – too many can dilute the impact. Sequence matters: how one photo leads into the next shapes how the story is felt.

When done right, a photo series becomes more than just a collection – it becomes a compelling narrative. Experiment with themes and build your own visual stories, one frame at a time.

Creative Photography Prompts to Break Through a Creative Rut

Posted by Jörgen Broström

Every photographer hits a creative wall now and then. When inspiration runs dry, a simple prompt can rekindle your vision and push your work in fresh directions. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned pro, these prompts are designed to help you see the world through new eyes and reignite your passion for photography.

1. Shoot a Single Color

Pick one color—red, blue, yellow, anything—and photograph it everywhere you see it throughout your day. This exercise sharpens your eye and helps you become more aware of subtle visual patterns.

2. Self-Portrait Without Showing Your Face

Challenge yourself to tell your story without a traditional selfie. Use shadows, hands, reflections, or personal objects to capture your identity in more abstract, thoughtful ways.

3. One Subject, 10 Perspectives

Choose one object or scene and shoot it from 10 completely different angles or distances. Move above, below, close, and far. You’ll be amazed how much variety exists in a single subject.

4. Stranger Storytelling

With permission, photograph a stranger and write a short story or caption based on your impression of them. It’s a powerful way to practice environmental portraiture and human connection.

5. Light & Shadow Hunt

Spend a day focusing purely on capturing interesting light and shadow interactions. Look for patterns through windows, on walls, or between objects. This builds awareness of contrast and composition.

6. No-Edit Challenge

Take 10 photos and share them straight out of the camera—no cropping, no color adjustments. This pushes you to get it right in-camera and think more deliberately about each shot.

7. Photograph an Emotion

Try to visually express feelings like joy, loneliness, chaos, or peace through colors, framing, and subject matter. Abstract approaches are encouraged!

Creative blocks are normal—but with intentional challenges, you can turn them into breakthroughs. Try one or two of these prompts this week and see where your creativity takes you.