SHAPING SHADOWS
Photography week|August 27, 2020
Mike Harris shows you how to use artificial lighting and a ring to cast a heart-shaped shadow on the pages of an open book
Mike Harris
SHAPING SHADOWS

If you’ve ever dismissed working with artificial light because you don’t have the space or the funds to invest in expensive lighting equipment, here’s a neat little project that anybody can do at home – all you need is a ring, a torch, a tripod and a book.

This tried-and-tested method combines the circular shadow cast by a ring and the folds of an old book to create an impression of a heart. It’s a popular image that’s sure to do well on Instagram of Facebook, or wow family and friends as the basis for homemade greeting cards. We’d recommend using a hardback book, because the pages are more likely to remain open under their own weight when splayed out.

If you want to go the extra mile, consider what you use carefully, as relevant text will add an additional layer of meaning to your shot. Hopeless romantics may opt for a dictionary opened at the definition of love, while fantasy fans could pair their ring with J. R. R. Tolkien’s Middle-earth epic – we opted for an old leather-bound tome on photography. You then need to position your ring in the fold between the pages of your chosen text, and position your light source behind the subject to cast the heart shape. You can alter the shadow’s form by moving the light closer to shorten it, or further away to elongate it as you please.

1 OPEN BOOK

This story is from the August 27, 2020 edition of Photography week.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the August 27, 2020 edition of Photography week.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM PHOTOGRAPHY WEEKView All
CALIBRATE YOUR COLOURS
Photography week

CALIBRATE YOUR COLOURS

James Paterson reveals how he captures stunningly colourful sunsets by using this secret weapon

time-read
1 min  |
September 26, 2024
ABSTRACT PORTRAITS
Photography week

ABSTRACT PORTRAITS

Mike Harris shows you how to use slow shutter speeds and multiple exposures to capture a series of motion-blur portraits

time-read
3 mins  |
September 26, 2024
BREATHTAKNG IMAGES FROM ABOVE AND BELOW THE WAVES
Photography week

BREATHTAKNG IMAGES FROM ABOVE AND BELOW THE WAVES

A final hit of inspiraton: Ocean Photographer of the Year reveals stunning winning photos

time-read
1 min  |
September 26, 2024
THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AUTUMN
Photography week

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO AUTUMN

James Abbott reveals the secrets to capturing amazing images during the most eye-catching season of the year

time-read
2 mins  |
September 26, 2024
CANON UNVEILS NEW PORTABLE, FULLY-WIRELESS PHOTO PRINTER
Photography week

CANON UNVEILS NEW PORTABLE, FULLY-WIRELESS PHOTO PRINTER

The Selphy QX20 is ideal for quickly printing your smartphone snaps on the go

time-read
1 min  |
September 26, 2024
FUJINON GF120MM F4 MACRO R LM OIS WR
Photography week

FUJINON GF120MM F4 MACRO R LM OIS WR

This powerful medium-format lens is ideally suited to extreme close-ups

time-read
4 mins  |
September 12, 2024
HOW TO...CLEAN UP A SCENE WITH AI
Photography week

HOW TO...CLEAN UP A SCENE WITH AI

James Paterson shows you how the AI-powered Remove Tool can revolutionise your retouching

time-read
1 min  |
September 12, 2024
SHOOT AN '80S PORTRAIT
Photography week

SHOOT AN '80S PORTRAIT

Jason Parnell-Brookes recreates the neon look of the 1980s using torches and hollow acrylic rods

time-read
4 mins  |
September 12, 2024
THE BEST MONOCHROME IMAGE OF 2024 IS A REAL CRACKER
Photography week

THE BEST MONOCHROME IMAGE OF 2024 IS A REAL CRACKER

Black and White Photo Awards announces stunning selection of winning images

time-read
1 min  |
September 12, 2024
88 TIPS FOR GREAT BABY PHOTOS
Photography week

88 TIPS FOR GREAT BABY PHOTOS

From lighting to posing and pacifying, here's how you get the perfect shot

time-read
10+ mins  |
September 12, 2024