N we compare a picture of a snow scene with almost any summer Picture, we observe a marked difference in the shadows. In the sum-wer picture, shadows tend to be strong and black. In the winter picture, shadows possess beautiful clearness and transparency, and the effect tends to be quite pleasing.
The reason for this difference is that snow on the ground is a fine reflector, which casts light into all shadow areas, and brightens them. In summer, green grass does not have this same reflecting power, and therefore, shadows are darker.
Even in summer, however we can brighten the shadows of a subject if we use some sort of improvised reflector. A book or newspaper held in a person's lap will often serve as such a reflector, helping illuminate ihe face and soften shadows there. if a subject is placed near a wall of a white house, and stands so that the wall reflects light to the shadow side of his face, a more pleasing picture may be obtained. The baby's blanket on the lawn is an excellent reflector, vhich softens shadows in the child's face and clothing.
Soft, transparent shadows are generally desirable in an informal portrait, especially if we want a truthful likeness of our subject. Open shada—as on the shady side of a housa—often provides a suitable lighting. The subject in open shade is illuminated by light reflected from the sky, instead of direct sunlight. Naturally, since this light is weaker, exposure should be increased to about twice normal A very short "time" or "bulb" exposure may be necessary with a box camera or inexpensive folding camera Form the' habit of observing shadows when you take a picture. Be on guard against abroad hat brims that shade features too much, and beware of lighting that is too harsh or "contrasty" for good effect. Usually a simple reflecting device will solve such problems, and help you get a better picture.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.