Lens-Artists Challenge #387 | Shadows

John introduces this weeks theme, Shadows. He provides some great examples within his post. “Shadows evoke mystery, wonder, nostalgia, and even a touch of fright. This week, consider how shadows shape your photos. Look for the places where light steps back. You can take a literal approach and photograph an actual shadow, or lean into contrast and mood—shapes, silhouettes, or scenes where darkness adds depth and character to your subject. You can keep your image in color or shift to black‑and‑white—each choice shapes how the shadows influence the mood.”

This challenge pulled up memories from years ago, specifically some of my most memorable images of my pets.

Our fur baby Paisley, she truly was my baby during a very challenging time in my life. She was a favourite subject of mine as I great through photography. This image came to mind, from back in 2010, the sunlight from the window shining through onto her with the shadows in behind.

Laying in the shadows of his new back yard.
This beautiful old man was my first dog, Elwood, we always had a family dog, and when I was 18 I felt pulled to this boy. This photo is my 2nd favourite photo of him, its also one of the last. This was the day after we moved to our current home, back in 2011. Two days later, our sweet old man crossed the rainbow bridge. We knew his health wasn’t the greatest, but he was still doing ok. I strongly feel that he needed to ensure his family would be ok, and when he knew we were, it was his time. I am truly grateful he moved here with us, his chain collar still rings in the wind in our back yard. His passing led us to our Becker.

This image below, was an impromptu shot. Much like many of mine are, taken in the moment. I saw our senior boy Becker laying out on the front porch and even when I opened the door he was quite content on a warm winter morning February 2024. I love the various textures within this image and the sun and shadows. The sun is shining so brightly, yet filtered through the trees where he is laying in the shadows.

Our current dark yellow lab, Gunner processed as a monochrome which pulls out all his tones in his coat.

I am enjoying the memories of our pets, our current kitty Missy, came into our life after our Paisley crossed the rainbow bridge. The irony honestly, my mom suggested we check out the local cat rescue. This sweet little kitten came across the screen, her name, Missy. A beautiful calico kitten. Here’s the irony… when I grew up, a little bit younger than my daughters age, I had a cat named Misty, a calico cat, with more muted colours than our Missy. I knew in my heart, Missy was meant for us. Being a rescue, we are unsure of her life before us, she is the sweetest girl, however…

This, in the shadows is where we normally find her. There is a fear deep within that she lives with.

Last summer we decided to get our Missy a friend, to help pull her out of the shadows. It was the best decision, she still lives downstairs 98% of the time, however she has her Wookie now as a companion.

I love this recent image below, looking over the stairs, they are also so curious of each other, however more comfort in the shadows of living for some – the cats.

The beautiful markings of our kitten, when we got her last summer. The shadows of her markings and snuggled up in the blanket. They are all so unique.

Since Ive shared our furry animals, I will also share our 30 year old parrot, Buckwheat. Another unique soul with beautiful markings. The shadows of her feathers in contrast to some new ones coming in.

I love the colours and shadows within our animal’s markings, they are so unique!

For my non-family pets photography, I am loving this shot from 2022, I love the moody feeling in the shadows of the ice on the trees.

A snowmobile trail from 2023. I love love love riding through the bush in and out of the shadows of the tree canopy. Its so beautifully peaceful.

The shadows of a Canadian winter Sunset

And flip side, the shadows of a beautiful winter sunrise from back in January 2022.

I am going to end the post with one of my favourite places that brings me so much peace, the point at our family cottage where the rocks give the illusion of shadows over them some from varying water level marks.

I hope you enjoyed my personal twist on Shadows with my animals and some of my favourite views. If you are curious about joining in on the Lens-Artists Challenge I welcome you to check out more info HERE!

The next theme will be announced Saturday at noon EST by one of the Lens-Artists members!