I would like to hear your opinions on "shadows" created by lighting. I understand that there is no right answer, as light is expressed differently depending on the individual's way of thinking. Please bear with me on this point.

"Please let me know your thoughts on the 'shadow on the box' in the attached photo."

- I think that having only one shadow is more "natural" if possible.

Attached photo on the left.

Do you feel uncomfortable with two shadows, as in the attached photo on the right? Or is it acceptable to think that "the expression of the subject is important and it doesn't matter"?

In my mind, I want to "create photos that look natural."

However, I would like to know for reference whether "multiple shadows are acceptable" in some cases.

Thank you in advance.

Yu Hi Yes you have answered your own question one shadow is more natural - Two very soft shadows is glamour lighting in portraits maybe. It all depents on the subject - In still life you can work with one shadow and a reflector to soften the darkness of the shadow and so on it's all about light control..

Thank you for your comment. I'm grateful for your comment that "it depends on what you're shooting." I wanted to know for reference what other people think about shadows in studio lighting.

I wanted to develop my own preferences, so in the end I used three key lights to create a "soft, yet generally natural light." I was shooting "people." I wanted to research how to achieve soft light and a natural look (shadow). Thank you.

 

Hello, Yu

Welcome to our forum. I agree with my friend.  The direction and intensity  of light shapes the shadows and affects the way we interpret the image. Shadow are a crucial part of our images. There is no right or wrong unless we meww with the direction of the light falling on the subject and edit a unnatural shadow into the image. The single shadow has a stronger impression than the softer shadows on the right. I believe this results in different interpretations of the same subject or the topic. Experimenting with light and shadows teaches us a lot. I wish you good light...

Thank you for your comment. I am generally interested in what is correct, but I think the quality of light is an important element in creating a story. I think lighting is what expands the individuality of what you want to express. I would like to continue taking photos while having fun thinking about "how did I express myself, what story did I want to express?" Thank you.

Hello, again 

Great to hear that. If you want to assist your learning with some classes or books about light and using it I would suggest looking into the courses and books by Roberto Valenzuela and Tony Corbell. Best regards...