Scattering and Shadows at Sunset


On a clear day shadows tend to have a blue cast because they are being lit by scattered light from a blue sky. This isn't always obvious unless you have a white background, the contrast can be even greater toward sunset when the direct light is reddened.

The snow on the hills and a nearby drift reflects a warm glow from the low sun.

Shadows cast on the snow are distinctly blue compared the the snow in sunlight.

The next evening a patch of cloud gave a colourful sunset, but it wasn't enough to dominate the scene.

The foreground was mostly lit by the sky overhead and is obviously blue by comparison.


Canon EOS 20D   8th and 9th January 2010
Wiltshire, England

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