Light illuminates, shadows define. The light illuminates, but is the shadow that defines objects and gives them body.  

Taking advantage of the contrasts and catch them with the camera is an exercise that requires a little attention, the difference in brightness is a challenge for sensors and films, forcing the photographer to decide what to sacrifice.  

Keep the details in the dark areas, or mantain rich light areas with almost completely black and no visible details? One of the oldest dilemmas for those who are behind a camera. 

The contrasts are everywhere, always ready to challenge you with their emotional and symbolic meaning.

Last weekend I had the opportunity to see live, after ten years, the National Aerobatic Team "Frecce Tricolori" (PAN) and numerous performances of military and historic aircrafts, directly above the sky of my hometown.

In this exciting sunday, the dark and threatening sky has become so far an enormous canvas for pilots and their amazing maneuvers. 

The National Aerobatic Team, with ten aircraft, including nine pilots and one solo, are the most numerous aerobatic team in the world; they are best-known for their spectacular flying skills and their flight schedule, lasting about half an hour, has made them one of the most famous team on earth.

After the advent of digital, despite the enormous possibilities offered by the online sharing, too many shots remain unexpressed and stay into the hard disk as a sort of a limbo.

Digital photos often have a problem that is common to many photographers: they never go outside, turning into something tangible and accessible for all and tend to accumulate without being seen by anyone besides the photographer himself.

However it's really nice printing your photos, gives satisfaction and allows others to see them and touch them. You can decide to make your own photobook or try with some cheap printers on the go.
Have you never tried to make your own photobook?

"The Hammering Man" - Frankfurt, Germany

On the pavement leading to the Frankfurt fairgrounds stands "The Hammering Man", a large kinetic sculpture created by Jonathan Borofsky.

The black sculpture, erected here in 1991, seems to be hammering at constant pace and symbolizes the working man.

Jonathan Borofsky (1942) is an american sculptor and most of his famous works, at least among the general public, are his Hammering Men sculptures.
These sculptures have been installed in several cities around the world such as Seattle, New York and Seoul.
Enjoy the new photo of the month on my website!