other word for the shadow a flash gives behind a photographed subject

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Els - 09 Apr 2004 22:17 GMT

I'm looking for the correct term for the shadow in pictures,
which only appears if the flash is directly aimed at the
subject. Usually seems to be on the wall behind the subject.
Can anyone help me with this?

FWIW, the Dutch word is 'slagschaduw'.

TIA

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Els

Sonhos vem. Sonhos vão. O resto é imperfeito.
- Renato Russo -

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FF - 10 Apr 2004 17:03 GMT

>I'm looking for the correct term for the shadow in pictures,
>which only appears if the flash is directly aimed at the
[quoted text clipped - 4 lines]
>
>TIA

Hi Els,

It seems the technical term is back-shadow (see
http://www.danheller.com/tech-fillflash.html#2.1.2
for a picture and explanation).

In a non-technical context though, we'd just say "shadow", I think.

LizR

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Els - 10 Apr 2004 17:13 GMT

>>I'm looking for the correct term for the shadow in pictures,
>>which only appears if the flash is directly aimed at the
[quoted text clipped - 8 lines]
>
> In a non-technical context though, we'd just say "shadow", I think.

After posting here, I thought of asking in alt.photography,
and they came up with umbra, penumbra, phantom shadow and
more, and further googling with the word penumbra gave me
the term cast shadow. I'm not 100% sure it is exactly what I
meant though, but my friend (I was translating a jury report
for her) said to go with it, so cast shadow it is.
(unless someone here would tell me it is definitely wrong of
course ;-) )
But the picture you mentioned does indeed describe exactly
the type of shadow I meant, and back-shadow also sounds
accurate.
Just got too many correct answers to my question ;-)

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Els

Sonhos vem. Sonhos vão. O resto é imperfeito.
- Renato Russo -

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FF - 10 Apr 2004 18:47 GMT

>>>I'm looking for the correct term for the shadow in pictures,
>>>which only appears if the flash is directly aimed at the
[quoted text clipped - 21 lines]
>accurate.
>Just got too many correct answers to my question ;-)

Glad to be of help:-)

To cast is the general verb that goes with "shadow". e.g. "The monster cast a big
shadow on the bedroom wall" <cue spooky music>:-)

groetjes,

Liz

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Discussion Groups / British English / April 2004

other word for the shadow a flash gives behind a photographed subject