In photography we observe the effect of relationships between a light source, an object, and the resulting shadow. The more intense a light source is, the stronger the shadow cast will be. The further away the light source is from an object, the harder the edges, the more well-defined a shadow becomes. Moving the light source closer helps to soften some of the edges. Also, the more directly a light source hits an object, the stronger the shadow formed will be. Indirect light helps to soften and diffuse any shadow edges.
In nature, very intense light sources help to create energy, to help sustain life... yet at the same time, a very intense light source can burn, damage, and even destroy an object through overexposure.
It seems our psyches might work with the same principles seen in nature and photography... Our thoughts, our emotions, our bodies, our instinctual natures... We shield these in many ways resulting in different kinds of shadows. That which is hidden gains a kind of seductive strength in the dark, with the shadow always attached to the object.
Our own vantage points, where we cast our own light onto objects, also creates shadows largely hidden from our own sight. Where we focus our gaze can also affect the clarity of our vision and awareness. Staring directly into the sun can result in blindness... Yet trying to see in areas without light, we as humans cannot see at all. It's the interplay of highlights, midtones, and shadows that allows us to see shapes and forms.
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