Highlights and Shadows Highlights and shadows are the two primary components of contrast in an image, representing the brightest and darkest areas, respectively. Highlights are the areas where light is reflected or emitted at its highest intensity, while shadows are the areas where light is blocked or absorbed, resulting in reduced illumination. The interplay between highlights and shadows creates depth, dimension, and visual interest in an image, defining the shape, form, and texture of objects. Properly balancing highlights and shadows is essential for achieving a well-exposed and visually appealing image with a full range of tonal values. |