• Refraction：Utilizing a glass object to bend and distort the light passing through it
• Shallow Depth of Field: Using a wide aperture to keep the foreground in sharp focus while blurring the background
• Composition: Placing the glass vase prominently in the frame
• lighting
• contrast: creating a contrast between the clear, sharp edges of the glass and the blurred
• Creative use of props: using everyday objects (glass vase) in a creative way

• Refraction
• Selective focus: the camera focuses sharply on the glass vase，making the person in the background to appear blurred
• Depth of field:
• Composition
• Lighting
• perspective

• Refraction
• Selective focus
• Depth of field
• Composition
• Lighting
• Perspective
• 
• Diffusion: the presence of water droplets on the surface through which the photo was taken created a diffusion effect
• Broken effect
• Soft focus
• Texture contrast
• lighting
• Composition

• Refraction
• Selective focus
• perspective
• lighting
• Simplicity of background
• close-up shot
• creative composition

• Refraction

• Lighting
• Color Contrast
• Symmetry and Balance
• Minimalism
• Reflection

• Reflection

Statement of intent: 

The title of this project is “Lens Journey: Capturing the Beauty of the World.” For this unit “Choice,” I chose to explore the theme of “Journey” through photography, documenting the beauty of nature and urban landscapes: flowers, buildings, and trees, thereby expressing my personal growth and evolving perspective as a photographer. Through these images, I want to convey a sense of wonder and appreciation for the world around me, inviting viewers to see the extraordinary within the ordinary. My goal is to reflect both my artistic journey and the often overlooked beauty of tranquility around us. I will convey this through the following methods: composition, using techniques such as the rule of thirds, guiding lines, and composition to direct the audience’s gaze, creating a sense of movement that reflects the concept of the journey. Illumination: Experiment with natural light to create a warm and gentle atmosphere in floral photos, and use shadows in architectural photography to enhance depth and ambiance. Depth of field: Utilize shallow depth of field to isolate flowers and create a dreamlike blur effect, while using deeper focal lengths to capture clear and detailed photos of buildings and trees. Perspective: Provide fresh, immersive perspectives by playing with unusual angles (such as low-angle shots of trees or abstract close-ups of petals). Colors and Contrast: Enhance vibrant colors in floral photography and monochromatic or soft tones in cityscapes to evoke different emotional responses.
I will refine my work by studying photographers like Robert Maplethorpe, Bernd, Sheila Beecher, and Ansel Adams. Moreover, I will also explore how painters like Georgia O’Keeffe and Claude Monet capture organic beauty and apply their techniques to my photography. This series will demonstrate how my technical skills and creative choices—composition, light, and focus—shaped my journey as an artist. By blending details, atmosphere, and emotion, I hope to inspire others to pause, observe, and discover beauty on their own path.

Mind map: 

Mood board:

Photographer：Lee Friedlander

Lee Friedland is an American photographer who primarily captures asymmetric black-and-white images of America’s “social landscape.” Friedland’s photographs become a personal feature due to their dense and complex composition. He frequently uses reflections, shadows, and obstacles such as fences or window frames to create a sense of depth in his visuals. Photographers sometimes record reflections from water, mirror glass, windows, and metal surfaces to create distorted images or compositions. Lee Friedland captured images reflected in the rearview mirrors of cars and stores.

This photo showcases his unique application of reflection and multi-image stacking. This image explores the interactions between city life, individuals, and the environment, as well as the relationships between the self and others in photography. Through the reflection of the windows, Friedlander skillfully blends street scenes with indoor characters and himself, creating a complex visual narrative. This work is closely related to the theme of reflection, as reflection not only presents a dual image physically but also conceptually prompts reflection on identity and the boundaries between observers and subjects. This approach makes viewers realize that they are both viewers and objects being watched, thereby prompting profound reflection on their own cognition and others’ perceptions. In terms of cultural background, Lee Friedlander was one of the important figures in 20th-century American photography, with his works heavily influenced by street photography and documentary photography. His place in photography history is inextricably linked to his keen capture of everyday life and unique perspective on urban landscapes. His works often explore feelings of loneliness and alienation in modern urban life, which are closely related to the rapid changes in society and individual roles within it. From a biographical perspective, Friedlander is renowned for his unique viewpoint and innovative use of photographic language. His use of reflection and shadows became one of his hallmark styles, with these techniques fully embodied in this photograph. Psychologically, this image may evoke a sense of the blurred boundary between reality and illusion, the inner and outer worlds. Mind theory is particularly important here because it helps us understand the psychological activities of characters in images and their relationships with their surroundings.

Evaluation of my red images：

This photo effectively showcases my skills in capturing reflections and utilizing film technology. The glass door functions like a mirror, reflecting the vibrant red circular lights within the space, creating an engaging visual effect that captures the audience’s attention. The reflection of the street scenes outside, including colorful posters and urban settings, adds depth and context to the image, showcasing my ability to seamlessly blend internal and external elements. The chosen framework highlights the contrast between bright interior lighting and darker exterior lighting, enhancing the overall composition. It conveys a sense of curiosity and exploration, inviting viewers to imagine stepping into this unique space. The interaction between light and shadow, along with reflected surfaces.

Photographer： vivian maier

Vivian Maier (1926–2009) was an American photographer. Maier’s style is observant and mysterious in black and white, capturing moments from city life and strangers’ emotions through self-portraits and reflections. Reflection is one of Maier’s hallmark techniques, adding depth, mystery, and self-awareness to her images. Maier rarely appears directly in her own photos, but she often hides in her reflection, blending herself into them through store windows, rearview mirrors, and car side mirrors. She toyed with the glass, mirrors, and overlapping reflections, creating dreamlike images that sometimes left her disoriented. She captured both indoor and outdoor street life through storefront photography, creating a narrative contrast. She combined reflections with strong shadows, adding drama and geometry to her work.

This image depicts a photographer taking a selfie in a mirror, not only showcasing her passion for street photography but also cleverly incorporating reflection to create unique visual effects. This technique is common in her works, showcasing her ability to capture unusual moments in everyday life. Vivian Mayer is renowned for her street photography and excels at capturing the details and characters of city life. In this photo, she uses mirror reflections to capture herself and her surroundings, immersing the audience in a multi-layered perspective that not only showcases the photographer themselves but also reveals everyday life on the streets. This dual perspective aligns with the description of “the outsider behind the lens.” From a cultural perspective, Vivian Mayer’s works typically focus on urban landscapes and social changes in the mid-20th century. Although the exact time and location of this photo are unknown, its style and theme are similar to those of her works taken in Chicago and other locations in the United States. Her photography practice was closely tied to the social realities of the time, documenting the风。 and people’s living conditions of that era. Psychologically, this photo evokes a sense of curiosity and exploration. Viewers might ponder the photographer’s identity, her story, and why she chose this shooting method. It suggests a lonely and focused emotional state. This photo employs various techniques, including reflective photography: the photographer skillfully incorporates themselves and their surroundings into the frame using mirrors or other reflective surfaces. Using self-portraits, include the photographer themselves as one of the subjects. Choose a low angle or a special perspective for shooting, which may allow you to capture unique images by adjusting the mirror’s angle. Make full use of natural light or ambient light to ensure that reflected images are clearly visible. And use black and white colors to make the photo appear more mysterious.

Evaluation of 1 of my “red” images：

My photograph captures a cake sculpture that reflects its own shadow in the glass, similar to the techniques used by the photographer I studied. I used reflection technology to enhance the visual impact of the image. By capturing the sculpture within a glass fence, there is an engaging interaction between the subject and its reflection. Using natural light from the windows behind the sculptures is particularly effective because it not only illuminates the sculptures but also casts subtle highlights and shadows on the reflective surfaces. This highlights the sculpture’s three-dimensional form and adds a sense of motion to static objects. The reflection of trees and sky in the glass further enriches the composition, blurring the boundaries between internal and external spaces. I placed the sculpture in the middle, with my reflection reflected on the glass, and the trees behind added another layer of interest to the photo.

Final evaluation：

Throughout the entire section on reflective photography, I explored how mirrors, windows, water, and other reflective surfaces alter images, adding depth, symbolism, and creative composition. My work was inspired by photographers like Vivian Mayer and Lee Friedlander, who mastered the art of blending reality with illusion through reflection. I successfully used reflective technology to create layered and dynamic images, such as those captured through windows, blending indoor and outdoor scenes seamlessly. One of my best photos captures trees reflected in the architecture. In the use of strong light and shadow, I captured the shadows reflected by the trees, as well as the elements reflected through the glass, creating a sense of dreams and technology. I used various filters and colors in my photos to make ordinary light even more dreamlike and transcend real-life sensations. Sometimes, I try to add too many elements to the reflection, making the image feel cluttered, and should focus more on a single point. Several photos were exposed unevenly, either with too bright reflections or too dark backgrounds. Shot in a limited range, most of my reflection photos are city-style (window, mirror). I missed trying water, metal, and so on; next time, I’ll explore nature (lakes, rain) or abstract materials (sunglasses, spoons). This unit helps me view the world from a different perspective, and I now notice reflections everywhere, prompting more critical thinking about the composition.

Final photos：

Photographer：bernd & hilla becher

Bernard (1931–2007) and Sheila Beecher (1934-2015) were a German artist duo whose documentation of architectural structures revolutionized photography and conceptual art. The Bechers photographed water towers, blast furnaces, gas cylinders, and cooling towers in Europe and America. Shot only on cloudy days to eliminate shadows and emotional biases. Using a forward-aligned, centered structure with a uniform composition, long lenses are commonly employed to correct perspective distortion. It is crucial that their “emotionless” style challenges traditional art photography by blending minimalism with conceptual art.

This photo is by Bernd and Hilla Becher, who are known for photographing industrial buildings and infrastructure. This image depicts a large grain elevator or a similar industrial structure, which is a common theme in their works. Becher focuses on documenting these functional buildings, emphasizing their geometric shapes, symmetry, and repeatability, thereby revealing the aesthetics of industrial design. Related to the “journey” theme, Becher’s photography can be seen as a journey of exploration and documentation, traveling across Europe to find and capture these overlooked industrial buildings. From a cultural perspective, Becher’s works are closely tied to the photography history of the latter half of the 20th century, particularly under the influence of the neo-objectivism movement. They use large-format cameras for precise and calm shooting, a style that emphasizes detail and clarity while avoiding emotional expression. Positive Perspective: Shot from a forward, flat perspective to present the building with a symmetrical and stable structure, emphasizing its geometric shape and design features. Simple composition: The image is concise, removing unnecessary elements to highlight the main building, allowing viewers to focus on its form and details. Using natural light for photography avoids color deviations and interference from artificial lighting, resulting in a building with genuine texture and color. Choose to shoot during evenly illuminated time periods to reduce shadows and highlight the building’s details and textures. Using black and white photography removes color interference, emphasizing the contrast between the building’s lines, shapes, and light and shadow to enhance the formal sense and artistic expression of the image. Psychologically, this image may prompt viewers to reflect on the industrial era and its legacy. It might evoke a sense of nostalgia and also prompt reflection on the direction of modern industrial society. The buildings in the image appear sturdy and enduring, but they also carry a sense of abandonment and forgetting, which may hint at the passage and change of time.

Evaluation of my “red” images：

In this image, I use the vertical lines of high-rise buildings to guide the audience’s gaze upward, creating a sense of direction and progress. This aligns with the metaphor of a journey toward a goal or the unknown. Low-angle shots emphasize the scale and grandeur of the building. I used black and white filters to add a sense of mystery. Shooting life and natural elements embodies the theme of the journey, and the black-and-white architecture complements the photographer style I have chosen.
My skillful use of guide lines, perspectives, and contrast captures the essence of the journey. The interaction between cities and natural elements, combined with eternal black and white beauty.

My photographs capture the journey, seamlessly blending nature with urban elements. Using depth in the composition, arched green plants encircle the path leading to the building, creating a sense of movement and exploration. Gentle lighting enhances the tranquil atmosphere, suggesting a peaceful transition in the space. Adding vibrant green elements to the structured backdrop of architecture symbolizes the interaction between nature and artificial environments, a common theme in life’s journey. This image effectively conveys a narrative of moving forward, discovering new perspectives, and appreciating the beautiful scenery along the way, perfectly aligning with the idea of documenting every moment of life.

Photographer： Michael Kenna

Michael Kenner (born in 1953) is an English-American photographer renowned for his minimalist black-and-white landscape paintings, which evoke a deep sense of tranquility and eternity. Main photography focuses on nature, such as large trees, and employs unique techniques to capture mysterious sensations in natural landscapes. Such works as “Trees in Hokkaido” and “Japanese Form” capture the serene elegance of nature. His works, such as Hokkaido’s annual snow tree record, highlight subtle color changes and explore themes of rapid change and resilience. Focus: illusory scenery, hazy trees, minimalist composition. His black and white photos often evoke memories of journeys, with solitary trees symbolizing resilience and the passage of time. Long exposure at dawn/dusk creates a dreamlike atmosphere. Square frame, achieving a balanced and poetic composition. Emphasize negative space, making trees and flowers feel like solitary travelers in a vast landscape.

In this photo, the photographer used black and white photography: by removing color interference, enhancing contrast and texture details. The silhouettes of the trees form a stark contrast with the water’s reflection, highlighting the timelessness and tranquility of the natural landscape. In terms of composition design, a tripartite approach is used: the trees are located on the left side of the frame, guiding the line of sight to extend to the right to enhance spatial flow. Symmetry and balance, the mirror relationship between water reflections and reality, create a harmonious visual equilibrium. Uniform light distribution avoids excessive brightness and darkness, maintaining the overall integrity of the image. Trees symbolize life and growth, while extended branches symbolize the challenges and explorations of life’s journey. Deep Dive Composition: The foreground trees, mid-scene water surfaces, and distant mountain ranges collectively create an expansive space, symbolizing the unknown and possibilities of the journey. Empty scenes convey an individual’s independence and solitude during the journey. Michael Kenna transforms tree and water reflections into visual metaphors of the “journey” through black-and-white photography, meticulous composition, and the use of natural light. The static natural elements (trees, mountains) in the scene create tension with dynamic light and shadow reflections (water surfaces), showcasing both the stability and challenges of the journey and conveying philosophical insights into life’s journey.

Evaluation of my red image:

My photograph showcases a unique composition and lighting effects that resemble those of photographer Michael Kenna. First, the curved forms of trees and the combination of rocks in the scene create a natural harmony, echoing Kenna’s skill in capturing the delicate emotions within natural landscapes. Next, the application of black and white tones enhances the artistic and temporal sensibility of the photos, making viewers feel as if they are immersed in a tranquil and profound world. This approach is also a common technique in Kenna’s works. On the theme of “journey,” this photo symbolizes the process of exploration and progress through the extension of the trunk and the unfolding of branches. Additionally, the calmness of the water and grass conveys a sense of inner peace and contemplation. Record every piece of land I pass through on my journey. The original color was colored, but I used a filter to change it to black and white, and centered the trees for photography.

In this photo, I changed the color of the trees from filter to red, creating a surreal atmosphere through the red tones of the trees and rocks. In photography, I employed color contrast and composition, particularly creating a striking contrast between the stones in the foreground and the blue sky in the background. This is similar to the work of photographer Michael Kenna, who excels at expressing emotions and mood through concise compositions and strong lighting effects. Kenna’s works often convey a sense of tranquility and loneliness through natural landscapes, and mine embodies a similar journey that guides viewers into an inner world through natural elements. Red trees symbolize life and passion, while rocks represent durability and eternity.

Final evaluation:

My project is a series of photographs exploring the theme of “journey.” At the beginning of the unit, I primarily focused on the technical aspects of photography, such as exposure and composition. However, as I delved deeper into the concept of “journey,” I began to view photography as a means to express personal experiences and emotions. I began experimenting with various techniques, such as long exposure and black-and-white photography, to convey a sense of eternity and introspection. Michael Kenner’s photography had one of the greatest impacts on my work in this unit. His minimalist landscape paintings and use of light and shadow inspired me to seek beauty in simplicity and explore how to capture natural environments. I chose to shoot in black and white to emphasize the contrast between light and shadow. By using long exposure times, I was able to capture the movement of water and clouds, creating a sense of movement and fluidity in the landscape. I carefully examined the composition, using guide lines, natural frames, and the rule of thirds to steer the viewer’s gaze through the image, thereby creating depth and perspective. Many of my images depict the natural landscapes and environments I encountered during my travels. These images serve as a visual record of the places I have visited and the experiences I have had, capturing the beauty and diversity of the natural world.

Final photo:

Statement of intent：

The title of this project is “Reflections in Architecture.” The concept and story I want to tell with my photographs is through the exploration of how reflections in buildings and urban landscapes distort, enhance, or juxtapose reality, creating a narrative about the relationship between the physical world and its mirrored illusions. I want the audience to feel a sense of intrigue and contemplation, encouraging them to question the nature of what they see and the layers of meaning that can be hidden within everyday environments. By capturing the interplay of light, space, and form in reflective surfaces, I aim to evoke a sense of wonder and curiosity about the duality of perception.**I will get inspiration and develop my ideas by looking for the photographers that specialize in architectural and urban photography, particularly those who have explored the theme of reflections extensively. Studying their use of composition, lighting, and perspective will help me understand how to effectively convey the intended message and emotional impact in my own work. And I will get inspiration and develop my ideas by looking for contemporary art that explores themes of reflection, duality, and illusion. This could include paintings, sculptures, and installations that play with the concept of mirrors or reflective surfaces. By analyzing how different artists across various mediums approach these themes, I can draw parallels and incorporate innovative techniques into my photography, adding depth and richness to my project. Additionally, I will explore urban environments with unique architectural features, such as glass skyscrapers, reflective facades, and water bodies, to identify potential locations that offer compelling visual opportunities for capturing reflections. Observing these spaces at different times of the day and in various weather conditions will allow me to understand how light interacts with the built environment and inform my choice of settings and shooting times. Furthermore, I will conduct research on the psychological and philosophical aspects of reflection to deepen the conceptual foundation of my project. Understanding the symbolism and cultural significance of reflections can provide valuable insights into how to craft a narrative that resonates with viewers on a profound level. By combining technical skill, artistic inspiration, and intellectual exploration, I aim to create a series of photographs that not only showcase the beauty of reflections in architecture but also provoke thought and engage the audience on a deeper, more meaningful level.

Mind map：

Moorboard：

Balance:

Edit:

In my photo, I have achieved balance by placing the main subject, the Hello Kitty figurine, in the center of the green bottle. This central positioning creates a symmetrical balance that draws the viewer’s attention directly to the figurine. The blurred background and minimalist setting further emphasize the figurine’s centrality, ensuring it remains the focal point of the image. The lines in the image are primarily vertical, following the outline of the bottle and the edge of the table. These lines direct the viewer’s eye to the center of the image. The forms are three-dimensional, with the bottle and figurine occupying the space within the frame. The space is well defined, with the foreground occupied by the bottle and figurine and the background blurred to minimize distractions. The negative space around the subject adds to the overall composition. The image conveys a sense of playfulness through the use of Hello Kitty. The composition is simple, with clean lines.

Negative space:

Edit:

In this photo, I have effectively used negative space to highlight the main subject, Hello Kitty. The large expanses of empty space surrounding the figurine draw the viewer’s attention directly to it, emphasizing its importance in the composition. The negative space also creates a sense of isolation and focus, allowing the viewer to appreciate the details of the figurine without distraction. The lines in the image are primarily horizontal and vertical, defined by the red surface and the edge of the wall. The image conveys a sense of simplicity and focus, the use of negative space creates a sense of calm, and the overall composition feels intimate and personal.

Perspective:

In this photo, I used perspective techniques in photography to create a sense of depth and space. By choosing a low angle shot and a high angle shot, placing the Hello Kitty doll on the windowsill makes it stand out and more interesting.

In terms of artistic elements: The window edge and windowsill create distinct horizontal and vertical lines, directing the viewer’s eye to the center. The round head and body of the Hello Kitty doll contrast with the square window frame, adding visual interest. The three-dimensional form of the doll appears very vivid against the flat background. The red carpet in the foreground and the window frame in the background create a sense of layering, giving the picture a sense of depth. The green doll, red carpet, and gray window frame create a sharp color contrast that draws the eye. The delicate texture of the doll’s surface creates an interesting contrast with the smooth glass window and rough carpet. The light shines in from the left, illuminating one side of the doll, creating a contrast between light and dark, and enhancing the three-dimensional effect.
This photo conveys a sense of tranquility and calm. The cute image of the Hello Kitty doll brings a touch of childishness and warmth, while the simple composition and soft tones create a quiet and harmonious atmosphere.

Leading lines:

Edit:

In these two photograph, I used the leading lines technique to draw the viewer’s attention directly to the Hello Kitty figurine. The red carpet acts as a strong leading line, guiding the viewer’s eyes towards the figurine. And the blue lines on the ground lead the view’s eyes into the hello kitty. The red carpet and blue line serves as a prominent horizontal line, leading the viewer’s eye towards the figurine. The edges of the window and the wall also create vertical lines that frame the scene. The shape of the figurine is organic and rounded, contrasting with the geometric shapes of the window and the wall. The three-dimensional form of the figurine is highlighted by the lighting, which casts subtle shadows and gives depth to the image.  The negative space around the figurine, created by the expansive red carpet and the blurred background, emphasizes the subject and creates a sense of isolation. The vibrant red of the carpet and the green of the figurine’s dress stand out against the neutral tones of the wall and window, creating a striking contrast. The image conveys a sense of whimsy and playfulness through the use of the Hello Kitty figurine. The central positioning of the figurine suggests importance and focus, making the viewer feel drawn to the subject matter.

Symmetry and patterns:

Edit：

In this photo, I used photography techniques of symmetry and pattern. The symmetrical composition places the Hello Kitty statue in the center of the frame, making it the focal point. The gray fabric surrounding the statue forms a repeating pattern, further emphasizing the sense of symmetry. The three-dimensional form of the statue is well represented in the two-dimensional image, especially with the play of light and shadow. The space in front of the statue is left blank, giving it a sense of openness. The background is blurred, but still has a sense of depth. The play of light and shadow brings a rich sense of layering to the picture, especially the shadowed part of the statue. This photo conveys a sense of tranquility, and the simple composition and soft tones add a sense of tranquility.

Framing:

Edit：

In the second photo, I used framing techniques. I used natural resources to place Hello Kitty on the doorknob, leveraging the curve of the doorknob and the straight lines of the frame to form a natural frame, guiding the audience’s attention to Hello Kitty. By adjusting the aperture size, the foreground and background create a noticeable blur effect. Hello Kitty’s three-dimensional image comes alive on the flat façade. Through a blurred background, create a sense of depth, adding more depth to the scene.

In the first photo, I also used natural resources, this time with green leaves. Place the hello kitty in the center of the green leaves, which form symmetries and a framework around the main hello kitty, creating a clustering effect. Additionally, objects are placed at the bottom of the image, while leaves are above it, creating a sense of space and depth, as well as a sense of proximity and grandeur. I used a macro lens to closely capture the details of Hello Kitty, making it the absolute star of the scene. By controlling the focal length, the Hello Kitty becomes clear and sharp, while the plants in the background become blurry, further highlighting the theme. The light is evenly distributed with no obvious shadows, maintaining the overall brightness of the image.

Rule of thirds:

In the two photos I took, I applied the rule of thirds in my photography. In the photo above, I placed the Hello Kitty toy on the left third of the frame, following the principle of the three-point rule. The goal is to create a more balanced and visually appealing image. Focusing on the toy itself while blurring the background, Hello Kitty’s color contrasts sharply with the gray background, capturing the audience’s attention. In the photo below, I followed the rule of thirds and placed the Hello Kitty toy in the left third. The blank part on the right is a bit more. Here, the toy stands on a bottle, adding fun and vitality to the scene. The color of the bottle also harmonizes with the toy’s color. The blurring of the background makes the toy the main focal point of the image, highlighting its importance.

Depth of field:

I chose a short depth of field setting so that only the area where the Hello Kitty doll is in focus, while the background and other elements are blurred. This effectively draws the viewer’s attention to the Hello Kitty doll because it is the sharpest part. The Hello Kitty doll is in the foreground, while the succulents and wall decorations behind it are in the background. Since the background is blurred, they don’t distract the viewer from the main subject. I placed Hello Kitty to the right, blending in with the background elements. The outline of the Hello Kitty doll is clearly discernible, while the lines in the background are softened by the blur, making it less distracting. By using depth of field, I created a sense of depth and space, making the picture look more three-dimensional. By adjusting the exposure, I ensured that the Hello Kitty doll had enough light to look bright and vivid.

favorite photo：

This is my favorite photograph because it showcases many photographic techniques simultaneously. For example, depth of field: the background is blurry, the foreground and plants are clearly visible, with the focus on specific areas while other parts become blurry. Tripartite composition: placing the subject at one-third of the image enhances visual balance. Color Contrast: Green plants and white walls create a striking contrast, while lighting: natural light illuminates the entire scene without shadows, creating a warm and bright atmosphere.