The primary subject or key compositional focus of the photograph must be a shadow (or a pattern of shadows), defining the frame's aesthetic through its form, silhouette, or rhythm.

Fokus: Judging emphasizes the creative interplay of light and dark, contrast, texture, and the graphic impact of the shadowed areas. The shadow can accentuate object textures, create compelling silhouettes, build optical illusions, tell a story on its own, or transform ordinary spaces into abstract art.

Style and Adjustments: All genres are permitted – from street photography and architecture to high-contrast studio light studies and portraits (such as low-key photography). Monochrome (black and white) is highly popular for emphasizing shape and form, but color entries are equally welcome. Standard post-processing is allowed.

Not Allowed: Images where shadows are merely incidental, minor, or standard technical elements of the scene without a clear artistic or compositional purpose. Images generated entirely by Artificial Intelligence (AI) are prohibited.