Shadow Clipping USA - Photography Terms & Glossary

Glossary Of Photography Terms [1]

Shadow Clipping Shadow clipping refers to the loss of detail and information in the shadow areas of a digital image due to underexposure or insufficient dynamic range. When an image is captured with significant shadow clipping, dark areas lack detail and appear as solid black patches without texture or tonal variation. Shadow clipping typically occurs when the exposure settings are such that the darker regions of the image are underexposed beyond the sensor's ability to capture detail, resulting in lost information that cannot be recovered in post-processing.

While some level of shadow clipping may be acceptable or even desirable in certain artistic contexts, excessive shadow clipping can detract from the overall quality and visual appeal of the image, particularly in scenes with important shadow details or low-light conditions. Photographers can mitigate shadow clipping by adjusting exposure settings, using fill light or reflectors to illuminate shadow areas, or employing post-processing techniques such as shadow recovery to restore detail and tonal gradation in the shadows.