The shadows cast by light illuminating your subject from the side will emphasize the surface relief and texture in your subject and can be used to enhance the "tactile" impressions of an object, especially one with fine detail or texture. Objects that are effectively side-lit often give the viewer the impression that they could reach out and touch the object, and bring back memories of the sensations experienced when the viewer felt similar objects. In the image below, the viewer can imagine what it would feel like to run their hands over the rough texture of the side-lit wood.
(http://spiritofphotography.com/coppermine/albums/userpics/10001/20080921_144333_1.jpg)
Side-lit Wood
The assignment for the week of 27 July - 2 August 2009 is "Side Lighting." Please upload your images to the "Side Lighting" album in the Gallery no-later-than Midnight Mountain Time (GMT - 07:00) on Sunday, 2 August 2009.
I encourage new members to participate in the weekly assignments. It's a great way to enhance and practice your photography techniques. You can read about participating in the weekly assignments by referencing the forum post titled "How do I Participate in the Weekly Assignments," (http://community.spiritofphotography.com/index.php?topic=320.0) and then please feel free to ask questions.
I will look forward to seeing your images.
Keith