We all carry shade — literal and figurative. Here’s what I found in Leadville, Colorado. I chase light and shadow because they reveal what we overlook.
The word Shade has so many meanings. One familiar noun is the comparative darkness caused by the interception or screening light rays.
A slight degree of color difference may be described as color shades.
Phrases like ‘a shade’ means a little. ‘Shades of’ suggests reminiscence of or comparison with someone or something specified. The spectrum of different opinions made, offer shades of opinions, especially so today in our polarized world. ‘Throw Shade’ on the other hand is to publicly criticize or express contempt for someone.
The expression “No Tea, No Shade,” meaning “No disrespect, but …” where T means “truth.” The related phrase “All Tea, All Shade,” means “This statement is true, so I don’t care if it offends you and I don’t care if it does.”
“Pull down the shades on the windows of your soul, and gaze into your mind and watch the wisdom unfold.” — Beanie Sigel
“We all have these shades in our nature, it's a spectrum within all of us.” — Johnny Flynn
Shadows on Main Street, Leadville, CO — where light meets grit at 10,152 feet. Which quote hits you the hardest? Tell me in comments.
The Wrong Reveal
Something funny happened during this shoot in Leadville. It was a busy weekend, people flowing through the shop corridors, when I stopped to photograph a set of blinds. I started bending, leaning, shifting positions, fully committed to the shot and completely obvious about it. That got attention. People slowed down. Some stared. A couple looked like they were about to pull out their phones, convinced I’d discovered something extraordinary. Maybe a bear. Maybe a moment. Someone finally asked, “What are you seeing?” “I’m just shooting the blinds,” I said. That answer disappointed everyone. Just blinds.
Credits:
Photos: ©️ Raj Manickam 2020-2026