Below are photographs of a rock taken from various distances away. The sun elevation in these photographs is approximately 12° comparable to the sun elevation in many Apollo lunar surface photographs. The terrain is reasonably flat and level. The camera is approximately 4 feet (1.5 m) above the surface, except in Fig. 1. The supine wooden stake identifies the horizontal aspect of the optical axis. Other photo sets are provided for shadow angles of approximately 30° and 45°.

Fig. 1 - View from directly overhead to establish the direction of the shadow relative to the optical axis.

Fig. 2 - View from approximately 30 feet (10 meters) away. The irregular shape of the shadow is apparent.

Fig. 3 - View from approximately 45 feet (15 meters) away.

Fig. 4 - View from approximately 60 feet (20 meters) away. The rock shadow appears nearly horizontal.

Given sufficient distance even a shadow which falls nearly directly away from the viewer will appear horizontal.