Despite the fact that I shot this image at around 10:00 AM the form of the leaf cannot be recognized in the shadow. Here the shadow function is an supporting role. It gives the image the feeling of depth in combination with the large negative out of focus space. Consider the image for a moment without the shadow. It would not look good at all. I always look at shadows when I create an image and what kind of role it plays.
Enjoy and happy photographing!