The Philosophy
Since silhouettes appear as two-dimensional shapes lacking detail, it is often the absence of color that actually enhances our perception by allowing our minds to fill in the details. Angled lighting, whether from above, behind, or the side is a form of lighting that emphasizes edges and depth. In this way, even without the detail, you can create an image that engages your viewer.
Since silhouettes add mystery to just about any image, you'll need an even greater degree of interaction from your audience. If this is to be done effectively, you'll have to have a detailed plan for the layout of your scene. Yet, more importantly you'll need to clearly identify the story or effect that you'll be conveying to your viewers.
It is often mind boggling that what you convey in a photograph can be interpreted in so many different ways! Even though this may be disheartening at first, when you realize that people from diverse backgrounds, opinions, and cultures have interacted with your photo, it is quite understandable. Remember, engagement is the goal.
Silhouettes: The How To
With the aim of silhouettes behind us, let's examine the steps that will take us there. For sure, any subject can be made into a silhouette as long as you have the right backlighting. But, don't limit yourself to only using people as subjects. When you consider that statues, nature, and even architecture can be used, you'll be amazed at the possibilities.
First, be sure to maximize the amount of backlighting that will sufficiently highlight your subject. Although this may sound easy at first, you'll find that there are some challenges. Of course, natural lighting works well due to its strength, but finding the right angle often depends on the time of day. Still, artificial lighting makes silhouettes possible also by either using harsh lighting or opting for softer lighting at very short distances.
Beyond backlighting, however, are other considerations. The settings on your camera will be of great importance, but are often dictated by the environment. In general, I've found that a larger aperture of f8 or more will allow you to capture both the subject and the background in focus. For other settings, you'll find over time what works best for you.
Since silhouettes appear as two-dimensional shapes lacking detail, it is often the absence of color that actually enhances our perception by allowing our minds to fill in the details. Angled lighting, whether from above, behind, or the side is a form of lighting that emphasizes edges and depth. In this way, even without the detail, you can create an image that engages your viewer.
Since silhouettes add mystery to just about any image, you'll need an even greater degree of interaction from your audience. If this is to be done effectively, you'll have to have a detailed plan for the layout of your scene. Yet, more importantly you'll need to clearly identify the story or effect that you'll be conveying to your viewers.
It is often mind boggling that what you convey in a photograph can be interpreted in so many different ways! Even though this may be disheartening at first, when you realize that people from diverse backgrounds, opinions, and cultures have interacted with your photo, it is quite understandable. Remember, engagement is the goal.
Silhouettes: The How To
With the aim of silhouettes behind us, let's examine the steps that will take us there. For sure, any subject can be made into a silhouette as long as you have the right backlighting. But, don't limit yourself to only using people as subjects. When you consider that statues, nature, and even architecture can be used, you'll be amazed at the possibilities.
First, be sure to maximize the amount of backlighting that will sufficiently highlight your subject. Although this may sound easy at first, you'll find that there are some challenges. Of course, natural lighting works well due to its strength, but finding the right angle often depends on the time of day. Still, artificial lighting makes silhouettes possible also by either using harsh lighting or opting for softer lighting at very short distances.
Beyond backlighting, however, are other considerations. The settings on your camera will be of great importance, but are often dictated by the environment. In general, I've found that a larger aperture of f8 or more will allow you to capture both the subject and the background in focus. For other settings, you'll find over time what works best for you.
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