Project 52, Week 28, Silhouettes

Remember that old song Two Silhouettes on the Shade?  That's the theme song for our composition project this week.  Silhouettes can be dramatic, adding depth, dimension, mood, and mystery to a picture.

Things to consider:

• The light must be behind the subject.
• Expose for the background, not the subject, but remember to focus on the subject.
• When you want a dramatic silhouette, set the EV to -1 or -2 (Rick Sammon in Exploring the Light)
• Silhouette subjects should be distinctive shapes.  Remember to move you and/or the subject up, down, left, right, and all around to find the best angle.
• Keep the horizon line low (if there is a horizon). 

Suggested Readings and Photographic Examples:

1. How to Photograph Silhouettes by Darren Rouse at Digital Photography School; short articles with pictures. 
2. 5 Tips for Photographing Silhouettes by Steve Berardi at Digital Photography School; short articles with pictures.
3. Truly Breathtaking Examples of Silhouette Photography by WDCore Editorial  at WebDesignCore
4. How to Take Silhouette Photos - a Tutorial at Rebecca Spencer Photography
5. Silhouette by Steve Hermitage Photo; 5 minute YouTube video on composing a tabletop silhouette scene indoors with toy dinosaurs; unfortunately it only includes 1 photo, but this looks like a fun project
6. How to Photograph and Edit Silhouettes-Part 1 and Part 2 by Jodi Friedman at MCP Actions; article with photos; includes Photoshop tips
7. Photographing Silhouettes by Scott Simmons at Learn Outdoor Photography
8. How to Photograph Silhouettes at Enchanging Karala.org, School of Digital Photography
9. Photography - Silhouettes by Kristie Hegarty Wilson at Pinterest
10. Wedding photography: Phenomenal Photography Silhouettes at junebug Weddings and How to Take Silhouettes by Christopher Lin at PhotographyTips