The subject of silhouette photography never gets old. Beginners can shoot it, but experts will find it interesting.
The fact that there are many different ways and situations to photograph silhouettes is one of the reasons why they remain popular for so long. Indoors or out, you can use simple techniques such as backlighting the subject against the sky. Or more complex ones like composite photography or off-camera lighting.
You’ll need to consider the composition of your silhouette to ensure that it is striking and clear. A good silhouette will not necessarily attract attention on its own. A great composition is needed to make a powerful statement.
Photographing Silhouettes: Tips and Tricks
It’s important to note that before diving into the tips and ideas, you must first have a great silhouette. Best silhouettes tend to be recognizable. The subject should be clear to viewers. The subject should be clear. If it is not, the viewer may become confused.
People, trees, mountain, bridges and some animals like birds or camels are all easy subjects to recognise as silhouettes. Even something as simple as a bicycle or a tripod can be used to create recognizable silhouettes.
Here are some compositional tips to keep in mind once you have found an interesting silhouette.
Simple is best.
If you want to attract attention, your silhouette has to be able compete with your other images. It’s true of any subject but is especially relevant to silhouettes due to their dark color. Color can be eye-catching, so if you include unnecessary colors in your images, they may steal the show.
It doesn’t mean you have to avoid color. But the color must work in conjunction with of the silhouette. The silhouette loses its impact if there is too much colour or your image looks crowded. Keep it simple and you will have greater success.
Shirren Lim: The Longing
Frame your silhouette photography subject.
If simplicity is not possible or isn’t feasible, then you will need to employ other compositional methods to ensure that your silhouette stands out. The techniques below can be used to create an orderly composition with the silhouette in the middle.
The framing technique is an excellent way to bring order into chaos. You can draw viewers to your silhouette by placing it inside of a frame. It doesn’t need to be four-sided like a window or door. It is also possible to use a loose two-sided framework, such as a pathway bordered with trees.
Olga Tremblay – Untitled
Compose your photo using diagonal & horizontal lines.
You can also draw attention to your subjects by placing them along a diagonal or horizontal line. Or, you could make the subject the line. Lines are powerful tools for composition. An eye-catching line can transform an ordinary subject into something remarkable.
Remember to keep your horizontal lines as straight as you can. A crooked horizontal line can ruin the whole image. It’s best to take the shot correctly, even if you have to straighten it in post-processing. Some cameras, including smartphones, have a grid in the viewfinder that you can use to ensure a straight horizon.
Juan Ramon Martos – A contraluz / Backlight …
Try experimenting with the symmetry of silhouettes.
In silhouette photography, you can apply symmetry two different ways. As you will see, you can first find symmetry by looking at the background. You can also make the silhouette symmetrical. Both cases can create a harmonious and peaceful image. Many silhouettes are symmetrical, so it’s easy to experiment with. Included are windows, doors and people.
Shirren Lim – .morning moon.
Capture patterns.
Repeating patterns, like symmetry can create a feeling of harmony and balance in your photograph. Contrary to symmetry, it is not necessary to have the image perfectly composed to create a powerful picture. An interruption to the pattern will add more interest. One window that is unique from others can attract attention.
Shirren Lim: What you want is coming to you.
Create a story using your silhouettes.
Photographing beautiful silhouettes isn’t enough. Some silhouettes have power because they are able to tell stories. It’s especially important when shooting people in silhouette. The stories that go with the images are what keep the audience’s interest, even if they are stunning.
Thanawat Thiasiriphet, last jump
We can capture silhouettes in a variety of ways, despite their simplicity. Whether it’s inside, outdoors, with natural light, or using off-camera lighting, we can photograph silhouettes in a variety of ways. You can also add unique twists to your silhouette or mix techniques in order to make it one of a kind. It’s important to remember that silhouettes do not always need to be completely blacked-out. They tend to highlight form. The silhouette should be easily identifiable, regardless of whether you bump or crush the shadows. The images above were all selected from the wonderful Flickr group.