5 Tips for photographing silhouettes

Shooting silhouettes is about photographing stark contrast and lack of detail in the subject. It infuse a psychological effect into the image that can be beautiful, mysterious, or at times frightening. The silhouette effect involve a bit of experimentation to get it right. In silhouette technique the subjects are relatively simple and are pronounced in shape on a two-dimensional level. Taking a silhouette is all about backlighting. If you want to master taking silhouette shots, following tips might just help you create some of the most amazing silhouette images. 1. Make sure there is enough light behind your subject. A bright light behind the subject is the easiest and best way to create a silhouette. And if it is colorful, it will add dramatic effects to you image. Here, you may ask, where would you find such a light? Well, there are many places. For example, if you are shooting outdoors, you may find it in front of the sun during the golden-hour. Or in front of the window if shooting indoors. You may also consider shooting a silhouette in an open door. 2. Strong lines and clan backgrounds work best for silhouette. One principle that works best in silhouette technique is 'Less is more'. You can create an amazing silhouette by having less in your photos. Sometimes a person or an object in the foreground and a well lit background is just sufficient to create an impressive silhouette. 3. Use correct exposure and light settings around your subject. If your subject is well-lit, getting a silhouette is difficult. To ensure this, find a location or a place that ensures it. Or Shoot in manual mode where you have full control over exposure setting. Point your camera at the sky / light near your subject. Start with an aperture at f/8. Choose a shutter speed that you can handle, or else use a tripod. Choose the lowest ISO. Take a few sample shots. If required make adjustments to your settings. 4. Point & Shoot Silhouettes. When you are trying to take a silhouette with a point and shoot camera. Find a subject with sufficient backlight. Turn your camera flash off and aim at the sky with your subject in frame. If you aim at your subject, your point and shoot camera will try to expose your subject and you will loose the silhouette. 5. Try taking a silhouette in the Golden-hour. This is the best way to have a colorful backgrounds for your silhouette. In fact, sunrise and sunset is the ideal time for creating a silhouette. The type, quality and color of the light gives you some magical backgrounds for your silhouette. Only thing you have to keep on mind is use a tripod, because shooting at this time of the day requires a long exposure.