Project 52 - Week 31: Silhouette

I've always thought that silhouette should be easier to spell.

I have done some silhouette work in the past.  Some of it was because I wanted too.  Some of it was because my exposure was wrong and did not capture the details of the subject.  I am being honest here.

Lately, however, I have been studying the technicalities of many different styles of photography and lighting, not only through our text "The Visual Toolbox," but also through some on line courses.  Here is what I can tell you about shooting silhouettes:

• they are fun to experiment with
• the key to successful silhouetting is backlighting
• expose for your background and not your subject
• use as small an aperture as possible to ensure that your subject is sharp
• make sure your subject is placed between you and the bright background (the best way to do this is to find the spot you want to shoot from in terms of having a bright background, then place your subject between you and the light.
  

Often tutorials or other sources might tell you to find an open space that is uncluttered.  You want the image to be simple.

So here is what I did.

I waited until around 7:00 pm, when the sun sets through the barn window.  Luckily, this cooperative horse was in the correct position in terms of the background light (there is a lot that comes through the window, to the point that you almost cannot see). I exposed for the background and kept my aperture at f8.  While this is a confined space, rather than an open one, because I followed the specs on photographing for silhouettes, it all worked out!

I think we had the conversation before where I told you that, while I would love to live on a beach, I do not.  So the most I have in "open space" are fields, an occasional pond shoreline, and the middle of Interstate 81.  The third option is not an option.

We have had very little sun these last few days, and plenty of rain, but thank goodness brighter weather allowed me to get this week's blog done.  On the way out of the barn, I spotted another subject who must have heard, through a little birdy, that I was looking to do some silhouettes, because this is what happened.

Go grab your camera and practice some silhouettes.  You can use buildings, objects, people, animals, plants, etc.  Remember the tips for creating the image.  And, most of all, have fun. 

Now to see what others in the blog have done this week, start here with Kelly Middlebrooks of Little White Dog Pet Photography in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.  Have a great weekend!