Silhouette Photography Tips

Silhouette is a photo with the main object of total darkness with a bright background, so that visible is the shape of the main object earlier. Photographing silhouette is not as difficult as imagined, as long as you know the steps and his tips. Please:

Turn off the flash

The first and foremost is the flash on the camera should be turned off, otherwise you will get a regular photograph (because its main object is not so dark). So turn off your flash on camera

Find the right lighting conditions (backlight)

To produce a silhouette, your background should be much brighter than the main object. That is why most of silhouette images done during sunset or sunrise, where the sun (light source) is behind the object you want to photograph (backlighting). But do not limit yourself, silhouette images can be produced at any time, basically you just need to find a background that is much brighter than the main object.

Look for an object that looks interesting

Silhouette image would highlight the shape of the main object, therefore, look for objects with interesting shapes and has a strong character. Note the photo above, since the main object (fish finder) lose detail and become very dark, the shape would be more exposed. We can see clearly the limits of the curve shape of the body of the fisherman, net shape and the frame until a trickle of water coming out of the net. You could also try with other objects.

Find the right background

To get the silhouette you need to find a background that is much brighter. Try also to get an interesting background, but also not crowded so the main object looks very prominent. The sky and the beach is a favorite example.

Measure the exact exposure (manual / auto)

As much as possible use the manual exposure mode. Set metering in spot metering. Take measurements in the background of the brightest. In the example above photo I measure light skies above the helmet. Change the combination of aperture and shutter speed according to the results of your metering, especially in aperture make sure you set according to your wishes (large aperture for background rather vague and small aperture for sharp background). Once you determine the aperture and shutter speed is selected, point the camera at the main object. Arrange h3 best and set focus on the main object, and then snap ....

If you can not use the manual mode, use auto mode. Point the camera at the brightest area, in the above example is to search the skies above the fish, half-shutter Click here you (do not push full) and then hold the shutter is not released. Then point your camera to the main object and then snap ....