How to Do Silhouette Shots

Keep the light source behind the subject for a successful silhouette shot.

A silhouette can add drama, impact or abstraction to your image. Some photographers like to take advantage of the setting sun, while others prefer the more controlled environment of a lighted studio. Whatever your choice, the success of your silhouette shot begins with a well-positioned subject and a correctly set camera.

Things You'll Need

• Lamp (optional)

Instructions

Camera with Automatic Focus

1. Locate a setting that affords more light in the background than the foreground. Place your subject in front of a sunrise or sunset, or shine a bright lamp in the background.

2. Set your subject so that its shape appears recognizable without the details. Position humans, for instance, at a profile for a head shot; for a full-body silhouette, request a pose that accents arms and legs. Seat a dog or cat on a comfortable level surface so that its head faces you with ears erect; or maneuver so that the animal’s head is at a profile angle to your viewfinder.

3. Turn the flash setting off your camera.

4. Frame the shot so that the light source sits directly behind the subject.

5. Point the camera at the brightest spot in the frame. Press the shutter halfway down and hold it there.

6. Take a few steps back to where your subject will be in the frame and press down the shutter the rest of the way.

Camera with Manual Setting

1. Position the subject similarly to the process for the auto-focus camera. Disable the flash setting.

2. Set the camera to a narrow aperture with a high f-stop.

3. Point the camera to the light source in the frame. Note the exposure reading and set the camera’s shutter to the corresponding speed.

4. Point the camera back to the subject. Press the shutter.

Tips & Warnings

• Positioning the shot with the sun directly behind your subject will give the photo a glowing effect.

• If shooting underwater silhouettes, choose a fast shutter speed to freeze the action.

• Shining a small bit of light on the subject will suggest details that can enhance the silhouette.

References

• Digital Photography School: How to Photograph Silhouettes in 8 Easy Steps
• PictureCorrect: Silhouette Photography
• Mustafa Davis: How to Shoot a Silhouette
• Eco-Photo Explorers: How to Create Underwater Silhouettes