Photgraphy mommies--a question on how to get a certain picture...

hi,

i was just wondering how do you capture or take a silhouette type photo?? i just love the way those come out... ( i have an SLR camera if that helps)??

tia!!!

Re: Photgraphy mommies--a question on how to get a certain picture...

I think that the object has to be in a dim area with the light behind it and something separating the light and the object. For example, being in front of a window that has sheers.

Summerlyn posted a picture she took and I think she might have photoshopped it to get the effect of people being completely blacked out.

Re: Photgraphy mommies--a question on how to get a certain picture...

It needs to be backlit, meaning the light source needs to come from behind the subject. Like if the kids are swinging on a swing set, make sure the sun is coming toward you into the camera, and you get a nice silhouette image. Good luck!

Re: Photgraphy mommies--a question on how to get a certain picture...

Without getting into the whole nitty gritty there are just a few rules to follow.

First and foremost is to turn off the flash and place the subject you want in sillhouette between you (the camera) and the light source. ...Changing your camera metering settings can help too. (Ive found that spot metering works very well)

Just play around a bit and you'll figure it out. When trying out something new I'll usually take the basic principles and play around with the cameras settings until I find what works for the photo.

Re: Photgraphy mommies--a question on how to get a certain picture...

Heather described it best, but here's a link for a how-to. I'm trying to find a link on metering so you know what we're talking about...what kind of DSLR do you have?
How to shoot a silhouette

Re: Photgraphy mommies--a question on how to get a certain picture...

thank you, ladies!! this is really helpful!!

i have a canon rebel xt....

Re: Photgraphy mommies--a question on how to get a certain picture...

Silhouettes quite simple....

Heres the nitty gritty-

First, it isnt something you will be able to achieve by shooting in auto, you have to shoot in manual....

Your camera has an internal light meter, making sure that you get the right exposure (making sure your pic is not too dark-underexposed, or too light-over exposed/blown). When it reads zero, you have the correct exposure (you can get this by setting ISO, and deciding whether you want to keep aperture or shutter speed the same).... i like to keep my aperture the same usually, and change the shutter speed as necessary....For example- in manual, if I want a silhouette shot, my ISO is probably going to be 100, my aperture anywhere from 1.8-2.8, and my shutter speed is going to be SUPER high....well over 1000....

Now, I take a metered reading from the sky, and when my light meter reads zero, i am ready to shoot my subject.......and bc my camera is set to expose for something super bright (the sky) anything else i try to shoot is going to be way underexposed..... Point to my husband throwing my daughter in the air- they are no black against a perfectly exposed sky.....

No photoshop necessary if your settings are good to go....



Good luck!! Would love to see what you come up with!