Since I first started photography some of my favorite creative shots have been silhouettes. They can tell so much of a story with only seeing the outline of the subject. They can be taken inside or outside and in all different ways. I will briefly give some tips on taking a silhouette outside at sunset.
TIP 1. SHOOT INTO THE LIGHT
This is where you want your subject in front of the sun or other light source. You want your backdrop to be very bright and contrast with your dark subject.
TIP 2. ADJUST CAMERA SETTINGS TO MANUAL AND EXPOSE FOR THE SKY
I always make sure to be at an F stop of at least 10. Then, I adjust my shutter speed to properly expose for the sky and make sure my subjects are completely black. I tend to even underexpose this shot a little and adjust it in post processing.
TIP 3. SHOOT FROM A LOWER ANGLE
Here is where you need your subjects to be higher than you are and higher than the horizon if possible. If not, this is where you will get subjects feet blending in with the background.
TIP 4. LEAVE SPACE BETWEEN SUBJECTS
There has to be enough space between subjects to avoid looking like a large black blob. Make sure that you can see the outline of each subject clearly.
TIP 5. FINISH IN POST PROCESSING
Post processing can really add the POP to your silhouette. I tend to focus on adding contrast, saturation and increasing the blacks. Sometimes I really increase the vibrance of the sky as well.
So, there they are! Five tips on taking great silhouettes!!
