Photograph a Silhouette Portrait

Sometimes, less is more. A silhouette shot can be starkly beautiful and get the message across. Sometimes, more effectively than a 'regular' shot. Read this article to learn one way of doing it.

Steps

  1. Be sure that you are including the surroundings in the photo. This helps to give your viewer the context of the image.
  2. Try these settings. Adjust them as needed.
    • Metering mode: Evaluative
    • Drive Mode: Single shot
    • Shooting mode: Aperture priority
    • Aperture: f/8.0
    • ISO setting: 800 or higher
    • Focus mode: Single shot
    • Autofocus point: Single autofocus point
    • Focal length: 50mm to 80mm (remember the conversion rate if you are shooting digital)
    • Image stabilization: Use it if you got it
  3. Tell your subject where you want them to stand. Remember that they will need to be in front of some type of light source. Try these tips:
    • Outside: Photograph with the sun at the back
    • Indoors: Have them stand in front of a window or a lamp
  4. If you are inside, turn off any other lights. Obviously not the one behind them.
  5. Zoom in fairly closely, but be sure that some of the background is visible.
  6. Compose your image. Put some thought into how you want the final product to look and do what you have to to get it that way.



Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  • Information found in Digital SLR Settings & Shortcuts for Dummies, 3rd Edition
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