Silhouettes in photography are truly unlike any other type of photography. Why are silhouettes special?
They are special because silhouettes engage the viewer. No matter what your subject might be or who it is, the viewer of the photograph has the chance to imagine what is happening or unfolding. Depending on individual perspective, your audience can come up with a wide range of opinions as to what is revealed in the scene.
The key is to focus on the different aspects of your silhouette. What questions are you answering, or asking? Follow your imagination and you will be amazed and surprised at your results.
Preparing to shoot a silhouette place your subject in front of your light source. (Let's use the sunset for an example, but any bright light can achieve this.)When the sun is just above the horizon meter your camera on the sky. Often times your exposure may need to be longer so a tripod is always good practice. Sometimes it may take several attempts to achieve that perfect shot. Ask your questions... who, what, where, how? The more questions asked or answered, the more effective your silhouette will be.
Along with being photographers, many who read our blog as well as my Focusing on life sisters, have blogs of our own. We are also writers. (Stop coughing :)
So, to challenge our writing skills today, look once again at my silhouette I posted above and in the comment section tell a brief story of who that person is. Why are they there? What are they thinking, doing? How did they decide to sit in that spot? Use your writing skills to narrate the photo.
I'm looking forward to reading your creative thoughts. This past month, our FOL flickr pool has been rocking with barns of all sizes, shapes and colors. Thank you so much for sharing your passions. Keep it up!
Hugs,
7 comments:
Looking at this man's posture I don't think he's sad, or upset. He seems to be watching something. I think that he took his dog for a walk, and while the dog plays at the edge of the water, he sits and carefully watches.
I adore silhouetted photos, they are so dramatic and this one is awesome! Since I'm a hopeless romantic, I'm going to say he went there to think about a loved one that that has been away and is coming home soon, and how he will propose when she comes back. Maybe at this very place....
:) I guess I wont tell you he was actually weeping at one point. Guess so much for body language huh?
Wow, I'm surprised to hear that. Doesn't look dejected at all.
Until I read your spoiler, Claudia, my story was similar to Kim's - Pondering does he or doesn't he. Maybe he's hold a daisy and pulling off the petals, trying to decide if he should propose. Now, Claudia ... I want to know ... how close were you to this poor soul that you actually heard him weeping? I would have slunk out of there as quickly and quietly as I could, I'd have been embarrassed. But, not to sound too self-righteous ... embarrassed for me rather than him. But since we know he was weeping let's turn the tale: His intended turned him down.
There you have it. I like the happier version better ... (They don't call me Pollyanna for nothing.)
:-D
Well, that was not my story at all, Claudia. In my story he was going to sit on the bench and wait for his sweetheart who he had arranged to meet on that bench right after the sun set. Oh brother, now he is crying. I guess in your story, the sweetheart said, "nope" to the meeting, thus the tears. Great shot, story or not.
Well, I'm late to the party, so I already know the story! But I think I would have guessed similar to Kim as well. I also love silhouettes and the stories they tell.
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