ActionCards Silhouettes

Total time:
2-4 hours UNDERSTANDING

SILHOUETTES PHOTZY.COM
Difficulty Level: Beginner There is much confusion among the difference between
silhouettes, a shadow, and when something is shadowed. (Review
Skill Points: the “Shadows” Action Card). Here is the definition of a silhouette: the dark shape
• Using a silhouette as a
focal point and outline of someone, or something, visible against a lighter background.
• Using a silhouette as
KEY LESSON: Silhouettes are powerful, because they make use of
the subject shape (See “Shape” Action Card). The most powerful silhouettes include
• Understanding the different
types of silhouettes
a storytelling element. A simple outline can be effective as a focal point,
but rarely as the subject. If it includes a storytelling element, it will often
become the subject. These elements can be physical objects or action.
Woman at Sunset: A simple silhouette as this, gives you don’t consider the entire composition. The intent
little to a viewer. It becomes a weak photo. There is was for the monk in silhouette to be the subject, as
nothing wrong with starting out this way, and when you camera focus is placed on him. The device in his hand
feel comfortable, incorporate storytelling details. is meant to be a focal point. The problem here is that
Woman & Dog: This is a similar situation to the he monk in red draws more attention than the subject.
previous example. The inclusion of the dog, and the This leads to visual confusion. If you intend for your
ball, greatly increased the story value and resulting silhouette to be the subject- make sure if firmly holds
pleasure for a viewer of this photo. Take notice to the that position!
importance of shape in conveying the story. Man at Beach: A full silhouette is deep black. A semi-
Dandelion: When an object has opaque, and silhouette has some detail in the shadowed areas.
translucent parts, the silhouette will vary in density. Here, we have both. When exposing for a silhouette,
This is called a semi-silhouette. you want to take the camera meter reading from the
Monks: Here is an example of what can go wrong - if lighter background. Slightly underexposing will turn
the silhouette a deeper black tone.
ACTION ASSIGNMENT!
1- Organize a photo shoot similar in content to the example photos: Shoot at sunset. | Bring a model or two
and props (include one or two translucent props) | Bring your lighting bounce cards (if you made them).
2- Place your subject(s) into the scene. Introduce your various props to create stories. Be cognizant of the
shape (outline) of your silhouettes. (Don’t let the model nose(s) disappear). Study the sample photos.
3- Take your light meter reading from the bright sky and slightly underexpose.
4- Create deep black silhouettes. Now, introduce some light back into the silhouette using your lighting bounce
cards, (don’t overdo it. You simply want to lighten the deep black) and create a semi-silhouette. Play with
your translucent props.
HOW DID YOU DO?

• Did you create deep black silhouetted images? Did your silhouetted images tell a story through shape?
• Were you able to successfully lighten the silhouette into a semi-silhouette?
READY! SET! GO! ACTION CARDS - COMPOSITION: SILHOUETTES

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Total time:

2-4 hours UNDERSTANDING

HOW DID YOU DO?

READY! SET! GO! ACTION CARDS - COMPOSITION: SILHOUETTES

DEAL 1: The 'Composition' Set (80% off)

Learn all the Rules, Tools, and Concepts of Composition.

You’ll get a full collection (34 Cards | 100+ Assignments) to

This unique self-paced assignment based learning approach

Now is your chance to learn photography at your own pace!

DEAL 2: The 'Genre' Set (80% off)

Try Out Different Photography Genres, to Discover Your

You’ll get a full collection (31 Cards | 100+ Assignments) to

This unique self-paced assignment based learning approach

We all have strengths. Playing to your strengths can give

Now is your chance to learn photography at your own pace!

more on the next page

Grab Both Action Cards™ Composition & Genre Sets – 65

You’ll get a full collection (65 Cards | 200+ Assignments) to

This unique assignment based approach will help you learn

Tap here to learn more and see a free sample »

Thanks for checking us out!

“At Photzy, we believe EVERYONE is creative, and that photography is the

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