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DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Silhouette Portraits
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04/18/2002 11:43:31 PM · #1
How do you achieve the nice shots where you have a lit background and a subject which is pitch black? I know you have to have back lighting and underexpose the shot, but I can't for the life of me seem to be able to get it to come out! How much lighting do you need? Apperature wide open or closed? Shutter speeds? Maybe a different ISO rating? Angle of shot? Intensity of light?

Anyone have any suggestions on this?

Thanks!
myko.
04/20/2002 07:45:47 PM · #2
Myko,

If you are using digital, I have been successful in the past with using automatic mode on my camera. Let the camera figger out the settings for you. You will have best luck with a tripod and letting the camera timer snap the shot unless you have cable release capability.

I use my spot meter to get the exposure values from a BRIGHT segment of the frame and then lock those settings. Then I position the camera for the proper framing of the subject and make the photo. Your editing software will do a very nice job of darkening if it is too light after the shot is taken....

04/20/2002 07:50:32 PM · #3
As you've got a G2, you might find this technique works. Pick Av or Tv mode. Set the camera to spot meter. Point the center spot at the background and press the * key. This will lock the exposure for the background (assuming the background is bright enough). Reframe on your silohette and shoot as normal - half press to focus then press to shoot.

Try it and see...
04/20/2002 09:55:35 PM · #4
Originally posted by GordonMcGregor:
As you've got a G2, you might find this technique works. Pick Av or Tv mode. Set the camera to spot meter. Point the center spot at the background and press the * key. This will lock the exposure for the background (assuming the background is bright enough). Reframe on your silohette and shoot as normal - half press to focus then press to shoot.

Try it and see...


Here is an example of a shot taken this way. Good luck...
04/20/2002 09:56:48 PM · #5
Gordon,

Cool example :)


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