Many fear the appearance of shadows. People prefer studios with professional lighting, shooting at golden hour, hoping that these actions will help minimize the presence of shadows in photographs. But the silhouettes make the shots deep, realistic, and full. Such a contrast picture was visually more attractive to the public. If you follow the basic rules and laws of photography, shadows will make your pictures even more beautiful. It is only important to understand the difference between excessive use of the frame and the competent use of elements.
First, you need to familiarize yourself with the definition of shadow photography. The picture in the pictures is characterized by a two-dimensional shape. But due to the fact that the contour drops give the depth of the elements, the image becomes visually three-dimensional. An outline is a simple shape that appears behind a subject, but it can have a key effect on the look of an image.
It is also significant to consider that any silhouette can be distorted without changing the shape of the object. It can be deep in tone and have a well-defined edge, or it can be soft with a blurry edge or appear translucent.
Light and shadow effects
Select model
During a photo session in a natural environment, the outlines of trees or buildings may get into the frame. This will balance the picture, adding the missing touch to the Silhouette as a subject
Photographers who do this type of photography need to learn to recognize the objects that outline the outline. These objects can be people, buildings, bicycles, trees, or windmills. It is necessary to ensure the presence of a solid background so that unnecessary additional details do not distract the viewer’s attention from the main accents on the frame. A perfect backdrop for such a shot would be grass, wall, or sand. In the frame, the contour will be dark gray, it is better to choose a black portrait background from contrasting light ones. picture, which will express the depth of the author’s creative thought.
Abstract technique
The play of light and dark photos is the perfect tool for an abstract portrait. Every second we are accompanied by all kinds of patterns and textures that create silhouettes. They are the shades of the kitchen set, the grass on the lawn, the leaves in the forest, the gates of the fence, and a simple glass of water.
Conceptual techniques in photography
Conceptual photography involves the use of graphics to convey the message laid down by the author of the picture. The contours are ideal due to the effect on the graphic elements. With just a little creative thinking, you can end up with amazing, original, and unique images.
Black and white photographs
By processing the image in black and white, you can successfully emphasize the depth and expressiveness of the outlines. Colors due to high contrast will distract the viewer’s attention from the contours. It is also worth noting that human eyes perceive gray, white, and black shades much easier, as opposed to a bright wide color gamut. You can take black-and-white shots right away by turning on the black-and-white shooting mode on the camera, or you can process photos using this technique in a graphics editor. Such stained glass processing is always in fashion, so the frames will definitely turn out to be successful.
Chiaroscuro
This is a common concept in painting and photography that involves the use of contrast between light and dark. You can use additional light sources in the form of lamps, then less important elements in the frame will not have much expressiveness. Such contrast will successfully emphasize all the textures and give the frame naturalness and proportionality. For such shooting, a dimly lit room is suitable, which will allow you to get interesting silhouettes. In order to experiment with textures and contrasts, the light source must be directed at objects from different angles.
Use a variety of handy tools
To create non-standard and creative photographs, you can use all kinds of improvised means: shoelaces, dishes, and a sieve. These subjects, taken in the right lighting and with the right background, will make for extraordinary photos. Even a banal household item can bring to life the most daring photo manipulation ideas. The outline of an object is sometimes very different from its normal appearance. Take a fresh look at the familiar things you use every day. They can start working in a new way.
Image processing
At the end of the photo session, it is necessary to proceed to the next stage — processing. Modern graphic editors will help to improve and bring to perfection almost every frame. But you should not abuse retouching either. It is better to experiment with lighting and shutter speed while shooting.
Shadow Photography Tips
Bright sunlight, light bulbs, or streetlights
In order to get good expressive silhouettes, it is not necessary to shoot only at the “golden hour”. Artificial light sources can also help with this. Bright sunlight is ideal for photographing geometric structures and architectural objects. It is best not to shoot at noon when the sun is high in the sky.
This lighting can make the outlines in the picture look short and unattractive. If the photo session is carried out in cloudy foggy weather in low light, the pictures will turn out to be mysterious and blurry. But in a professional photo studio, the brightness and lighting angle can be adjusted independently. The type of contours, their size, and direction will depend only on your personal wishes.
Background
The function of the background in photography is to focus the viewer’s attention on the subject. It is better to give preference to uniform backgrounds. Unusual patterns and complex textures can distract the public
Backlight
With this additional light source, you can correctly position the contours in the photo. The backlight makes it easy to adjust the light in the frame to emphasize the necessary outlines and textures
Light and Shadow Photography Ideas
Photos of silhouettes
Taking a picture of a cat in the evening at a right angle, you can see that its silhouette resembles a tiger. The result of such shots will always be unpredictable. Don’t be afraid to experiment and try new combinations.
Abstract shots
Depending on the shooting angle, the contours are constantly stretched and distorted. This is a great advantage for creating abstract photos. Such frames have no restrictions and limits. Try to simply express your own idea about the chosen subject.
Lace effect
The silhouette of lace can look like a veil on the face in a portrait shoot, or like a tablecloth if it is displayed in the background. This effect is extremely sensual and elegant. It is widely used for model photo galleries.
Emphasis on contours
By emphasizing the contours, you can significantly improve the creative composition of the photo. This technique is popular and in demand in the world of photography.
Foliage
A photo that captures the contour of a palm branch on the model’s body will look very advantageous. Such pictures allow demonstrate the connection between man and nature. Another nice bonus is that such props are absolutely free.
Window frames
You can remove from the frame all unnecessary elements that distract attention from the accent object. Do not be afraid to exclude all the nuances that prevent the realization of your ideas.
Focus on emotions
The facts about portrait photography are easy to list and understand. Silhouettes are especially relevant because with their help you can better emphasize emotions and convey the mood in the frame.
Colored outlines
By directing light on translucent objects, part of the light will scatter, and the other part, passing through the object, will create intricate color outlines. An example of such a technique is balloons or stained-glass windows.
Now you can see how different objects affect the overall result. It is not difficult to get interesting shots, because imagination is a unique, necessary element. Simple solutions are close to us in everyday life. There is no need to buy expensive equipment and go far for inspiration. Just look for interesting angles and tips to create the perfect shot.
Already today, you can use for iPhone and Android a unique application for correcting photos. RetouchMe offers many unique features. There are more than a hundred of them. Among the most appealing, it is worth noting figure correction, color processing. You can even change the background. All this will help to make the photo perfect.
