A silhouette is a dark shape against a bright background, made by exposing for the bright area so the subject falls into shadow. Place your subject between you and a bright sky, meter for the sky and keep the outline clean. Safety note: never look at the sun through a camera, viewfinder or lens, because it can damage your eyes. Use the rear screen when the sun is near the frame, and keep it low or hidden behind your subject.
Find the Right Light
Silhouettes need a bright background and a subject with no light falling on its front. Sunrise, sunset and bright overcast skies all work well. Windows and doorways indoors can also create the effect.
- Choose a time when the sky is brighter than the ground
- Stand so the subject sits between you and the light source
- Look for a plain sky or soft clouds, which keep the background simple
- Keep other bright objects away from the subject edges
Step-by-Step Settings
- Set the camera to aperture priority or manual mode.
- Choose ISO 100 to 400 for a clean image.
- Choose an aperture of f/8 to f/11 for a sharp subject outline.
- Use spot or center-weighted metering and aim at the bright part of the sky, next to but not at the sun.
- Apply exposure compensation of about -1 to -2 to deepen the shadows and keep the sky colors rich.
- Focus on the edge of the subject, then recompose. If the subject is dark, focus on the horizon or on a spot at the same distance.
- Take a shot, check the screen, and adjust until the subject is dark but the sky holds color.
Compose for Strong Shapes
A silhouette has no texture or color, so the outline carries the picture. Choose subjects whose shape is easy to read.
- Profile views of faces, which show nose and chin clearly
- People with arms raised, walking, jumping or holding objects
- Trees, bridges, lamp posts and buildings with clean edges
- One strong subject rather than a crowd that merges into one blob
Leave space between shapes so they do not overlap, and place the horizon on a thirds line.
Settings Quick Table
| Setting | General range | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| ISO | 100 to 400 | Low noise |
| Aperture | f/8 to f/11 | Crisp outline |
| Exposure compensation | -1 to -2 | Deep shadows, rich sky |
| Metering | Spot or center-weighted | Reads the bright sky |
FAQ
Can I make a silhouette with a phone or an automatic mode?
Yes. Tap on the bright sky to set exposure, then lower brightness if the app offers a slider. In automatic mode the camera may try to brighten the subject, so use exposure compensation.
Why does my subject have a rim of color?
The subject may be catching some light. Move so the subject blocks more of the light or stand so no light bounces on its front.
The Short Version
Put the subject against a bright sky, expose for the sky and lower exposure by one or two stops. Keep the shapes clear and never aim at the sun through the viewfinder.
