DPChallenge: A Digital Photography Contest
 

DPChallenge Forums >> Tips, Tricks, and Q&A >> Silhouette Portraits
⏮️⏪◀️ 1/1 ▶️⏩⏭️
Showing posts 1 - 5 of 5, (reverse)
AuthorThread
Nikon D3300
Nikon AF-S DX Zoom Nikkor 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6G VR
 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.
Sony Alpha a6400
Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS
 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....

RIM BlackBerry Curve
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
 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...
RIM BlackBerry Curve
Canon EF 85mm f/1.8 USM
 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...
Sony Alpha a6400
Sony E 16-50mm f/3.5-5.6 PZ OSS
 04/20/2002 09:56:48 PM · #5
Gordon,

Cool example :)


⏮️⏪◀️ 1/1 ▶️⏩⏭️
Current Server Time: 09/22/2026 03:36:09 AM

Please log in or register to post to the forums.
Theme: Classic / Light / Dark
Home - Challenges - Community - League - Photos - Cameras - Lenses - Learn - Help - Terms of Use - Privacy - Top ^
DPChallenge, and website content and design, Copyright © 2001-2026 Challenging Technologies, LLC.
All digital photo copyrights belong to the photographers and may not be used without permission.
Current Server Time: 09/22/2026 03:36:09 AM EDT.