silhouette

Silhouettes are easy to produce in photographs by using backlighting. (Contre-jour). The shadow is on the camera side of the subject. Exposure is read off the bright background. The subject then is underexposed rendering it a silhouette.

The most important thing to do when taking this type of photo is to use a subject that is easily recognizable in shadow form. For example, good subjects are fishermen in a boat, trees at dusk, birds in the sky, surfers, buildings, weathervanes, etc., etc. Keep the composition simple to avoid cluttered backgrounds. The best time to capture these shots is when the sun is low in the sky. (sunrise or sunset). The sky is full of color and will make a perfect backdrop. Also, consider using colored filters to brighten or warm the background.

Sil`hou*ette" (?), n. [F.; -- so called from Etienne de Silhouette, a French minister of finance in 1759, whise diversion it was to make such portraits on the walls of his apartments.]

A representation of the outlines of an object filled in with a black color; a profile portrait in black, such as a shadow appears to be.

© Webster 1913.

Sil`hou*ette", v. t.

To represent by a silhouette; to project upon a background, so as to be like a silhouette.

A flock of roasting vultures silhouetted on the sky. The Century.

© Webster 1913.