Silhouettes
 

I want to take a 'cameo style' silhouette photo, but not aure how to start. I was wondering if I should set my model against a white background, with a light directly behind (but dont want a ri lingt effect). I thought I could then use paper in front of the model (like greaseproof baking sheetsto diffuse the light) to capture the outline of my model.

Am I talking garbagge or might this work? Any other ideas? I don't have a studio or any fancy lighting, just desk lamps and an off camera flash.

Bright background is the right idea. You will want to spot meter on that. Really, it is like any other silhouette, brighter behind and the foreground in the dark.

I don't think the translucent sheets between camera & model will work, you'll just get a diffuse shadow. I think you're on the right lines with the lit background which could be opaque with lights in front, or translucent (e.g. a sheet) with lights behind it when it might be easier to control (eliminate!) spill onto the model. Expose for the background, probably doesn't matter if it's a bit underexposed as you can change that in post, or even substitute for something else. More important that the subject is correctly underexposed, I think.

HTH
Chris

I would light the background and expose for that and see what the results are. if you did it out side then thats what you would do

Now I have tp pursuade my poor hubby to model for me........Thanks for the advice guys.