Silhouettes

[DigiDiva]

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.

[donoreo]

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.

[greenwing]

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

[wave01]

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

[DigiDiva]

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