Photography Technique: Silhouette Photography

How to Nail a Silhouette Shot

Find a Strong Light Source

• The best silhouettes happen when your subject is backlit—meaning the light is behind them.

• Think sunsets, sunrises, bright windows, or even streetlights at night.

• The bigger and brighter the light source, the better.

Pick a Subject with a Clear Shape

• Silhouettes are all about outlines, so pick something with a distinct shape.

• People work great—especially if they’re doing something dynamic, like jumping or holding an interesting pose.

• Trees, animals, bikes, and city skylines also make awesome silhouettes.

Expose for the Background, Not the Subject

• Your camera will try to balance the light, but you want your subject to be dark.

• Set your exposure for the bright background (tap on the sky if using a phone)

• If needed, lower the exposure manually until your subject turns into a solid shadow.

Shoot in Manual Mode for More Control

• ISO: Keep it low (100-200) to avoid noise.

• Aperture: f/8 to f/11 for deep focus, or f/2.8 if you want a softer background.

• Shutter Speed: Adjust based on lighting—usually 1/250s or faster for sharp edges.

Pose & Frame for Maximum Impact

• Avoid clutter—silhouettes work best with clean, open backgrounds.

• Get your subject to separate their limbs (a person standing with arms at their sides looks like a blob).

• Try side angles, jumping shots, or creative hand gestures for cool shapes.