1. TAKING IMAGES

SILHOUETTES

Another technique in making interesting images is to think about silhouettes.
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  • Backlighting 01

    Backlighting 01

    Image was taken with Iphone, using backlighting to bring out the color and texture of the orchid. By placing the flower against the black background I was also using the silhouette technique. By changing my point of view the image felt stronger.

  • Backlighting 02

    Backlighting 02

    The early morning dew is captured by using the backlighting technique. The image was captured with the Iphone. I was kneeling holding the phone near the ground. Since the image has so much contrast between the background and the foreground the silhouette technique is also employed.

  • Backlighting 04

    Backlighting 04

    Using the backlighting technique the waterfall and the green beauty of the leaves was captured. Using a low camera angle made the image more interesting. Anytime when using the backlighting technique I always see if I can also silhouette against a darker background. Taken with the Iphone.

  • Backlighting 10

    Backlighting 10

    The hay, shadows and standout of the ceiling timbers resulted from the background lighting. I thought the impact of the B&W was better than color. I like the lines moving in different directions in the image and the silhouette of the timbers.

  • Backlighting 11

    Backlighting 11

    As the sun rose the backlighting of the Cocoa beach pier with the lights still on made the image. The horizontal lines of the pier, clouds and wave add to the dramatic sunrise. I used a slow shutter speed to give movement to the waves.

  • Backlighting 13

    Backlighting 13

    The backlighting of the Lion of Venice with the sea gull on its head made this slightly different image. I used the buildings in the bottom of the image to anchor and give the image place. Just enough exposure to bring out some detail but still have the feeling of a silhouette. The image was taken in the early morning. I had to find an adjacent building, across the square, where I could have an almost straight on view for the correct point of view. Nikon D300

  • Backlighting 14

    Backlighting 14

    The backlighting of the Saint Theodore of Venice and a slight upward point of view created the grandeur of this statue. I had to move around to include the pink glass lanterns in the early morning light that anchor and give the image place. Just enough exposure to bring out some detail but still have the feeling of a silhouette. Nikon D300

  • Backlighting 15

    Backlighting 15

    I wanted something different in the surfing image. Backlighting in the early mourning sun gave the dramatic water effect and a different feeling for the sport. I like the silhouette effect against the water.

  • Backlighting 16

    Backlighting 16

    I wanted to backlight the stone to show off all the facets. I use aluminum foil for the backlighting surface to create the look. I like the reflection that gave it an extra touch. The stone and facets created their own silhouettes.

  • Backlighting 17

    Backlighting 17

    The window formed the perfect backlighting for the sewing machine and plants. The backlighting brought out the green leaves and white crochet in the window. The single light source also gave the perfect lighting for the red cloth table and sewing machine. The window also framed the windmills in the background giving the image place and feeling telling a story. I took the time to have the windmill centered in the window pane and the hanging lamp at the correct height. The horizontal hanging crochet bisected the lamp top to feel right and leave the reflection unaffected. Nikon V2 on monopod

  • Framing 01

    Framing 01

    The arch made the perfect frame for the arches again in the background. I like the play between the verticals and curves in the image. The point of view from the side invited the viewer to enter the image from the left to the right.

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  • Backlighting 08

    Backlighting 08

    The image was taken from a lower angle to draw attention to the shadows. Backlighting the bridges brought out the silhouette of the beams as well as the fall leaf change behind the bridge. Exposure was a compromise with a little burnout on the wood. The vertical and horizontal lines of the beams were what initially caught my attention. Nikon D7100.

  • Backlighting 07

    Backlighting 07

    The Great Egret was captured with a Nikon D7100 off my back porch. Backlighting the Egret created the detail and set off the bill and fish. The flat blue background made the silhouette.

  • Backlighting 09

    Backlighting 09

    The image was captured with an Iphone while having lunch at the beautiful Montaluce winery in Georgia. The backlighting of the glass made the name stand out and the wine droplets on the glass possible. The low camera angle opened up the top rim and brought the railing in above the name. I have to admit I move the table and most of the other items off the table. My wife was embarrassed and other people in the restaurant were starting to copy what I had done with their Iphones.

  • Backlighting 12

    Backlighting 12

    The Gandhi statue was taken in the early morning. I moved around the statue to have the sun backlighting from the side. This created the silhouette appearance with enough light to see the facial features. Exposure was critical to make it work. The point of view looking up helps with the feeling of grandeur for this important person.

  • Backlighting 18

    Backlighting 18

    The soft glow of backlighting in this image was what I was looking for. Light was passing through the window in an old historic home. I used the white wall to silhouette the bowl and pitcher and pick up the texrure of the towel. Nikon V2 on monopod.

  • Backlighting 19

    Backlighting 19

    The bright colors and the siliouett of the ironwork made the image. I took the image dead on level and adjusted the window glass to get the reflection right. The window frame brought the image together. Taken in Venice with Nikon D300 on monopod.

  • Backlighting 20

    Backlighting 20

    I walked passed the anhinga then came back to take the image because of the beautiful backlighting of the wings. As I took the image I reposition the frame to have both wings silhouetted against shadow of the cyprus and the head against the tree. Nikon D7100 on monopod.

  • Backlighting 21

    Backlighting 21

    The backligning of the Great Blue Heron's beak caught my eye. The head is silhouetted against the blurry branches. I felt the branches behind the head might take away form the final image. Nikon D7100 on monopod with 500mm lens.

  • Backlighting 22

    Backlighting 22

    I wanted the surfer backlight siting on the ray of sun reflecting off the ocean. It took for ever to get this image. Nikon D7100 on monopod with 500mm lens.

  • Backlighting 23

    Backlighting 23

    This craft beer was taken at a very low point of view to place the beer lens in the correct location and have the rim of the glass backlighted against the dark ceiling. The amber inverted lens effect and the reflection through the base of the glass was enhanced by the backlighting technique. Taken with Nikon D7100 near the edge of the table and caused quite a scene in the brewery. Afterward everyone was trying to make the image with their cell phones.

  • Framing 07

    Framing 07

    As I took this image the silhouette framing of the tree and foreground made it happen. The early morning fog alway sets a great mood for any image and the circular patterns with a few lights casting highlighting the framework just worked. Reflection in the water worked with the foggy morning. Nikon D7100 on monopod.

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  • Jump for JOY

    Jump for JOY

    What fun! Diane and grand daughters taken on Crescent Beach in Florida.

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    Backlighting 01