A Silhouette Says So Much
If you’ve followed along with me for very long, you know that I try to sneak a silhouette shot into as many sessions as I can.
I’ve thought long and hard about why I love them so much, and why so many of my clients and followers do too. I’m not sure I can adequately explain it. There’s just something about them that evokes an entirely different set of emotions as opposed to a traditional portrait. Each person viewing it gets to interpret the feelings and story behind the shadows in their own way.
They might see a part of their own story in the image… for example, they might remember the wonder and awe they felt when expecting their first child…
Dalton & Kaitlyn, my land in Weston MO
Blake & Victoria, my land in Weston MO
Or, think back longingly to when life was busy with the pitter patter of tiny feet…
The Unfred Family, my land in Weston, MO
The Garlett Family, my land in Weston MO
The Grimes Family, Anna Maria Island, FL
The Cross Family, my land in Weston MO
Or when the whole family was all together, before everyone spread their wings and scattered to the winds…
The Webb Family - my land in Weston MO
Or when love was so fresh and exciting, and nothing but hopes and dreams paved the way…
Thomas & Dawn, The Journey Home - Dearborn, MO
Becky & Shane, family ranch in Horton KS
Skylar & Kaylee, Evelyn Valley Ranch - Windsor MO
Whatever it is that draws people in to these images, it’s something special, for sure.
Cox Family Farms in Weston MO
A good silhouette shot can be achieved in almost any environment - indoors, outdoors, full sun, partial shade. It really only requires two things - a backlight source, and a camera with manual settings. (Shooting on auto mode wont work, as the camera will automatically try to expose for your subjects - and you want them to be totally dark). Each lighting situation varies, but my typical manual settings are usually as follows: ISO somewhere between 100-300. Aperture between f4-f11. Shutter speed as high as possible, no lower than 250.
My favorite silhouette shots are taken at sunset with dramatic clouds in the background, with the subject standing on a hill and my camera low to the ground. I always ask my subjects to remove any jackets, coats or sweaters, separate apart slightly, and turn their profile as much as possible, so I can see more of their outline. Then we try a few different poses, and see what we like best for them!
Silhouette shots tell a tale all their own, and I have so much fun creating these unique pieces of art as I watch your story unfold.
Below is one of my favorite silhouette series - Collin and Stephanie Spencer as their family has grown over the years!
The Spencer Family - 2018 - expecting Hudson
The Spencer Family - 2022 - expecting Kennedie
The Smith Family - 2023 - family complete <3