Silhouette and Texture - Creating an artistic image...

Silhouettes create a dramatic presentation of a subject, adding a little more mystery and intrigue!  Photographing near sunrise or sunset provides a good opportunity for creating a silhouette as shown in the photo above, darkening the the trumpet player, while casting a warm glow around him. I positioned my camera so that the sun was hidden behind the musician, and used a white balance of cloudy to accentuate the warm tones throughout the image. I slightly tilted the camera to create a more dynamic pose. To create the interesting texture that surrounds the subject, I used a new texture from Flypaper Textures Spring Painterly Collection called Pantheon Stone. The addition of the texture layer worked nicely to add more depth and drama throughout the image.

Texturing is super easy. You can copy/paste, or drag the texture layer over the original image. The key is to select a blend mode that will enhance the image. I used a blend mode of Multiply in the photo above and followed up with adjustments in contrast. To experiment with Blend Modes, make sure the Move tool is active, hold down the Shift key and press the plus or minus key to scroll through the various blend mode to find one that best accentuates your image.

This photo was taken just after sunrise along the Malecon, Cuba's beautiful waterfront. Getting up early is key to take advantage of finding great subjects in the best light. An alternative would be to photograph the musician with warm light falling on him, which also makes a nice photograph, two ways to tell different stories about the subject. Have fun shooting! ~ Deb

Good morning San Francisco...

Sunrise or sunset can offer the photographer exquisite light conditions to create photographs with mystery and drama. A scene that we experience everyday, becomes somehow magical. I was concentrating on photographing the light warming up buildings in San Francisco's financial district, and turned around to see an equally beautiful scene behind me. The solitary figure enriches the photo, and makes me wish I was watching the sunrise too. The image wouldn't have quite the same impact without the human element.

You can photograph silhouettes with most any type of camera, no special equipment needed other than a tripod. My tip for you is to be there at the right time, at the right place, and look to see what else is happening around you. Scout out locations ahead of time, find the most dynamic composition and several alternatives as well. Use an app that will help you define sunrise, sunset and twilight. If you are traveling, research locations online to find your best subjects. Just about everything looks wonderful bathed in golden light, trees, landscapes, cityscapes, people, try it and see! Make great pictures...