Photographing Silhouettes

In this film, photographer Steven van Veen gives us critical silhouette tips and methods while photographing intriguing and imaginative nudes of the beautiful model Margarita.

Firstly, one basic rule of photography is to never place your subject directly in front of the sun. However, a compelling silhouette breaks that rule. Rather than lighting the front of your subject, in silhouettes you need to ensure that there is more light shining from the background than the foreground of your shot. The greatest challenge with silhouettes is proper exposure, so van Veen explains to us in clear detail, that with the proper technique, making your subject featureless apart from their outline against a bright background can be extremely effective, producing breathtaking and gratifying photographs.

Van Veen's skillful choice of contrast between light and dark areas and how he uses silhouettes, obscurring details, and see-thru cloth to accentuate the silhouettes of his model is very pleasing.

Based out of his studio in Schwanau, Germany, van Veen has worked for a multitude of clients in television, advertising, periodicals, fashion and media. He also leads his own workshops for fellow photographers, most recently „The Outdoor Workshop“ with model Ira G., a comprehensive workshop with a keen focus on location photography using available light.