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This month’s topic is “Silhouette”. Our judge is Elizabeth Gray.

The art of photography of silhouettes involves capturing subjects in front of a light source, ensuring the subject is underexposed, thus creating striking images with bold outlines against bright backgrounds.

Artful Approaches to Capture Silhouettes:

1. Positioning: Place your subject in front of the light source to create a clear outline.
2. Background: Opt for detailed, bright backgrounds to enhance the silhouette effect.
3. Camera Settings: Adjust settings to underexpose the subject and focus on shapes rather than details.
4. Filters: Use UV filters for specific settings like beach or desert scenes to enhance the silhouette effect.

For more unique image examples and inspiration, you can explore websites like:

https://www.fotor.com/features/silhouette-maker/

https://skylum.com/blog/silhouette-photography-the-art-of-capturing-cool-silhouettes

https://www.format.com/magazine/resources/photography/silhouette-photography

https://www.adorama.com/alc/silhouette-photography/

https://www.thephotoargus.com/beautiful-examples-of-silhouette-photography/

https://smallscenes.com/blog/photographing-silhouettes-in-nature-treasure-lurking-in-the-shadows#:~:text=Silhouettes%20can%20be%20used%20to,might%20not%20be%20that%20interesting

More about our judge Elizabeth Gray:

Biography

I grew up in Vancouver, on the beautiful West Coast of Canada. In 2012 my husband and I relocated to Houston Texas for his job. We stayed here for two years before moving to Gautier, Mississippi in July of 2014, a small town on the Gulf Coast of Mexico. Just recently, in the spring of 2017, we moved back to Vancouver. I had a wonderful time photographing locations and wildlife that were very different from what I was used to in Vancouver. I loved the cypress swamps, especially in the fall. However, trading alligators for bears took a little getting used to!

I have had a camera in my hand for over 40 years. I first became interested in high school when my uncle showed me his collection of old cameras. When I first started, I spent time in the dark room working in black and white. I was involved with my high school yearbook and the camera club in university. After university, my job and family took precedence, and I found my photography taking the back seat. Although I never lost my passion for my camera. When we moved to Houston, I saw it as an opportunity to combine my love of teaching and my enthusiasm for photography. I am very grateful that I have been able to “focus” on my love of photography over these past five years.

My photography covers a broad range of subjects including landscape, wildlife, architectural and urban images. My latest project is focusing on street photography and all the challenges it presents.

Artist’s Statement

My camera and lens allow me to document the way I see things, things that other people often miss. So often we walk by the ordinary without taking the time to enjoy and explore. I hope my photography allows the viewer to ponder the beauty in our everyday environment, both in nature and in our man-made surroundings.

I love to teach, and I have been doing so for over 25 years! I believe that people learn best by doing, not by sitting passively in a classroom. My lessons, which can be done via Skype or in person, are structured so that you get time behind your camera to practice techniques and ask questions during your session.

Whether you are a beginner or intermediate photographer, I would love to customize a lesson plan for you. Topics include: mastering camera settings and learning how to take control of your camera, how to see creatively and compose artistically, how to create images using long exposures, night photography techniques, street photography techniques, macro techniques, and how to work with Lightroom and Photoshop. Learn more about the classes I offer here.

What I like to Shoot

Coming from the west coast of Canada, I have always been drawn to wildlife and nature photography. However, I am also a structural engineer, so you will also find me shooting urban and architectural images as well. Most recently, I have fallen in love with street photography.  I love to see the world through my camera’s lens. It forces me to see things differently than I would with just my eyes. I can capture light and time in a way that can not be seen otherwise. To see some of my work, please check out my portfolio.