How to make a silhoutte using a 35mm SLR?

[rvaccha]

Hi friends,


Greetings from Cambodia! I am here for 3 days and very excited to take lots of photos, although many of them will be B+W film as part of my class.

I want to take some Silhoutte photos and was wondering how to go about it?


I believe I have to expose for the background, not the object I want to make a silhoutte, but am a bit confused.

If I am shooting a Temple that I want to Silhoutte, do I expose for the sky and if so should the exposure on the light meter be in the middle? (sorry I dont know the technical terms as yet)

Also, what are the best times to take these type of photos?

Here in Siem Reap there is a lot of light and overhead sun in the noon time.

Thanks a lot for all your help,
AK

[paulsilkphotography]

I believe I have to expose for the background, not the object I want to make a silhoutte, but am a bit confused.

If I am shooting a Temple that I want to Silhoutte, do I expose for the sky and if so should the exposure on the light meter be in the middle? (sorry I dont know the technical terms as yet)

Yes you are correct

Also, what are the best times to take these type of photos?

Here in Siem Reap there is a lot of light and overhead sun in the noon time.

The best time for silhoute photography is when the subject is backlit ( the light source in front of you) early morning or late afternoon, as you can see
here
http://www.pbase.com/paulsilkphotography/image/41538726

And here
http://www.pbase.com/paulsilkphotography/image/64261081

Mid day is the worst time possible to shoot these type of images!