A silhouette is achieved by lighting the background and not the subject. Place the subject between the camera and the background, then light the background leaving the subject in the dark. Try placing a small light behind the subject (aimed at the camera) for an even more dramatic effect.

A shadow is achieved by placing the subject in front of the light and having a surface to catch the shadow. Place the camera facing a wall (for example) and the subject next to the camera. Place a light behind the subject, aimed at the wall. The light will throw a shadow on the wall. Experiment by raising or lowering the light and movie the subject closer or farther from the light.

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

Is the type of light important when creating shadows? I was trying to recreate an effect I got from my student short about 10 years ago. Of course then I rented a Omni Kit, and recently I was trying to use a work light. One problem I had with the recent effort was the small space available so I was not able to create much distance between the light and the object I'm trying to cast a shadow with. But the shadows none the less were completely diffused, where I wanted hard shadows. It seems like even if I had more room I would have to get the light very far away to create a hard shadow. Seems like a different type of light would work better.

http://www.youtube.com/nairnet

Doing a little bit of research, I found that a small intense light is best for creating hard shadows. I think the work light is too large. Scoop lights also create large diffused light that's bad for shadows. The omni light was fantastic, but alas, I'm poor. Anyone have any tips on cheap lights that would fit the bill for creating hard shadows?

EDIT: I guess I'm answering my own questions, but one way would probably be fashioning barn doors on the worklights. Probably something simple out of foam core will work. I'll experiment, but if anyone's got some tips...

http://www.youtube.com/nairnet

YOu might be able to create pseudo-barn doors for the work light, channeling the light. You just need metal or glass or something that won't burn and create a sort of lampshade.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

Thanks RJ, I was editing the previous response as you responded. But you're right, I have to be careful about the material I use.

http://www.youtube.com/nairnet

quote:

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Originally posted by AstralRonin

EDIT: I guess I'm answering my own questions, but one way would probably be fashioning barn doors on the worklights. Probably something simple out of foam core will work. I'll experiment, but if anyone's got some tips...

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Try this:

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The aim of an argument or discussion should not be victory, but progress.
Joseph Joubert, essayist (1754-1824)

Thanks CI... is there any fire hazard with that set up?

http://www.youtube.com/nairnet

Halogens are hot, foam melts and burns. Maybe if you cover the foamcore with aluminum foil or something you might not have to worry but my gut feeling is they make barn doors for lights out of metal for a reason.

RJSchwarz
San Diego, CA

quote:

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Originally posted by AstralRonin

Thanks CI... is there any fire hazard with that set up?

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Yes. So be careful when using it.