How to Create Great Silhouette Photos | Eickhoff Photography

One of my favorite ways to wrap up a photo session is with some fun silhouettes. I usually save these for last because, if the sky cooperates, we can get some awesome sunset colors. Plus, if your kids are near their limit for photo taking, we don't have to worry about goofy faces and it's a good way to work out any extra wiggles before getting back in the car. Here are some ideas to help you create the best shapes as you get ready to twirl, jump, and play while we capture some classic silhouettes for your wall!

mother, father, and two toddlers in silhouette against cloudy sky with silhouetted trees around them

1) Allow Space

One of the big goals with silhouettes is to create defined, recognizable shapes. If your arms are tight at your sides and you are squished against your family, everything just becomes a big, unrecognizable blob. So, reach out to touch the people you love, hold hands, or lift your babies high in the air, but make sure to leave some space between people to let the light through. Also consider your own body when thinking about space. Bend your elbows to create pockets of space/light between your body and your arms. If you are in profile, consider bending the knee closest to the camera to help the curves in your body flow more. If you want to nuzzle your loves, try not to get lost in their hair; instead, lightly touch foreheads or noses to leave space for light between your heads and to avoid squishing your facial features. 

silhouette of pregnant woman with her husband jumping in a starfish shape with a blue and orange sky surrounded by trees full of leaves

2) Use Movement

Movement can make your silhouettes more dynamic. Try not to stand flat footed with your arms and legs all straight. Allowing some bends and curves will relax the photo. Walking, jumping, flying your babies around, and dancing can all help make your images more creative and engaging. So, kick up a leg while you lightly kiss your sweetie on the cheek, twirl in that fun tea length skirt, or high five your sibling. Now is a great time to play, laugh, and wiggle! =)

silhouette of mother, father, and baby against white background

3) Profiles

For more intimate, close up silhouettes, a true profile view will give the best detail of your faces. With maternity photos, turning your body to full profile will better capture your baby bump. You can further highlight the curves of your beautiful belly by bending your elbow to reveal the curve in your lower back and bending your front knee to give your legs a more dynamic shape. Additionally, looking at each other not only gives a great profile shape, but it can also help create more connection in the photo.

silhouette of family of five walking and holding hands with blue skies and clouds in the background and winter trees around them

4) Pay attention to where your hands and bodies connect

For instance, touching your child on the top of the head is a super sweet gesture that typically creates great connection in a photo. But, with a silhouette, it might end up just looking like there's an arm growing out of the top of their head. Connecting hand to hand and trying to allow space between your arms and bodies will help to keep your silhouettes from looking awkward. Other common connection points that often don't photograph well in silhouette are arms and hands coming straight out of a baby bump and hands that connect at a person's hip or buttocks.

5) Don't worry if you have a hard time imagining the shapes

When you are the one in the photo, it can be hard to imagine what the silhouette shape will look like. As we're shooting, I am always looking for poses and hand placements that may not translate well to an awesome silhouette. I will direct you as we go so that we can create an amazing print to hang in your home. =)

Updated January 19, 2024

© Eickhoff Photography

Family and Kids, Maternity, NewbornLindsay Eickhoffuniversity of Washington