Silhouette of Loving Couple

Although I’ve done shots like this before, back in the day, when I was a wedding photographer this shot is actually an illusion.

How was it done?

1.  6″ tall ceramic statue
2.  Placed on a table in my studio
3.  (1) strong backlight against a white cardboard backdrop
4.  Using manual focus bring the edges of the hands and head into sharp focus.
5.  Place camera in Manual Mode and exposure for the background rendering the “couple” black.
6.  Bring into photoshop.
7.  Select all the “white” background areas.
8.  Digitally insert a previously taken sunset picture into the selected background.
9.  DONE!

To do this same type of shop on location with a “real” couple simply set up your pose, focus on the couple, expose for the background (best on a bright day) and you should have your shot. Do not use any flash on the couple. You need to have a strong difference in lighting between the couple and background for this to work.