Harnessing Shadows

1. What is a silhouette? How can you create it in your film using lighting?
2. What is separation? How is it created?
3. What is edge lighting? How can you create it using lighting?

A silhouette refers to a lighting style in which the background is exposed but the subject is not. This makes the subject into a dark shape without any facial or bodily details. This can be created by placing a bright light behind the actor or by using natural light. Lighting the subject and the background separately can be effective in that it allows for more cinematic control. This also allows for a concept known as separation where there is a clear contrast between the subject and the background. Edge lighting is similar to a hair light, serving as a light source that separates the subject from the background. While keeping the subject mostly in the shadows, the subject can be clearly distinguished from the background.