Silhouettes & Lines

The simplicity often found in the black and white photography of older films, as well as silhouettes, reveal how effective stark contrast, focused lighting, and simple lines tell a story with a dramatic effect.










This shot from Fellini's La Dolce Vita forces the eye to the protagonist in the foreground. La Dolce Vita.

In Wings of Desire, Wim Wenders utilizes contrasting shades of black and white to create emotion in this still. Wings of Desire 1

Another shot from Wings of Desire, this screenshot recreates the human woman as a celestial being, lighting her brightly against a darker background.  Wings of Desire 2

A shot from Fellini's 8 1/2 reveals the main character's delusion, placing him in silhouette against the chaos of the set behind him.  8 1/2

This photo adds color to the scene, yet uses lines to draw one's eye to the warmth of the sunset on the right.  

The focus on the foreground creates a sense of surrealism.

Another photo that isolates a silhouette simply, against a colorful background.

The elements in this photo evoke emotion from the subject, even though her face is turned away from the camera.

This photo contains many complex elements, yet one's eye is drawn to the subject, specifically removed from the vibrant background.  City Silhouette

All images for educational purposes only.