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Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette…

19/10/2012
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“It is the Late city that first defies the land, contradicts Nature in the lines of its silhouette, denies all Nature. It wants to be something different from and higher than Nature.” Oswald Spengler

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… Sade and band to the rescue…

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… Folded outdoor table umbrellas at a Hudson River restaurant at sunset.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… The spooky trees come alive at dusk…

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… Met Museum visitors to the “Ugly Chic 1” section of the Schiaparelli-Prada exhibit.

When I read this week’s Photo Challenge assignment, I was surprised. Silhouette? Silhouette? Who intentionally shoots silhouettes?  I love the word and the way it rolls off the tongue when you say it; quite romantic, sexy, even lyrical … but the beautiful shots I see in ads for exotic vacations can be elusive unless the light behind the object has the same quality and creates that effect… So I muttered, as I went about my day.  Pausing from that rant, I went looking anyway and found some silhouette shots to share with you… 😆 What do you think?

“The dark-veiled silhouette that solitary form patrolling without visible strain or vainglory a demented dreamland of fearful potential.” Kathryn Hulme

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… Another Hudson River shot…

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… Lamp post and rooftop in site…

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… A noble Cathedral in the mix…

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… At a Lego Store display in Manhattan.

The beauty of these photo challenges, at least for novice/amateur photogs like me, is that they force us to consider other perspectives in photography; to view the world through another lens, and to push/stretch our focus a bit more. But what do I know? Acting like a boorish amateur won’t get the work done, would it? So I humbly present a few shots from my photo folders above and below… If you’re a novice like me, don’t worry, you might surprise yourself and find some lovely silhouette shots you took in your photofile. It’s been a hectic week but, as always, I’ll stop by later to enjoy your contributions and cheer you on.  Hope you’ll do same for me. TY! More below. 😉

“Vehement silhouettes of Manhattan – that vertical city with unimaginable diamonds.” Le Corbusier

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… Bird’s nest tucked between tree branches…

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… A Collage of Wikipedia Silhouette shots.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… A countryside scene… hearth and home.

Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette… More going on at that Hudson River restaurant.

In addition to the photos I added here from my collection, I found some excellent examples from Wikipedia, and decided to create a collage of the type of silhouette shots I’d love to add to my portfolio in the future.  Thank you for stopping by. What are your thoughts? What photos did you share on Silhouette to fit the challenge? Was it easy/hard to find photos that supported your perspective on the subject? Were you drawn to certain types of photos for the prompt? Do share? Thank you! 🙂 Have a spectacular weekend!

*Please bear with me as I continue to catch up on reading and commenting on your blogs… I’m halfway there. Thank you all for your patience! 🙂

My fellow bloggers were equally creative with their selections. I will list some when Zemanta offers them up! I added a few from WP Daily Post below. (I will update it and add more). We all appreciate trackbacks/ping-backs and Likes from fellow bloggers too! Check out how others interpreted the theme – Silhouette – also below. ***

This post was inspired by a prompt from WP Daily Post: Weekly Photo Challenge: Silhouette. SILHOUETTE. The proper definition of a silhouette is “the outline of a body viewed as circumscribing a mass.” In photography, often we achieve that effect by putting light behind the object whose silhouette we want to capture, effectively darkening out the features of the subject instead of highlighting them. My silhouette of the Colosseum in Italy I think still shows off the ancient landmark while bringing other details into focus. Share a picture of a Silhouette with everyone!

Positive Motivation Tip: Follow the light and let it reveal its secrets in Silhouette and otherwise. Keep an open mind. 😎

PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos from my personal collection. Collage via Wikipedia: Imagine, Church, Microwave, Tiler, Independence,  Skydiving, Hands, Sunset hopping,

Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet

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from → Positive Advice, Posts & Photos 2012, Weekly Photo Challenge
120 Comments leave one →
  1. nuvofelt permalink
    20/10/2012 5:59 am

    Wow! Excellent selection. I appreciate the pingback, thanks so much.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 2:04 am

      TY for stopping in Nuvofelt! It was a challenge but I love the final outcome. 🙂

      Reply
  2. Indira permalink
    20/10/2012 6:02 am

    Excellent photos and just loved the collage. Great.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 2:05 am

      TY! The collage is my dream silhouette selection if I ever get the chance, 😉

      Reply
  3. fgassette permalink
    20/10/2012 6:05 am

    Love your many selections. I especially love the collage. Thanks for the pingback.

    BE ENCOURAGED! BE BLESSED!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 2:06 am

      TY too and I wish I could claim the shots as mine… they are gorgeous but not from me. 😉

      Reply
  4. SmallHouseBigGarden permalink
    20/10/2012 6:06 am

    The Lego store silhouette is my fave! I love the contrast between the dark and ultra-bright!!!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 2:37 am

      It was a lovely surprise for me and I like it too. 😉

      Reply
  5. deepa permalink
    20/10/2012 6:10 am

    Gorgeous photos! Thanks for the ping back!

    Reply
  6. Mariane permalink
    20/10/2012 6:16 am

    Sorry I was too late to see this.. WOW .. Wonderful silhouettes may I say…!!! .. Thanks for the pinging

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 2:38 am

      You are not late Mariane. TY for checking in to see my silhouettes. 😉

      Reply
  7. Piglet in Portugal permalink
    20/10/2012 6:35 am

    Great interpretation! My favourite pic has to be the hudson river with the sun blasting through!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 2:39 am

      I quite like that shot too… TY! I was down there with a few other people taking photos and enjoying the beauty of the river… 😉

      Reply
  8. starlaschat permalink
    20/10/2012 6:41 am

    Beautiful silhouettes it’s always nice to be stretched seeing in new ways. Navar is a huge fan of silhouettes. If it wasn’t for Navar I probably wouldn’t be very aware of them, but becuase his eyes are often drawn to them so are mine. :+) Fun project.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 2:41 am

      TY and yes, we are stretched to do different things in the photo challenge, and I’m grateful for it even when I kvetch. 🙂

      Reply
  9. Cris permalink
    20/10/2012 6:49 am

    Nice job. I think you got the idea. 🙂 I like your Wiki collage as well.

    If you find time, why don’t you pop over and check out my bit in this week’s photo challenge: Eclipse of the Moon (Silhouette)
    http://fstopfantasy.wordpress.com/2012/10/19/weekly-photo-challenge-eclipse-of-the-moon-silhouette/

    Thanks. Have a great day and weekend.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 2:42 am

      TY Cris and yes, I’ll stop by soon to see your contribution. Glad to see you here! 🙂

      Reply
  10. Freedom, by the way permalink
    20/10/2012 6:55 am

    This post brought happy memories. My mother used to collect the antique silohuettes when she was alive. My siblings and I have bits and pieces of her collection now.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 2:44 am

      Hi Freedom! TY! I remember those decorative ones too… Glad you and you siblings kept and shared them… TY for sharing your heartwarming memory. 😉

      Reply
  11. catbirdinoman permalink
    20/10/2012 7:15 am

    Excellent gallery of silhouettes!

    Reply
  12. Angelia Sims permalink
    20/10/2012 7:34 am

    Great collection! Love the Church steeple silhouette. 🙂

    Reply
  13. Three Well Beings permalink
    20/10/2012 8:03 am

    It’s so interesting that highlighting the silhouettes makes me reconsider some of my “oops” photos that I normally think don’t look good. Put in a photo collage they’re compelling! I love the one of the Hudson River at sunrise,too. I can imagine you were a little thrown off by the original challenge, but it seems to me you’ve done an excellent job!
    Have a wonderful weekend, my friend. Debra

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 2:47 am

      Thanks Debra! I was a bit thrown off, but once I got over it, I went looking and found stuff… I’ve never thought to capture silhouettes and will now. 😉

      Reply
  14. Barbara permalink
    20/10/2012 8:28 am

    I’d say you aced this project Elizabeth. I love a great silhouette shot and you clearly had more than you realized. Well Done!
    b

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 3:00 am

      I sure did Barb and what a lovely surprise it was… I love them too. TY! 😉

      Reply
  15. suellen1234 permalink
    20/10/2012 8:56 am

    You are always an inspiration to me – thanks!

    Reply
  16. Tracy Campbell permalink
    20/10/2012 9:22 am

    Eliz, I’d never know you were a novice photographer–you took amazing shots! 🙂

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 3:06 am

      Oh TY Tracy! I am a novice photog. I’m learning and growing every day though. 🙂

      Reply
  17. Stephanie Cook permalink
    20/10/2012 9:52 am

    Lovely photos! Thank you for the Pingback!

    Reply
  18. Stephen Kelly Creative permalink
    20/10/2012 10:01 am

    that first shot is AWESOME!!!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 3:07 am

      Cool. I’m glad you approve… I love that one too. 😉

      Reply
  19. Les Petits Pas de Juls permalink
    20/10/2012 10:47 am

    fabulous choices! I LOVE the skydiving one! great entry!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 3:08 am

      TY! The Wiki collage photos are brilliant… and I aim to get better ones like them in the future. 🙂

      Reply
  20. danajoward permalink
    20/10/2012 11:18 am

    Wonderful collection of photos that show Silhouette! You never cease to amaze me with your photography 😛

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 3:10 am

      TY Dana and same here to you too! I keep my camera close and take lots of pictures… I’m enjoying the process. 😉

      Reply
  21. lolakojane permalink
    20/10/2012 11:44 am

    Great collection…you are right about not intentionally capturing a silhouette Elizabeth, and yes I think most of us have these photos. 🙂

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 3:11 am

      Yes I believe so, as so many more people joined in the fun this week. TY! 😉

      Reply
  22. Amirh permalink
    20/10/2012 1:48 pm

    Love the photo of Sade and her band (actually, I love all of them). I think silhouettes are such an expressive mode in color photography.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 4:08 am

      They are quite expressive … I agree and we don’t’ often think of capturing them. TY! 😉

      Reply
  23. dearrosie permalink
    20/10/2012 1:50 pm

    I also like your collection of photos.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 4:19 am

      TY dearrosie! I will be by to see yours soon. 😉

      Reply
  24. barb19 permalink
    20/10/2012 2:33 pm

    Great photos Eliz, I think silhouette photos are very atmospheric. I love your collage especially.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:18 am

      Ty dear one… I do love how they look when the back light is warm and colorful… 🙂

      Reply
  25. Adventure Nick permalink
    20/10/2012 3:16 pm

    Great collection of shots – and you’re right – silhouette is a nice word to pronounce!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:19 am

      It sur is a lovely,even sexy word… TY for your feedback. 😉

      Reply
  26. CanadianTravelBugs permalink
    20/10/2012 4:56 pm

    Great collection with some many to love 🙂 Thanks so much for the pingback 🙂
    I too have been finding the time to visit blogs and see what others are doing. Work soaks up my days and creeps into my weekends. Slow internet connection doesn’t help either. I wish I had more timet o explore and adventure out. Thanks so much for giving me a reason to come and check you out. I enjoyed the visit.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:20 am

      I hear you and I do have the same issues you raise… It makes it harder to get far with followups but we persevere. TY for checking in. 🙂

      Reply
      • CanadianTravelBugs permalink
        23/10/2012 3:45 pm

        Yes haven’t been checking in and I miss it, so soon I hope I will have time to see what others are up to. 🙂

  27. bluebee permalink
    20/10/2012 7:47 pm

    I love the pic of Sade and her band – her beautiful profile is so distinctive

    Reply
  28. travelgardeneat permalink
    20/10/2012 8:42 pm

    This is such a creative and fun response to the challenge — the quotes add a great element to the post. ~ Kat

    Reply
  29. Sunshine permalink
    20/10/2012 8:44 pm

    Sade and her band…to the noble cathedral silhouette followed by flowing almost lyrical words…your interpretation kept me spellbound from beginning to the end. thank you–*pingback* included in the mix– 🙂

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:22 am

      TY Sunshine…. Glad you like it and will be by soon. 😉

      Reply
  30. Aurora HSP permalink
    21/10/2012 1:06 am

    Love silhouette photos! They were once the rage for home decor. Beautiful. I tagged you in some fun but you don’t have to join in if you don’t want to, it’s all good no matter what. Details are here if you get time and want to http://auroramorealist.wordpress.com/2012/10/16/what-is-a-blogathon-you-might-well-ask-lol/

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:23 am

      TY Aurora and I appreciate the feedback. Will check out the tag and see what it entails. 😉

      Reply
  31. Jeni permalink
    21/10/2012 7:36 am

    I suppose I knew that Lego stores existed, but until today had never given much thought as to how desperate I am to live in one.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:24 am

      Oh you are funny. The one in the picture is in Rockefeller Center on the Saks side. TY! 😉

      Reply
  32. blueberriejournal permalink
    21/10/2012 8:46 am

    I like the thirst one. Sade does great music.

    Reply
  33. amira permalink
    21/10/2012 12:24 pm

    wonderful shots.
    silhouettes sure is a word that sounds of romance … no wonder it is associated with mills and boon novels 🙂

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:25 am

      OMG! You read those too? I remember reading Mills&Boon years ago as a pre-teen. I had to hide in my room to read them; cheesy, over the top romances and all. 😆

      Reply
  34. adinparadise permalink
    21/10/2012 1:34 pm

    What a beautiful selection of silhouette photos, Elizabeth.The collage is wonderful. You’re so right, it is a lovely word. 🙂

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:26 am

      TY Adin, it is quote lovely… TY or stopping by. Hope you are enjoying your visit in the UK. 🙂

      Reply
  35. craftcrazygran permalink
    21/10/2012 2:29 pm

    Wow, these are fabulous, all of them!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:27 am

      TY for your comment…. I appreciate it and will stop by soon. 😉

      Reply
  36. Allyson Mellone permalink
    21/10/2012 8:14 pm

    A beautiful visual narrative of silhouettes – Thank you 🙂

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:27 am

      TY Allyson! I had fun with it after all… 🙂

      Reply
  37. island traveler permalink
    22/10/2012 6:34 pm

    Lego store always a fun place to be. Love the many beautiful versions of the silhouettes. Equally beautiful are the words the inspires me. Thanks.

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:28 am

      TY IT! The Lego store was colorful and fun. I’d love to go back sometime. 😉

      Reply
  38. readinpleasure permalink
    23/10/2012 10:23 am

    Beautiful

    Reply
  39. Jo Bryant permalink
    23/10/2012 11:11 am

    i really love that first image…it has a real wow factor

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 12:52 pm

      TY Jo! I really loved that shot but had forgotten all about it until the challenge. Thanks again and will stop by. 😉

      Reply
  40. lagottocattleya permalink
    23/10/2012 2:02 pm

    Well, i think Iliked this at least twice…Such wonderful diversity and joy

    Reply
  41. The Retiring Sort permalink
    23/10/2012 3:28 pm

    Quite a selection, Elizabeth – nicely done!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      23/10/2012 6:35 pm

      TY again… I appreciate the visit and thanks for the Circle too. 😉

      Reply
  42. BohemianMamma permalink
    25/10/2012 2:28 am

    Who intentionally shoots silhouettes? That made me laugh because I had the same reflex at first. It wasn’t until this challenge that I realized that I love them. Lovely set of photos!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      25/10/2012 2:36 am

      TY and I’m glad you picked up on the humor… I enjoyed yours too… Glad to connect. 🙂

      Reply
  43. Colline permalink
    25/10/2012 3:06 am

    These are fantastic photos!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      16/11/2012 9:13 pm

      TY! I didn’t know I still had some to respond to. 😉

      Reply
  44. monda permalink
    25/10/2012 5:58 am

    great photos you have…
    I love the bird nest photo..

    Reply
  45. Gobetween permalink
    25/10/2012 9:23 am

    Cool collection of photos for the challenge. Love Sade.

    Reply
  46. Madhu permalink
    25/10/2012 12:54 pm

    Stunning silhouettes Eliz!

    Reply
    • eof737 permalink*
      25/10/2012 1:29 pm

      TY Madhu! Glad to see you here after so long.:-)

      Reply
  47. Jackie Paulson permalink
    25/10/2012 5:18 pm

    http://postadaychallenge2011.com/2012/10/25/weekly-photo-challenge-silhouette-sildeshow/ thanks for coming to my blog. It’s such a nice day to see your photo’s for this weeks challenge. Love ♥

    Reply
    • ElizOF permalink*
      12/11/2012 3:11 pm

      TY for checking in Jackie! I appreciate the support as i catch up again. 😉

      Reply
  48. Mezza permalink
    25/10/2012 5:21 pm

    Extremely enjoyable post! Hello BTW !

    Reply
    • ElizOF permalink*
      12/11/2012 3:12 pm

      Hello there Mezza! Long time no see. Thanks for stopping by and will return the visit soon… So behind. 🙁

      Reply
  49. frizztext permalink
    26/10/2012 5:48 am

    “Who intentionally shoots silhouettes? I love the word and the way it rolls off the tongue when you say it; quite romantic, sexy, even lyrical …”

    Reply
    • ElizOF permalink*
      12/11/2012 3:12 pm

      I’m glad you liked that line… It was my first reaction to the challenge… But I love it too! 🙂

      Reply
  50. babyjill7...Marilyn Griffin permalink
    26/10/2012 1:22 pm

    I finally got my “Silohuette” photo posted and I am still viewing my blogging friends posts too…Loved your collection…The lamppost caught my eye…and I reviewed them 3 times…maybe it’s the colors…VERY NICE!

    Reply
    • ElizOF permalink*
      12/11/2012 3:14 pm

      Thank you Marilyn… I keep forgetting to mention that it would great to add your blog link to your gravatar. Your name doesn’t link to your blog and neither does your gravatar… How do we find you? With great difficulty. Ta love! 🙂

      Reply
  51. Lucid Gypsy permalink
    26/10/2012 2:27 pm

    a nice selection! I must admit I’ve never set out to get a silhouette, they have been totally down to my incompetence 🙂

    Reply
    • ElizOF permalink*
      12/11/2012 3:14 pm

      You are so funny. I feel the same way… 😆

      Reply
  52. pix & kardz permalink
    27/10/2012 6:11 am

    what a brilliant collection of silhouettes. i especially enjoyed your trees at dusk. thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • ElizOF permalink*
      12/11/2012 3:15 pm

      TY too for stopping by… Still have to check in with you too… 🙂

      Reply
  53. digitallikeness permalink
    28/10/2012 6:31 am

    I enjoyed the silhouetted people, very fun.

    Reply
    • ElizOF permalink*
      12/11/2012 3:16 pm

      TY and it turned out to be a fun exercise after all… 🙂

      Reply
  54. InsideJourneys (@InsideJourneys) permalink
    28/10/2012 3:46 pm

    You found some great shots, Elizabeth.
    Like you, I love the word too. It is lyrical, sexy and sophisticated. I used to shop at a store called Silhouette, loved going there.

    Reply
    • ElizOF permalink*
      12/11/2012 3:17 pm

      What a cool name for a shop… I like that. TY for checking in Marcia! 🙂

      Reply
  55. Mireille Roc permalink
    19/07/2015 10:24 am

    love the style of these photos. breathtakingly beautiful!

    Reply

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