Silhouettes With Emotion

Silhouettes With Emotion

Author: Steve Brazill March 9, 2018 Duration: 36:13

Editors Note: This episode was originally distributed through TWiP – This Week in Photo, and the YouTube Video above is through the TWiP YouTube Page. Please be sure to subscribe to their YouTube page, and visit their site to check out all of the TWiP shows.

Erika Thornes is a San Diego based photographer that has found a niche in silhouette beach photography, as well as underwater, and event photography.

It is an unusual combo of genres to specialize in, but once you meet her, it makes sense. She finds joy in capturing life as it unfolds in with and under the water.

I think the first time I saw Erika’s work was a few years ago on Google+… remember G+? Good times. I was immediately struck by the combination of rich colors, striking silhouettes, and stories. Her images make you feel like you were there, or at least wish you were. She makes images that her clients love, and that will still be hanging on the walls in 50 years.

Simply put, she creates work that sticks around, and as an educator she loves helping others do the same through her workshops.

Erika is an author at Lynda.com, has worked with Macphun, Photofocus, and Smugmug, and has been guest on many podcasts. Articles she has written for various outlets continue to inspire people to document their family stories in creative fun ways.

Join photographer Erika Thornes and me as we examine one of her most well know images to get a better sense of how she mastered the art photographing the silhouettes.

Connect with Erika

Personal: erikathornes.com
Facebook: @ethornes
Instagram: @erikathornes
Twitter: @ethornes
500px: @erikaruth
Google+: @ErikaThornes
YouTube: @ErikaThornes

Erika Online

Lynda.com

Other Episodes Referenced In This Show

Alan Hess – Professional Bull Riders
Brett Stanley – Immersion Therapy


Steve Brazill hosts Behind the Shot-Video, a series that goes far beyond gear lists and camera settings. Each conversation is a deep exploration of the creative and technical journey behind compelling images. You’ll hear working photographers unpack the entire process-from the initial spark of an idea and the challenges of the location to the critical decisions made in post-production. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of art and practical technology, offering tangible lessons for anyone looking to improve their visual storytelling. Rather than abstract theory, these discussions provide a real-world look at problem-solving under pressure and the artistic choices that define a signature style. Tune in for honest, detailed breakdowns that reveal how memorable shots are truly built, layer by layer. It’s an essential resource for visual artists seeking both inspiration and actionable knowledge, all grounded in the lived experience of accomplished creators.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 200

Behind the Shot - Video
Podcast Episodes
Help Your Photos Take Flight [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 52:05
I have to admit, I am at a loss for words – something my family would be happy about, but something that’s not great in this situation. This is a “pinch me” situation for me. I first heard of Scott Bourne on Leo Laporte’…
An Oregon Coast Photography Road Trip [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:54
I have had to describe Rick Sammon to people on a number of occasions, and it seems to get progressively harder the more I get to know him. This will Rick’s forth time on Behind the Shot, which is more than any other gue…
Retouch Artistry [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:26
I’ve been doing Behind the Shot for a few years now, and I am constantly being introduced to artists that just blow be away. Kelly Robitaille is one of those artists. After my recent “Pixel Alchemy” show with Renee Robyn…
Elevate Your Drone Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:20
I first met Colin Smith a few years ago at WPPI in Las Vegas. We were both at an after hours party and starting about podcasting and YouTube. Colin’s PhotoshopCAFE page has over 143,000 subscribers that watch his Photosh…
Water Droplet Refractions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:21
On this episode it’s the return of one of my most popular guests, Don Komarechka. Don is a nature, macro and landscape photographer from in Barrie, Ontario, Canada, and this will be his third appearance on Behind the Sho…
Pixel Alchemy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 0:00
I can’t believe this is actually happening. Renee Robyn is finally on Behind the Shot. Since most people already know who Renee is, I could probably stop here and call a day. I wouldn’t need to write anything long, or de…
WPPI 2019 Recap [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:01
Last week in Las Vegas was WPPI 2019, and I had the chance to check out some new software, some new hardware, and to make some new friends. If you have never been to WPPI, it’s a conference in Las Vegas focusing on Weddi…
Storytelling & Street Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:22
Marco Larousse is a fine art, street, and documentary photographer based out of Hamburg, Germany. With over 30 years of experience his work encompasses the subtle touch only a a seasoned pro can capture, and I find a com…
Photography In The Abstract [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:28
This is our second of a continuing series in conjunction with Red River Paper. Red River Paper’s Education program helps photography students by providing high quality photo papers to photography education programs aroun…
Classic Portraits & Classic Lighting [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:21
When I first saw Ian Spanier’s portfolio I immediately noticed one thing… he has a complete understanding of light. Ian began taking photographs at six years old, and that early start lead him to majoring in photography…