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
StellaPro Reflex S Light Update [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:10
Back in June I did a review of the StellaPro Reflex line of lights titled “Is This My New Favorite Light?“. Well, today I’ve got an update. StellaPro has upgraded the hardware. The StellaPro Reflex lights are “Continuous…
Tintype Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:17:29
There are times when I see a photographer’s work that I have an emotional response, a feeling that I am seeing something special. That’s what happened the first time I browsed through Victoria Will’s website. Photo after…
Musical Wildlife [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 53:08
Regular watchers / listeners of the show will know Dave Williams. He’s a great friend, and amazing photographer, and he has a skill I value… an eye for great guests. In fact, he has connected me to more potential guests…
What to Expect from a Photo Critique [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:16:35
It never surprises me how often Scott Kelby’s name comes up when I am talking about photography with someone. I remember, back when I started out in photography, how much I learned from watching his videos with “The Phot…
10 Questions with… Don Komarechka [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:27
10 Questions with… Don Komarechka I have had a lot of guests on this show, but few I know as well as Don Komarechka. Don is a great friend, which seems odd considering we have never met in person. We did our critique sho…
What Goes Into Creating Launch Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:06
My guest today most likely needs no introduction. As Vice President of Operations for KelbyOne, Erik Kuna has been around the photography world for a long time, and he’s been on the show before, for the episode titled Sh…
Is This My New Favorite Light? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:43
A few years ago I was walking around the WPPI Expo floor with a friend, when he suggested we stop by the StellaPro Lights booth. This friend does some work with StellaPro Lights, a division of Light & Motion, and he thou…
Photographing Deep Within the Arctic Circle [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:50
My guest for this show is none other than my buddy Dave Williams, making his third appearance on the show. On the chance that you haven’t seen the other two shows I did with Dave, “Aurora and the Night Sky” and “The Trav…
Elevated Toy Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:16
So, funny story… I get people pitch themselves for my show very often. It’s usually some bizarre pitch, for a subject matter that has zero to do with what my show actually is about. Sometimes it’s the potential guest ema…
F1: Through the Lens [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:53
I get guest suggestions sent to me regularly, and this show is the result of one of those. Dave Kallmann messaged me on Twitter to suggest a few motorsports photographers, and that instantly intrigued me. Dave is a sport…