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
Timeless Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:10:56
I have been trying to count the number of guests I’ve had on this show that mentioned Scott Kelby, and each time I lose count. Seemingly everyone I know, and most of those I don’t know, have learned something from Scott.…
Canon EOS R5 Silent Shutter [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 57:33
The odds are that you’ve seen Simon Bruty’s work before, but on the odd chance you haven’t let me help you understand what you’ve missed. When discussing the best sports photography today, Simon is one of those photograp…
Nautical Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:54
I grew up spending a lot of time in Newport, Rhode Island, home of the America’s Cup on twelve occasions between 1930 and 1983. I have great memories of visiting there, and seeing first hand the pride they had on having…
Elevate Your Wedding Photography [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:09
I normally start these posts with some lofty statement about my guest’s accomplishments, or some other overly deep setup. Not today. Today may be the easiest opening I have ever written… Vanessa Joy is a joy to work with…
All Things Gear Rental [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:09:40
Editors Note: This show is not a paid advertisement. I have received no compensation from any third party company involved, and everything I say in the show is my own opinion. I am so excited to welcome the founder of Le…
Talking Headshots [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:08
It’s rare that I have a guest on Behind the Shot that has redefined their genre of photography, but Peter Hurley is one of those guests. Headshot photography has existed for a long time. I remember driving around L.A. ye…
The Big Cat People [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:01:58
On occasion I have a guest on Behind the Shot I find hard to describe. With SanDisk Extreme Team members Jonathan and Angela Scott that is not the case. In fact I have so much I want to say that I’m worried I will end up…
Sammonisms – Speed-Learning Advice [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 45:01
I find myself quoting Rick Sammon often, very often. Rick has these little sayings he uses, and he even has a name for them… Sammonisims. When I found out that he had a new class about these sayings over at KelbyOne I kn…
Better Wildlife Photos [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:03
Charles Glatzer is one of the top wildlife photographers working today, and that says a lot. There are so many great wildlife photographers out there, but on a rare occasion you meet someone that rises above the rest, so…
Photography Reflections [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 46:39
A photographer whose publication credits include National Geographic Books, Time, Life Magazine, National Wildlife Federation, Audubon, Sierra Club, and Disney is someone I want to learn from, and in this case, that’s Ad…