While there are exceptions, the use of silhouettes is pretty much limited to feature-type stories. One may show up on A1, but usually as a promo to another story.
Policies differ concerning silhouettes. Some newsrooms have strict policies against silhouetting photos, while others allow the practice in varying degrees.
Unfortunately, it's usually from our mistakes that policies are created. Often those mistakes have broken trust or caused resentments. I did my fair share of that in the beginning of my career.
When considering a policy for using silhouettes, I like to fall somewhere in the middle and acknowledge that using a silhouette, or cut-out, can add visual interest, contrast, and emphasis to a design. However, this approach should be done in an atmosphere of full disclosure. It shouldn't be a surprise, and everyone should be aware of your policies and procedures concerning visual elements.
Here are some guidelines for using silhouettes:
Front-end planning
Front-end planning is the key to good visual storytelling. For instance, if you are the food page designer, have weekly discussions with the food editor about future stories and ideas. Involve the photographer, if possible, in these early discussions.
Open and honest communication
Once you are ready to submit a photo request for a food/portrait/product shot, talk to the assigning photo editor and discuss your idea and goal for the page. Sketches are often helpful. Once the photo illustration has been assigned, have the same discussion with the photographer and make yourself available to help with the shoot.
A silhouette enhances a story or adds drama
A few weeks ago I wrote a column about the center of visual impact or dominant art. Some of my favorite sports front designs use one large silhouetted image of the athlete of the day. When combined with strong typography it makes quite a statement on the page. It enables the image to interact with the story and creates an organic shape, versus the basic box.
Here are some images that are good candidates for silhouetting:
Hand-out art of performers, movies, fashion, food, sports photos on a case-by-case basis, pre-planned photo illustrations, some stock art, and illustrations without backgrounds.
Here are instances when I wouldn't use silhouettes:
Documentary photography, or any photo that was shot by a staff photographer without prior discussion about how it was going to be used.
The key ingredient to successful silhouettes is communication. If in doubt, don't cut it out.
Read some tips from the Design Doctor:
http://www.timharrower.com/DD/cutouts.htm
[ How do you handle silhouettes in your newsroom? ]
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